Foreign nationals residing in Russia without legal grounds are facing a critical deadline. According to the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1126, the special opportunity to regularize one’s legal status will expire on September 10, 2025. With a few days remaining, authorities are urging individuals to take immediate action to avoid severe legal consequences.
This decree, which came into effect six months ago with the establishment of the Register of Controlled Persons, was designed to provide a pathway to compliance for those in violation of migration laws. Individuals who fail to utilize this opportunity by the deadline will be subject to the full force of migration law, including expulsion and entry bans.
Who is Affected by This Deadline?
The decree applies to foreign citizens and stateless persons who have lost their legal grounds for staying in Russia. This broadly includes individuals who:
- Possess expired documents or certificates required for legal migration status.
- Lack valid registration at their place of stay or residence.
- Have violated mandatory procedures, such as the annual medical examination for dangerous diseases or the mandatory state fingerprinting and photographing.
- Have committed other violations of Russian migration legislation.
Approximately half of those on the Register of Controlled Persons are men of working age without documents permitting stay or work. Their information is subject to significant restrictions, impacting their ability to rent housing, conduct banking operations, and access services, including education.
How to Regularize Your Status Before the Deadline
Eligible individuals must apply to the Russian internal affairs bodies before September 11, 2025. Applications can be submitted at one of the following locations:
- A branch of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “PVS” of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the place of actual residence.
- The State Budgetary Institution of Moscow MMC “Sakharovo” (for those residing in Moscow).
- The nearest migration department of the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This option is recommended for those in remote areas, facing difficult situations, or in need of direct legal advice from police officers.
To avoid long wait times, applicants are advised to schedule appointments carefully, as mornings are typically the busiest period.
Required Procedures for Legalization
Upon application, documents granting the right to stay will be issued only after completing several mandatory procedures:
- Biometric identification.
- A medical examination for dangerous diseases and the use of narcotic or psychotropic substances.
- A check for outstanding debts on duties, taxes, fees, fines, and other mandatory payments.
A specific condition applies to labor migrants from EAEU countries: they must conclude an employment or civil law contract with an employer that includes a suspensive clause. This clause stipulates that the contract will only take effect once the individual is removed from the Register of Controlled Persons. A copy of this contract must be submitted to the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
The consequences for failing to act by September 10th are severe and immediate:
- From September 11, 2025, it will be impossible to regularize one’s status under this decree.
- Affected foreign citizens will be subject to expulsion from the Russian Federation.
- Until expulsion, all legal measures to restrict their rights will be applied.
- A future entry ban into Russia will be instituted upon expulsion.
Responsibilities for Employers and Service Providers
The decree also reinforces responsibilities for Russian employers and institutions. Employers face heavy administrative fines for illegally hiring foreign citizens or for failing to notify migration authorities about the conclusion or termination of an employment contract.
- For officials, fines can reach up to 50,000 rubles (70,000 in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and their regions).
- For legal entities, fines can reach up to 800,000 rubles (1 million in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and their regions).
Furthermore, providing services, including education, to individuals listed in the Register of Controlled Persons is itself an administrative offense, punishable by fines for individuals, officials, and organizations.
Foreign nationals who believe they may be affected are strongly advised to verify their status in the Register of Controlled Persons and contact the relevant authorities without delay to resolve their situation before the deadline.