This Decree allows foreign citizens to obtain a temporary residence permit (RVP) or a residence permit (VNZh) in Russia under a simplified scheme.
Confidence Group provides maximum support in submitting documents for RVP/VNZh under this preferential scheme. We invite you to review the specifics of submission, as well as the list of required documents below.
Who can obtain RVP/VNZh under the simplified procedure per Decree No. 883?
In accordance with the Decree, the right to obtain RVP/VNZh may be exercised by foreign citizens if they meet one of the following criteria:
• scientists and researchers — foreign members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, holders of academic degrees, patent holders, laureates of prestigious awards;
• in-demand specialists — with at least 5 years of work experience in priority sectors (manufacturing and extractive industry, IT, microelectronics, energy);
• entrepreneurs — founders of successful small and medium-sized enterprises with revenue of at least 10 million rubles;
• investors meeting the criteria for obtaining VNZh;
• talented students and graduates of top-100 world universities;
• representatives of creative industries and culture;
• high-class athletes — champions and medalists of the Olympic Games, world and European championships;
• persons who have contributed to Russia's defense capability and security.
Important: talent and unique competencies must be documented. The simplified procedure applies to immigrants and their family members regardless of their country of current residence and citizenship.
It is important to attach a structured resume and evidence of achievements to the petition — diplomas and documents on academic degrees, patents, information on awards, publications and citations, recommendation letters, confirmation of work experience, income or investments.
Key benefits:
After obtaining the status, the immigrant and their family members (spouse, parents, children) receive the following advantages:
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RVP outside the quota — the temporary residence permit is issued without regard to the quota approved by the Government.
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RVP without a Russian language exam — no need to confirm proficiency in Russian, knowledge of Russian history and fundamentals of legislation.
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Or VNZh without RVP — the possibility to immediately apply for a residence permit, bypassing the stage of obtaining RVP. The requirement to pass an exam on knowledge of the Russian language is mandatory for this status.
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Accelerated review — applications for RVP and VNZh are reviewed within up to 30 days (with the possibility of extension by no more than 30 days).
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Simplified employment — the possibility to work without obtaining additional permits (patent or work permit) even before obtaining RVP/VNZh.
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Important: RVP issued in a certain region allows employment and residence only in that region. When obtaining VNZh, there are no such restrictions.
The process of obtaining RVP/VNZh for immigrants, or how to get a "talent visa"?
Obtaining immigrant status takes from 95 to 125 days and involves a three-level review:
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Submission of the petition through the program operator — the Agency for Attracting Foreign Talent. The procedure of candidate approval by the Agency.
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Review at the MVD — the Ministry of Internal Affairs conducts all necessary checks. If the candidate is approved by the Agency, the application proceeds to the MVD for approval.
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Decision of the working group under the Commission on Citizenship Issues under the President of Russia. If the candidate is approved by the MVD, the application proceeds to the working group.
Confidence Group provides comprehensive support at all stages of candidate approval. The cost of a preliminary consultation and assistance in submitting the petition through the program operator — the Agency for Attracting Foreign Talent — is 30,000 rubles. If the candidate is recognized as an immigrant, the cost of consulting services for submitting documents for RVP/VNZh starts from 150,000 rubles.
To submit an application for RVP or VNZh, an immigrant has no more than one year from the date of receiving the document confirming the status. It is important that an employer may hire such a foreign citizen even before they obtain RVP or VNZh.
It is necessary to distinguish three stages:
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recognition of a person as being of interest to Russia;
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submission of a separate application for RVP or VNZh within one year;
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obtaining the document and fulfilling subsequent obligations for registration and confirmation of residence.
Separate applications are filed for family members, and kinship is confirmed by documents.
Documents for obtaining RVP under the simplified scheme (Decree No. 883)
To submit an application for RVP/VNZh after obtaining immigrant status, a foreign citizen will need the following package of documents:
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Application for the issuance of RVP/VNZh — 2 copies completed in the prescribed form.
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Photographs — 2 pcs., 35×45 mm, meeting MVD requirements.
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Identity document — foreign citizen's passport or another document recognized in Russia.
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Documents on family composition — for family members submitting documents together with the immigrant.
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Medical documents: certificates confirming the absence of drug addiction and infectious diseases posing a danger to others (including HIV infection).
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Certificate of no criminal record or a document containing information about the crime for which the applicant was convicted (with legalization, if required).
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Migration documents:
o Migration card (with a copy).
o Notification of registration for migration accounting (with a copy).
Before submission, it is recommended to check the validity period of each document and the consistency of personal data in all documents (full name, date and place of birth, transliteration).
Legalization of documents for citizens of countries with a visa regime with Russia
For citizens of countries whose entry into Russia is carried out by visa, all official documents issued abroad must be legalized:
• For member countries of the 1961 Hague Convention — the documents must bear an apostille.
