The Russian government’s 2025 Amnesty Decree (Presidential Decree No. 1126) offers a limited-time opportunity for undocumented migrants to legalize their status. Here’s a breakdown of the process, challenges, and solutions:
Key Steps for Legalization
Check Eligibility:
- Visa-free migrants (e.g., CIS nationals) must apply for a patent or TRP.
- Visa holders need a work permit.
- Deadline: April 30, 2025.
Resolve Penalties:
- Pay outstanding fines.
- Migrants in the "controlled persons" registry face blocked bank accounts—pay fines in cash or via a third party.
Submit Documents:
- Required: Passport, migration card, proof of penalty payments, Russian language certificate.
- Visa holders: Add a work contract and police clearance certificate (may take months).
Migration Registration:
- Find an employer or landlord to register you within 7 days of applying.
- Issue: MFC slots are scarce; escalate refusals to regional MVD offices.
Costs:
- Moscow: Patent fee (20,400 RUB) + monthly tax (8,900 RUB).
- Work permit: Employer must secure a quota (rare for 2025).
Common Pitfalls
- No Russian Language Certificate? Fail the exam = no legalization.
- Lost Migration Card? Obtain a duplicate (5,000 RUB fine).
- No Employer? Legalization is impossible without a sponsor for registration.
For TRP/PR applicants, additional hurdles include:
- Proof of housing (owned or rented).
- Advanced Russian language proficiency (B1 level).
Frequently asked questions
1. How to legalize under the 2025 amnesty?
Submit documents at a Migration Center (MMC) by April 30, 2025.
2. Documents for visa-free migrants?
Passport, migration card, fine receipts, language certificate.
3. Lost migration card?
Get a duplicate at MMC/UV MVD + pay a fine.
4. Legalize without an employer?
No—registration requires a sponsor.
5. No language certificate?
Mandatory for patents/permits; take the exam at accredited centers.
6. Bank account blocked?
Pay fines via cash at a bank or ask someone to transfer funds.
7. Leave Russia without legalizing?
Possible, but future entry bans may apply.
8. TRP/PR requirements?
Valid grounds (e.g., marriage, investments), police clearance, language exam.
9. Deadline?
April 30, 2025—after this, penalties escalate.
10. Where to apply?
MMC or UV MVD offices.
11. Extend a visa?
Only with an employer holding a labor quota.
Photo source: https://ru.123rf.com/
For more information, please contact the consultants of the Confidence Group company.
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