On February 4, 2025, the Russian State Duma introduced a bill to amend migration registration rules under Federal Law No. 109-FZ. Key changes include:
New Restrictions:
- Foreign workers with Russian work patents may register in hotels/hostels for only 1 month per calendar year fr om patent issuance.
- Applies to accommodations under Federal Tourism Law No. 132-FZ (hotels, hostels, etc.).
Reasons for the Change:
- Reduce social tensions fr om long-term migrant stays in residential-area hostels.
- Free up hotel capacity for tourists.
- Shift housing responsibility to employers (per lawmakers)
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Migrants: Fines under Article 18.8 КоАП РФ for registration violations.
- Hoteliers: Fines under Article 18.9 КоАП РФ for hosting non-compliant migrants.
Next Steps:
We’re monitoring the bill’s progress and will update on implementation timelines and employer obligations.
Frequently asked questions
1. How long can foreign workers stay in Russian hotels under the new law?
1 month per calendar year fr om patent issuance.
2. Which accommodations are affected?
*All hotels/hostels registered under Federal Tourism Law No. 132-FZ.*
3. Who is responsible for migrant housing under the new rules?
*Employers must arrange alternative housing after the 1-month lim it.*
4. What are the penalties for overstaying in hotels?
Fines for migrants under Art. 18.8 КоАП РФ; fines for hotels under Art. 18.9 КоАП РФ.
5. Does this apply to all foreign workers in Russia?
Only those working under patents (common for CIS migrants).
6. When will the law take effect?
Pending State Duma approval – expected late 2025.
7. Can migrants extend their hotel registration?
No – the 1-month lim it is absolute per calendar year.
8. What housing alternatives exist for migrants?
Employer-provided housing or private rentals (with proper registration).
9. How will this impact Russian tourism?
Aims to free up 15-20% of hotel capacity for tourists (per bill notes).
10. Are there exceptions for certain industries?
None specified in the current draft.
11. How to check a migrant’s registration status?
Via the MVD’s migration portal or at local FMS offices.
12. What documents are needed for hotel registration?
Passport, migration card, patent, and hotel contract.
13. Will this reduce illegal migrant labor?
Lawmakers claim it will incentivize formal employment compliance.
14. Can hostels in apartments still house migrants?
Only if registered as legal hotels – otherwise banned for migrant use.
15. Wh ere to report violations?
Local MVD migration units or via the Gosuslugi portal.
Photo source: https://ru.123rf.com/
For more information, please contact the consultants of the Confidence Group company.
* The texts of the newsletters are intellectual property of Confidence Group, protected by the copyright laws of Russia. The information may not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without linking to this web site or to pages of this website.
