The Russian government has officially submitted a draft law to the State Duma providing for a major increase in state fees in the migration sphere. The amendments to the Russian Tax Code will affect almost all key procedures – from obtaining citizenship to applying for visas and entry invitations.
The explanatory note to the draft law states that the measures are aimed at increasing the efficiency of federal budget revenue, are driven by the Interior Ministry’s rising costs for background checks and database maintenance, and reflect the desire to bring Russian fees closer to comparable foreign rates.
The most significant changes await those planning to obtain Russian citizenship or a residence permit. The fee for acceptance into citizenship and renunciation of citizenship will increase almost 12‑fold – from 4,200 to 50,000 rubles. Issuance of a residence permit will rise from 6,000 to 30,000 rubles, and its replacement in case of loss or damage will cost 6,000 rubles.
A temporary residence permit will cost 15,000 rubles instead of the previous 1,920 rubles. For foreign students coming to study, a temporary residence permit will cost 8,000 rubles. In addition, visa fees will increase: a transit visa – from 1,200 to 2,000 rubles, a multiple‑entry visa – from 1,920 to 6,000 rubles. An entry invitation for a foreigner will rise from 960 rubles to 8,000 rubles per invited person.
Who will be exempt from paying the fees
The draft law also provides for substantial benefits. The following are exempt from paying the state fee for actions related to acquiring Russian citizenship:
- Foreign citizens and stateless persons who were formerly citizens of the USSR;
- Participants in the State Program for Assisting the Voluntary Resettlement of Compatriots Living Abroad, as well as their family members moving to Russia for permanent residence;
- Foreigners who, during the special military operation, have signed a military service contract for a period of at least one year (including their family members, also in the event of the serviceman’s death).
For this last category, an exemption from the fee for issuing a residence permit is also provided.
If the State Duma adopts the draft law in its proposed wording, it will enter into force on July 1, 2026, but no earlier than one month after the date of official publication.
Before/after: key changes in state fees for migrants
| Government service | Now (RUB) | Will be (RUB) |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance into Russian citizenship / renunciation of citizenship | 4,200 | 50,000 |
| Issuance of residence permit | 6,000 | 30,000 |
| Replacement of residence permit (in case of loss or damage) | — | 6,000 |
| Temporary residence permit | 1,920 | 15,000 |
| Temporary residence permit for foreign students | 1,920 | 8,000 |
| Entry invitation (per invited person) | 960 | 8,000 |
| Single‑entry visa (transit) | 1,200 | 2,000 |
| Multiple‑entry visa | 1,920 | 6,000 |
| Permit for hiring foreign workers | 12,000 | 15,000 |
Thus, the draft law proposes not only a multiple increase in migration fees but also targeted benefits for certain categories of foreigners, which, according to the authors, is intended to balance fiscal effect and social fairness.
Frequently asked questions
1. When will state fees for migrants be raised in 2026?
If the bill is passed, the new rates will take effect on July 1, 2026, but no earlier than one month after the official publication of the law.
2. How much will it cost a foreigner to obtain Russian citizenship?
If the draft law is passed, the state fee for acceptance into Russian citizenship and renunciation of citizenship will increase almost 12‑fold – from 4,200 rubles to 50,000 rubles.
3. How much will a residence permit in Russia cost in 2026?
According to the drfat law submitted to the State Duma, issuance of a residence permit will cost foreigners 30,000 rubles instead of the previous 6,000 rubles. Replacement of a residence permit in case of loss or damage will cost 6,000 rubles.
4. Who is exempt from paying state fees for citizenship and residence permits?
Three categories receive benefits: stateless persons who were formerly citizens of the USSR; participants in the state program for the voluntary resettlement of compatriots and their family members; and foreigners who have signed a military service contract for at least one year during the special military operation, along with their family members (including in the event of the serviceman’s death).
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