The deadline for medical examination of migrants has been reduced to 30 days

The Russian State Duma and the Federation Council have approved a package of amendments tightening the requirements for medical check-up of foreign nationals in Russia. The amendments are being introduced into the law “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens” and come into force on September 1, 2026.

Key changes for foreign nationals

The main change is the reduction of the deadline for mandatory medical examination. According to the new article, all foreign nationals arriving in Russia (including migrant workers, refugees, and those arriving under a visa‑free regime) are required to undergo testing for HIV, infectious diseases, and drug use within 30 calendar days from the date of entry. Previously, they had 90 days.

In addition, long‑term foreign nationals must undergo repeat medical check-up every year. The procedure is carried out at the migrant’s own expense or at the expense of their employer.

How medical organizations will operate

Medical organizations authorized by regional authorities may no longer delegate the right to conduct check-ups to third parties (intermediation is prohibited). Examination results in the form of electronic certificates are entered into the federal registry within 24 hours, and the relevant information is sent to the Ministry of Internal Affairs within 3 working days.

Special procedure for dangerous diseases: if a migrant is found to have infections that pose a threat to others, or HIV, the medical certificate is sent to Rospotrebnadzor. This agency is authorized to decide that the foreign national’s stay in Russia is undesirable.

Fines and consequences

Evasion or refusal to undergo medical check-up within the established deadline is punishable. A new article is added to the Code of Administrative Offenses, setting a fine of 25,000 to 50,000 rubles, with possible administrative deportation from Russia.

The law also clarifies that the detection of drug addiction or a dangerous disease is grounds for refusing or canceling a temporary residence permit, a residence permit, or a work patent.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. To how many days has the deadline for medical check-up for migrants been reduced?
   From 90 to 30 calendar days from the date of entry into Russia. This applies even to those who come not for work but plan to stay longer than 3 months. The new rules take effect on September 1, 2026.

2. What is the fine for a migrant who fails to undergo the medical check-up?
   An administrative fine of 25,000 to 50,000 rubles. The court may also decide on forced deportation from the country.

3. What happens for forging a medical certificate for migrants?
   This is a criminal offense (Article 235.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). The maximum penalty is imprisonment for up to 8 years plus a fine of up to 3 million rubles.

4. Is drug testing included in the mandatory medical check-up?
   Yes, it is mandatory. A chemical‑toxicological test is performed for the use of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their metabolites without a doctor’s prescription.

5. Where do migrants’ test results go?
   Within 24 hours, the medical organization uploads the certificate to the Unified State Health Information System, and then within 3 working days transmits the data to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Rospotrebnadzor through the electronic data exchange system.

6. How often must the medical check-up be repeated?
   If a foreign national remains in Russia, they must undergo medical check-up every year (within 30 days after one year from the previous check-up).

7. Can a clinic be fined for violations?
   Yes. For medical organizations, violating the check-up procedure or delegating the right to third parties carries a fine of 300,000 to 1 million rubles or suspension of operations for up to 90 days.