Law No. 274-FZ has been in effect for more than three years, but questions about how to properly undergo fingerprinting and medical examinations continue to arise.
Many migrants still do not understand when and where to go, which documents are issued, and how the procedures differ for children and adults. Let’s break it down clearly and concisely.
What does the law require?
All foreign citizens entering Russia and planning to stay for an extended period are required to:
- Undergo fingerprinting and photography once to obtain the “Green Card” (officially — fingerprint card);
- Complete medical examinations for infectious diseases within the timeframes established by regional authorities.
These rules apply to all foreign citizens, including children over 6 years old.
Who and when needs to obtain the “Green Card” in 2025
Obtaining a fingerprint card is mandatory for most foreign citizens if they plan to remain in Russia for a long period.
When the “Green Card” is not required:
- Stay in Russia for less than 90 days without employment;
- Holders of a temporary residence permit (RVP) or residence permit (VNJ);
- Citizens of Belarus;
- Children under 6 years old.
Deadlines for obtaining the card:
- For work purposes: within 30 days of entry;
- In other cases: within 90 days of entry.
Where are the procedures carried out?
- In Moscow and the Moscow Region — at the Multifunctional Migration Center (MMC) “Sakharovo”;
- In other regions — at divisions of the GUVM of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or authorized organizations that issue patents.
After submitting biometric data, the “Green Card” is issued. This document confirms that fingerprinting and photography have been completed and must always be kept with you. Losing the card may cause delays when processing other documents.
Medical Examination
The composition of the examination depends on the region and age:
- Adults undergo a medical check to rule out infectious diseases;
- Children over 6 years old undergo examinations according to the regional procedure.
If a suspected illness is detected, the migrant is referred for additional examination. After the follow-up examination, it is important to obtain the final document and submit it to the migration authority. Without this, the check is considered incomplete.
What to avoid:
- Losing the “Green Card”;
- Failing to undergo a follow-up examination;
- Not obtaining the final medical certificate after additional examination;
- Completing procedures at unofficial centers.
Monitor deadlines, keep your documents safe, and complete all steps fully to avoid extra visits, fines, and problems with your paperwork.
