Russia attracts a lot of foreigners every year for various reasons, including business, education, work, and tourism. For those who intend to stay in Russia for an extended period, obtaining permanent residency is a significant step.
A permanent residence permit or Вид На Жительство (Vid Na Zhitelstvo) in Russian is a document that allows foreigners to live and work in Russia for an extended period, without the need to obtain a visa or work permit. It’s a legal status that provides several benefits to foreign citizens.
In this article, we will discuss the process of obtaining permanent residency in Russia, the documents needed to apply, the benefits of obtaining a permanent residency permit, and the process of obtaining Russian citizenship after obtaining a permanent residency permit.
Benefits of Permanent Residence in Russia
Obtaining a permanent residence permit in Russia comes with several benefits. Here are some of the benefits of obtaining a permanent residency permit:
- Freedom to live and work in Russia
With a permanent residence permit, a foreign citizen can live and work in Russia without the need to obtain a visa or work permit. This provides a sense of stability and security, as the holder of a permanent residency permit has the right to stay in Russia indefinitely.
- Access to social services
Foreign citizens with a permanent residency permit have access to social services, including healthcare, education, and social security benefits. This is particularly important for those who plan to live and work in Russia for an extended period.
- Business opportunities
Foreign citizens with a permanent residency permit have the right to start a business in Russia, without the need for a local partner or sponsor. This provides an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities in Russia.
- Travel
Holders of a permanent residency permit can travel to other countries without the need to apply for a visa from the Russian Embassy in their home country.
Permanent Residence Permit Through the ‘Red Diploma’
The process is quite easy but at the same time hectic. The red diploma allows you to get a permanent residence permit without applying or receiving the temporary permit.
For students who have completed a Russian university degree with a first-class (red) diploma, the process of obtaining permanent residence and eventually citizenship can be simpler.
Such graduates can apply for a permanent residence permit without meeting the usual requirement of having lived in Russia for at least one year on a temporary residence permit.
They will still need to pass a medical examination, provide a police clearance certificate, and present their proficiency in the Russian language.
Applicants who studied fully in Russian, can easily apply for a permanent residence permit or citizenship without having to prove their knowledge of the language again.
How do you qualify for this?
1. University studies had to have been completed in the Russian Federation. (The degree must be in a university and must be on Russian territory).
2. Studies completed with excellence (с отличием) or as popularly known- Red diploma.
In most universities, to obtain a ‘red’ diploma, at least 75% of a student’s grades should be awarded ‘excellent’, while the rest should be ‘good’ (6 or 7).
3. Studies had to have been full-time. Part-time studies wouldn’t qualify for the process.
4. The university has to be government licensed and the course accredited.
So, basically a foreign citizen who completed their studies in a government accredited university or higher institution. It’s important to note that it has to be full-time studies completed with excellence – “с отличием”.
What next? Which documents do you need?
1. Application form
Most local migration centres have their own requirements, so the applicant has to be well informed about the application form and requirements to fill them.
2. Four (3.5 x 4.5 cm) passport photos.
You can usually tell the copy centre the purpose and they know the format necessary.
3. Application fee of about 5000rub (This can vary depending on the city and time of application).
Applicants must have a receipt for the payment. Sberbank is the best option. The officers are well acquainted.
4. Notary translation of the international passport.
5. Medical examination. The clinics know the required tests- usually HIV, hepatitis, COVID, and popular infectious diseases like tuberculosis.
6. Bank statement that states your ability to cater for yourself in Russia.
Many use the 2-NDFL or some bank deposit. A friend or partner can also stand in place for the applicant.
7. Migration card and registration in the region where the applicant is applying.
8. University degree and transcript. Original and copy.
9. Government university accreditation and course of study licence. The university has to authorise by stamping for authentication. These documents have to cover the period of studies.
For example, someone who got enrolled in 2016 and graduated in 2020 has to provide authenticated documents that were issued before September 2016 and are valid until at least August 2020.
10. Police report that states that the applicant isn’t a criminal. The Ministry of Justice in Russia has to authorise the document.
For example, for Nigerians, you need a police report from the Nigerian Police, then legalised in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Then the Nigerian Embassy in Russia issues a police report that needs to be taken to the Ministry of Justice in Russia. This is a really long process so you are advised to start with this but also bear in mind that the document is valid for only 3 months.
General Documents needed to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit in Russia
To apply for a permanent residence permit in Russia, foreign citizens must provide the following documents:
- A valid passport with a Russian visa
- The migration card
- A medical certificate indicating that the foreign citizen is not suffering from any contagious diseases, including HIV, tuberculosis, and leprosy.
- A police clearance certificate from the foreign citizen’s home country or from the country where they have lived for the last 12 months
- A document proving that the foreign citizen has a place to live in Russia
- Proof of financial means to support themselves and their dependents while living in Russia
- An application form
Process of applying for Permanent Residence Permit in Russia
To apply for a permanent residency permit in Russia, foreign citizens can either apply in person at a regional office of the Federal Migration Service or apply through an authorised representative.
Here’s the process of applying for a permanent residency permit in Russia:
- Gather the necessary documents
- Fill out the application form
- Submit the application and pay the application fee
- Wait for the application to be processed
The processing time for a permanent residency permit application is usually around four months.
Process of Obtaining Russian Citizenship after Receiving Permanent Residence Permit
After obtaining a permanent residency permit, foreign citizens can apply for Russian citizenship. Here’s how to obtain Russian citizenship:
- Holders of a permanent residency permit can apply for Russian citizenship after living in Russia for five years.
- Applicants must have passed a Russian language and history test or proven their proficiency.
- Applicants must have provided proof of financial means and a place to live in Russia.
- Applicants must not have a criminal record.
- Applicants must renounce their current citizenship, unless they are from a country that allows dual citizenship.
- After the application is submitted, the immigration authorities will review it and conduct a background check on the applicant. This process can take several months.
- If the application is approved, the applicant will be notified and issued the citizenship.
- Holders of permanent residence permits in Russia normally have almost the same rights and obligations as Russian citizens, except for the right to vote, run for office, and work in certain government positions that require Russian citizenship.
- Permanent residents must also register their place of residence with the local authorities, obtain a work permit if they wish to work in Russia, and pay taxes on their income.
- Alternatively, some categories of foreigners are eligible for a simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship, such as those who have been married to a Russian citizen for at least three years or those who have a Russian parent.
In conclusion, obtaining permanent residence in Russia is a long process that requires a significant amount of documentation and patience.
However, for those who are willing to go through the process, it can provide many benefits, such as the ability to live and work in Russia indefinitely and eventually obtain citizenship.
Students who have completed a degree with a first-class diploma may be eligible for a simplified procedure for obtaining permanent residence, and can also use their proficiency in the Russian language to streamline the application process.
One Response
What of students without Red diploma and those that have RVPO now. For example i am finishing this july and i have processed RVPO but for just six months (till January) starting from August. I dont have a red diploma. I did my degree, masters and phd here. How do i get Вид? Because i have limited time now.