Residency Permits (RP) (also known as "Leave To Remain" documents) may be applied for six months after receiving a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP). It should additionally be mentioned that a Residency Permit application should be submitted no later than six months before the expiry of the applicant's Temporary Residency Permit.
The application processing period for a Residency Permit takes six months.
From the moment they receive their RP, foreign citizens living in Russia enjoy all the rights of Russian citizens – with the exception of the right to vote. Additionally there is an obligation to exit Russia at least once every six months. Foreign citizens whose entry to Russia falls under the Visa regulations may enter or exit Russia without a visa if they hold an RP. RP holders may similarly take up employment in Russia without the need for a Work Permit.
Residency Permits are valid for a period of five years. When renewing an RP, it is essential to submit the application documents no later than six months before the expiration of the current RP.
There is also a simplified procedure for RP applications for applications who hold HQS (Highly Qualified Specialist) status, and also for citizens of Belarus. Foreign applicants in these categories may submit their applications immediately, without needing to wait for a Temporary Residency Permit first. The application processing period for applicants in these categories is reduced from six months to three months.
Once a foreign citizen has received RP status, they are obliged:
- To register at their local/regional UFMS office within seven working days.
- To make an annual confirmation of their residence in Russia, at the local/regional UFMS office at which they are registered.