How to get a permanent residence permit in Russia in 2026

We have already discussed how to obtain a Temporary Residence Permit in Russia (on general grounds, for education or based on "traditional values"). Now, let’s examine the next step toward obtaining Russian citizenship: the permanent residence permit.

The difference between citizenship and a permanent residence permit

In Russia, a permanent residence permit is a blue booklet, similar in format to a passport. This document practically grants a foreigner the same rights as Russian citizens, although certain restrictions apply. A permanent residence permit holder cannot:

• Vote in elections or be elected at the federal level
• Hold certain positions (e.g., in state service or as a ship’s captain)
• Receive maternity capital
• A permanent residence permit requires a residence registration
• You cannot leave Russia for more than six months within a year
• A permanent residence permit may be revoked for violations

Otherwise, a residence permit allows you to:

• Live and work in any region of the country
• Enter Russia without a visa
• Receive medical care under the Mandatory Health Insurance (OMS) system
• Receive social benefits
• Vote in elections and be elected to local government bodies

When can you apply for a permanent residence permit?

Generally speaking, to obtain a residence permit, you must first obtain a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) and reside in Russia with this document for at least eight months.

Holders of a Temporary Residence Permit for Education (TRPE) can apply for a permanent residence permit within three years after completing their studies.

The following individuals can obtain a permanent residence permit without first obtaining an TRP:

• Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS) and their relatives (the employing organization arranges the work permit)
• Citizens deemed "of interest" to Russia (Presidential Decree No. 883 comes into force in April 2026). This includes scientists, athletes, prominent cultural figures and entrepreneurs
• IT specialists and their family members
• Citizens who graduated from a Russian university with honors
• Certain other categories (for more details, go to the ‘Gosuslugi’ website)

Applications for a residence permit can be submitted to a department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD).

What documents are required for a permanent residence permit?

• Passport with a notarized translation.
• Four photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm).
• Medical certificates: confirming absence of HIV infection, dangerous diseases and drug use.
• Document confirming income. It must be at least the minimum subsistence level. This can be a certificate of employment, a bank statement showing deposits or other proof.
• If you have not left Russia for more than three years, you must provide a rental agreement or proof of ownership of housing.
• If you are from a visa-required country, you will need a certificate of no criminal record.
• Document confirming proficiency in Russian, knowledge of Russian history and the fundamentals of Russian law (a certificate of passing the exam or a diploma of education obtained in the USSR/Russia).
• These exams will be more difficult than those for the RVP. The certificate of successful completion is valid for three years. So, if you are confident in your abilities, you can take the exams for the permanent residence permit while still applying for your TRP, to avoid having to retake them later.

The following individuals are exempt from taking the exams:

• Participants in the Compatriot Resettlement Program
• Highly Qualified Specialists and their family members
• Citizens deemed "of interest" to Russia (Decree No. 883)
• Certain other categories of citizens

And, of course, you will need to pay the state fee. In 2026, it amounts to 6,000 rubles (approximately $70).

A residence permit is processed within 3-4 months.

Effective November 2025, a temporary procedure (Decree No. 821) is in place for obtaining a residence permit and citizenship for men aged 18-65: You can obtain a permanent residence permit and, subsequently, citizenship only after signing a contract for military service or service in the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (or by providing a document proving unfitness for service, due to health reasons). However, this decree is temporary and does not apply to everyone; it effectively simplifies obtaining documents for foreigners serving in Russia.

This decree does not apply to those obtaining a permanent residence permit on the basis of an TRPE, as an HQS, under Decree 883 and so on.

What's next?

Currently, permanent residence permits in Russia are issued indefinitely. The only exception is for highly qualified specialists: their residence permits are valid for the duration of their work permits, but, after two years, they can still obtain an indefinite permanent residence permit.

After five years of living in Russia with a permanent residence permit, you can apply for citizenship.