How Do Foreign Citizens Register by Place of Residence in Russia?
Julia Yakhina, Director,
Migration department, LEVINE Bridge
Foreign citizens who are leading an active business life make frequent visits to Russia and travel extensively throughout the country. Taking this into account, it is worth noting the migration legislation in Russia which stipulates that upon entry into Russia a foreign citizen must within seven working days register by place of residence.
However, foreign citizens classified as Highly Qualified Specialists along with their family members are exempt from registering by place of residence for a period up to 90 days from the date of entry in Russia. In presence of current registration and foreigner’s relocation to another region, city or territory within Russia, a foreigner exempts from registering by new place of residence for a period not exceeding 30 days. After that arrival notification by new place of residence must be obtained within seven working days. The address to which a foreign citizen can use in registration can be:
a) the actual address of residence (private address);
b) the address of the inviting company;
c) the address of a hotel
The registration of a foreign citizen by private address is in reference to the owner of the property, be it a citizen of Russia or a foreign citizen having residency status in Russia. A foreign citizen owning his or her own residence in Russia can be independently registered by this address. However, to register family members who are foreign citizens in a similar manner is the right of a foreign citizen who has residency status in Russia or who is classified as a Highly Qualified Specialist.
A foreign citizen invited by Russian company can be registered by the factual company address.
A foreign guest residing at a hotel while in Russia, usually automatically registered by the address of the hotel for the duration of his/her stay in a hotel. And in accordance with new rules, the hotel has the right to stamp the foreigner’s arrival notification instead of the official stamp of the FMS.
Registration may be carried out in one of the following ways:
- By contacting the inviting party directly to the territorial office of the FMS for foreigner’s registration for the duration of his/her visa.
- By sending of all relevant documents to the territorial office of the FMS via post, along with a letter listing its contents. Registration is issued for a period up to 90 days and before the expiration of ninety day period can be extended.
Foreign citizens who are in Russia via a visa-free regime can register with the FMS or via post for a period of up to 90 days. The exceptions to this rule are those foreign citizens in Russia who are engaged in labor activities with a Russian company on base of work permit. They can be registered with the main department of the FMS for the duration of their work permits.
Under the new rules governing migration, if a foreign citizen leaves his/her place of residence for another,
the tear-off part of the arrival notification remains in the possession of the foreign citizen. Upon changing place of residence, the foreigner must present this form to the new inviting party.
Upon exiting from the territory of the Russian Federation, the tear-off part of the arrival notification will be collected by passport control.
Fundraising: be positive for a good cause
The Russian charity movement is relatively young and small. Philanthropy today is a “business” for enthusiastic and active people who constantly search for new ways to unite society and make life in Russia better.
On 4th of June two fund-raising events took place in support of SOS Children’s Villages Russia, the national association of the biggest international charity organization helping orphaned children. The first event, SOS 4 Children, was a day entertainment program for families with children of all ages and took place in Photoplay studio. Children and their parents could participate in any of dozen activities arranged by volunteers and friends of SOS. For example, they could take part in creative workshops and learn how to make stained glass, thick felt or collages, paint car graffiti and win prizes in the MINI contest held by the event sponsor, Advance- Avto, enjoy yoga-classes, listen to live modern and classical music and test their fortunes in a lottery.
That evening, the second event, the 9th Viennese Charity Ball, took place in Gostiny Dvor. Every year this event unites businessmen, politicians and artists, as well as people who simply like ballroom dancing, live music and a beautiful atmosphere inherited from the balls of the 19th century and Richard Strauss’ times. A charity lottery in support of two organizations—SOS Children’s Villages and Life Line—was held during the ball and guests had a chance to win a large variety of valuable prizes—from wine and coffee to diamond jewellery.
As a result, 448,000 roubles was raised from tickets, lotteries and donations at both events to support and give additional education to 423 children,
who lost their families and live in five SOS children’s villages in Russia.
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