Notification of residence permit and foreign citizenship abroad: what to do right now

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) draft law has not yet been submitted to the State Duma, but it has already raised serious concerns among Russians living abroad. The core idea is simple: if adopted, notifying a Russian consulate about obtaining foreign residence or citizenship will become mandatory — even if you never return to Russia. Failure to comply could trigger criminal liability.

This article provides a practical answer to the question: what should you do right now? Where to find the form, how to file through a consulate, what the risks are if you do not file, and whether there is any urgency. No speculation — just facts.

As of February 2026, the MFA draft law has only completed the public discussion stage (initially ending January 14, extended to February 27, 2026). The government is expected to submit it to parliament afterward.

Three important points:

• The law has not yet been adopted. It remains a draft.
• Proposed effective date: January 1, 2028 (if adopted without changes).
• Transitional period: 1 year. Those who already hold a residence permit or foreign citizenship would have until January 1, 2029 to notify.

Important: the text may change significantly during parliamentary review. Notably, the current version mentions only foreign citizenship — not residence permits. This could be intentional or a technical oversight. Monitor the final version carefully.

Many believe the notification requirement is something new. It is not. The obligation has existed since 2014 under Article 11 of Federal Law No. 138-FZ “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation.”

Current rules:

• If you are in Russia: you must notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) within 60 days of obtaining foreign citizenship or a residence permit.
• If you live abroad: the obligation arises within 60 days of your first entry into Russia after obtaining the foreign status. If you do not enter Russia, you are formally not required to notify.
• Voluntary notification through a consulate: currently allowed, but optional.

The new draft law would eliminate the “living abroad” exception. The 60-day clock would start from the moment you obtain the foreign document — regardless of your location.

Russian law предусматривает two levels of responsibility:

Administrative — Article 19.8.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses
Applies to procedural violations (late filing, incomplete or inaccurate data).
Fine: 500–1,000 rubles.
In 2023, 4,585 cases were initiated — nearly double the previous year.

Criminal — Article 330.2 of the Criminal Code
Applies to intentional failure to notify after entering Russia.
Penalty may include:

• Fine up to 200,000 rubles or income for up to one year;
• Mandatory community service up to 400 hours;
• Possible travel restriction during investigation;
• Criminal record, which may affect foreign residence status.

In practice: from 2022 through mid-2025, 52 individuals were convicted under Article 330.2. Most received fines between 5,000–25,000 rubles. However, enforcement activity has been increasing.

Under current law, criminal liability applies only if you enter Russia and fail to notify within 60 days.
If the new law is adopted, liability would apply even without entering Russia.

There are three methods depending on your location.

Method 1: Through Gosuslugi (Online)
You can file from abroad if you have a verified Gosuslugi account.

1. Log in at gosuslugi.ru.
2. Search for “Notification of acquisition of foreign citizenship.”
3. Fill out the form: Russian passport details, foreign document details, date and basis of acquisition.
4. Upload scanned copies.
5. Submit electronically.

Confirmation will appear in your account.
Currently, this route files directly with the MVD.

Method 2: Through a Russian Consulate (Abroad)
Currently voluntary; would become mandatory under the draft law.
Steps:

1. Locate your nearest Russian consulate (mid.ru → “Foreign Missions”).
2. Check appointment requirements.
3. Complete the notification form (MVD Order No. 689 of September 20, 2023).
4. Prepare documents:

• Russian passport (copy),
• Foreign residence permit or passport (copy, translated if necessary),
• For minors — birth certificate.

5.Submit in person.
6.Obtain the detachable receipt (proof of submission). Keep it indefinitely.
This receipt is your only documentary proof.

Method 3: In Person at the MVD (If in Russia)

1. Complete the official form.
2. Prepare copies of Russian and foreign documents.
3. Visit any territorial migration office.
4. Submit documents.
5. Obtain the stamped receipt.

Mandatory notification applies to:

• Foreign citizenship (always).
• Permanent residence permits.
• U.S. Green Card (treated as permanent residence).
• Temporary residence permits valid for 1 year or more — recommended to notify.
• National long-term visa (category D) — currently not required, but future changes possible.
• Tourist or short-term visas — not required.

For minors, the legal representative files on their behalf.

Living abroad, recently obtained residence permit, not entered Russia
No criminal risk under current law. Recommendation: notify voluntarily via consulate now.

Obtained residence years ago, never notified, never entered Russia
No formal violation yet. Recommend notifying voluntarily before possible law changes.

Planning to travel to Russia
Submit notification within the first days after entry — do not wait until day 60.

Just obtained foreign status
Consider notifying within 30–60 days even if abroad.

Germany. The Embassy in Berlin and the Consulate General in Frankfurt operate strictly by prior appointment. Demand is high — booking a slot may take 4–8 weeks. Some Russian citizens in Germany choose to submit notifications during short trips to Russia instead.
Spain. The Embassy in Madrid and the Consulate General in Barcelona require appointments via their official websites. Due to the 2026 regularization program for 500,000 migrants, the overall administrative workload in Spain is increasing — schedule your appointment well in advance.
Portugal. The Embassy in Lisbon works by prior appointment. Waiting times in 2025–2026 range from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the season.
Serbia. The Embassy in Belgrade is traditionally less overloaded compared to Western European consulates. Some Russians residing in the EU deliberately use trips to Serbia to resolve consular matters.
UAE, Israel, Turkey. Russian consulates in these countries operate under standard procedures. Appointment waiting times are usually 1–3 weeks. Current operating schedules are available on the official MFA website (mid.ru, section “Foreign Missions”).

Important: You may submit your notification at any Russian consulate regardless of your country of official residence. This is particularly relevant for those living in countries with heavily booked consulates who wish to file their notification while traveling to a neighboring state.

The law has not yet been adopted. There is no need for panic.
But acting now — voluntarily — is rational.

Voluntary notification today takes 1–2 hours and removes uncertainty permanently.
Once the law comes into force, consulates may face backlogs.

Simple checklist:

1. Do you have foreign citizenship or residence?
2. Have you submitted notification?
3. If not — file via Gosuslugi or consulate.
4. Keep proof.

If you want clarity tailored to your situation, contact Visa Dan for professional guidance.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
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• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!