Starting January 1, 2025, Russia is shaking things up when it comes to how foreigners can get and use SIM cards.
If you’re a foreign citizen or a stateless person living in Russia (or planning to), here’s a quick and simple breakdown of what’s changing, and what you’ll need to do.
1. Getting a SIM card? Bring your ID.
You’ll need to show a valid identity document. This could be your passport, residence permit, refugee certificate, or temporary asylum papers. On top of that, your info has to be verified through official government systems (ESIA and EBS). No proper ID, no SIM card.
2. No ID verification, no service.
Even if you’ve got a SIM card, your phone service won’t actually work until the telecom company confirms that all your personal info checks out. So make sure your paperwork is in order.
3. SIM cards are now linked to your device.
This one’s big: your SIM card must be registered with the IMEI (the unique ID) of the device you’re using it in– your phone, tablet, whatever.
If you take the SIM out and pop it into another gadget, it won’t work until that device’s IMEI is added to your contract. So, no more switching devices without updating your info.
4. You can’t buy a SIM card online anymore.
From now on, getting a SIM card has to be done in person. No signing up over the internet. That might be a hassle, but it’s the new rule.
5. Limit of 10 phone numbers per person.
Foreign citizens can now only register up to 10 mobile numbers. So if you have a habit of collecting SIM cards, it might be time to repent.
6. Some people are exempt.
Diplomats, their families, and international organization staff don’t have to follow these new rules.
What if you already have a SIM card?
If you’re a foreigner and you got your SIM card before 2025, your contract needs to be updated to follow the new rules by July 1, 2025. If it’s not updated in time, your service could be cut off.
No more anonymous top-ups
Another big change: starting January 1, 2025, you can’t just walk into a shop and top up your phone with cash anonymously. You’ll need to show ID (like your passport) or log in with ESIA when paying at a bank, Russian Post office, telecom store, or any other official place that takes payments.
For those using corporate numbers,
Only actual employees of a company can use a corporate SIM card now. So if you’re using one and you’re not on the company payroll, that’s going to be a problem.
And starting April 1, 2025…
There are a couple of digital updates on the way too:
- You’ll get a message on Gosuslugi (Public Services) and via SMS when you register a SIM card
- You’ll be able to see all the phone numbers registered in your name right in your Gosuslugi account. If you want to cancel any of them, you can do it right there
Bottom line?
Russia’s getting stricter about how SIM cards are used, especially for foreigners. Make sure your documents are up to date, your SIM is registered properly, and don’t forget to pay with ID. It might seem like a lot, but these steps will keep your phone connected — and keep you out of trouble.
If you’re currently living in Russia or planning to move here soon, it’s a good idea to double-check your phone setup with your mobile service provider before these rules kick in.
Join the E-Solutions African Community- arguably the largest online community of Africans living in Russia.
Once you join the group, you can connect with people, advertise your business, find jobs, ask questions about visa and settlement and even send/ship packages to and fro Russia, plus a lot more!