• For countries that are not parties to the Hague Convention, consular legalization is required in the established procedure.
Medical examination
Foreign citizens applying for RVP/VNZh are required to undergo a medical examination at an accredited medical organization at the place of application submission.
The purpose of the examination is to confirm the absence of diseases that constitute grounds for refusal to issue RVP/VNZh. Such diseases include:
• Tuberculosis;
• Leprosy (Hansen's disease);
• Syphilis;
• HIV infection.
Fingerprint registration
A mandatory condition when submitting documents for RVP/VNZh is undergoing fingerprint registration. This procedure is carried out for all foreign citizens who have reached the age of 6, at the time of document submission.
Registration at the place of residence after obtaining RVP/VNZh
After successfully obtaining a temporary residence permit or residence permit, a foreign citizen is obliged within 7 working days to submit an application for registration at the place of residence to the territorial subdivision of the Main Directorate for Migration Affairs of the MVD of Russia.
Annual notification of residence
An immigrant who has obtained RVP/VNZh is obliged to annually confirm their residence in Russia. To do this, within 2 months from the day of expiration of the next year from the date of obtaining RVP/VNZh, it is necessary to submit a notification confirming residence with an attached income statement, a copy of the tax declaration or another document confirming the amount and source of income for the past year.
Important: The notification is submitted in person. Submission through a representative is not provided for. Late submission entails administrative liability, including a fine and possible expulsion.
Obtaining the RVP visa
On the basis of a positive decision on the issuance of RVP, a temporary resident visa is placed in the foreign citizen's passport. This visa is multiple-entry and is valid for the entire period of RVP (3 years).
Important: Citizens of certain countries (Germany, North Macedonia, Croatia, Poland, Italy, Montenegro, as well as stateless persons from Latvia and Estonia) do not require a visa to enter Russia if they have RVP, on the basis of international agreements.
In the case of obtaining VNZh, a separate document is issued to the foreign citizen; no visa is required.
Rights of a foreign citizen who has obtained RVP/VNZh under Decree No. 883
Obtaining RVP or VNZh grants the immigrant the following rights in Russia:
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Free entry to and exit from the Russian Federation.
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Legal employment in the constituent entity of Russia where RVP was issued, without the need to obtain a patent or work permit.
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The possibility of registering one's own business (LLC, sole proprietorship).
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The right to free medical care in state healthcare institutions at the place of residence.
Please note: RVP is issued for a period of 3 years. Upon expiration of this period, subject to compliance with all legal requirements, you may submit documents for obtaining a residence permit (VNZh).
VNZh is issued indefinitely. The VNZh document itself is subject to replacement in cases established by law, including upon reaching a certain age, change of personal data, unsuitability or loss of the document.
Confidence Group will provide full support at all stages of obtaining RVP/VNZh under Decree No. 883, from document collection to obtaining the final permit.
10 questions and answers
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Who is an immigrant under Decree No. 883?
An immigrant is a foreign citizen or stateless person recognized as "of interest to the Russian Federation" due to outstanding achievements in science, sports, culture, business, or possessing unique skills. -
What benefits does immigrant status provide?
The main benefits: RVP outside the quota and without a Russian language exam, the possibility to immediately apply for VNZh (bypassing RVP), accelerated review (up to 30 days) and the right to work without a patent or permit. -
Who can obtain RVP/VNZh under the simplified scheme?
Eight categories: scientists and researchers, in-demand specialists with at least 5 years of experience (IT, industry), entrepreneurs, investors, graduates of top-100 universities, cultural figures, high-class athletes and persons who have contributed to Russia's security. -
Is it necessary to take a Russian language exam for RVP under Decree No. 883?
No, to obtain RVP under this preferential scheme, an exam in Russian language, history and legislation is not required. However, to obtain VNZh, it will still have to be taken. -
Is it possible to obtain VNZh without prior RVP?
Yes. Decree No. 883 allows applying for a residence permit (VNZh) immediately, bypassing the stage of obtaining a temporary residence permit. -
How long does the review of an application take?
Applications for RVP and VNZh for immigrants are reviewed on an accelerated basis — up to 30 days with the possibility of extension, but by no more than 30 days -1-6. -
Where can one work with RVP obtained under Decree No. 883?
Employment is permitted only in the region of Russia where temporary resident permit was issued. When obtaining resident permit, this restriction is lifted. -
Is a visa required to enter Russia after obtaining the status?
Yes, immigrants are issued a multiple-entry business visa valid for up to 1 year for entry into Russia. -
What documents are needed to submit an application for temporary resident permit/resident permit?
The main package: application, passport, photographs, document on recognition as an immigrant, medical certificates, certificate of no criminal record, migration card. For family members, documents on kinship are required. -
Do foreign documents need to be legalized?
Yes. For member countries of the Hague Convention, an apostille is sufficient. For other countries, consular legalization is required.
For more information, please contact the consultants of the Confidence Group company.
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