The President of Russia signed Federal Law No. 314-FZ of August 4, 2026, which introduces substantial changes to the laws "On the Legal Status of Foreign Nationals in the Russian Federation" and "On Citizenship of the Russian Federation." The document has been published on the official portal of legal information.
Key changes
Procedure for submitting applications
Petitions for extending the period of temporary stay can now be submitted in three ways: in person to the territorial office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, electronically via the Gosuslugi portal, or through subordinate organizations.
Re-issuance of temporary residence permits for holders of traditional values (TRP under Decree 702)
Foreign nationals who have received a temporary residence permit (TRP) under the Presidential decree on humanitarian support for persons sharing traditional Russian values may apply for a new TRP no earlier than six months and no later than four months before the expiration of their current permit. Effectively, this gives applicants a two-month window to submit their application. Upon issuance of the new TRP, the previous one is automatically annulled.
Criminal record certificate becomes mandatory
To obtain a TRP, a TRP for educational purposes (TRP-E), or a residence permit, all foreign nationals are now required to provide a document certifying the presence or absence of a criminal record outside Russia (previously, this certificate was only required for applicants fr om visa-regime countries).
Important details:
- The document is accepted only in paper form
- It must be issued no earlier than three months before submitting the application
- Certificates are required from all countries whose citizenship the foreign national holds, as well as from states wh ere they have a residence permit
- This obligation applies to persons over 14 years of age
- Exemptions fr om providing the certificate apply to: refugees and persons with temporary asylum, contract servicemembers of the Russian Armed Forces, as well as foreign nationals residing in Russia on the basis of a TRP, TRP-E, or residence permit, if they have already provided such documents previously.
A criminal record is an obstacle to obtaining status
The existence of any unexpunged or outstanding criminal record for offenses recognized as crimes under Russian law (committed both in Russia and abroad) is an absolute ground for refusal to issue a TRP, TRP-E, residence permit, or citizenship.
An exception is made for refugees and holders of temporary asylum — criminal record restrictions do not apply to them.
Special conditions for citizens of Ukraine
For two years from the date the law takes effect (until February 1, 2029), citizens of Ukraine, as well as persons entitled to permanent residence in that country, are exempt from the obligation to provide criminal record certificates issued by Ukrainian competent authorities.
Transitional provisions
Applications submitted before February 1, 2027, will be processed under the old rules — criminal record certificates will not be required.
The law takes effect on February 1, 2027.
Frequently asked questions:
-
When does the new law on migrant criminal records take effect?
The law takes effect on February 1, 2027 — 180 days after official publication. -
Who needs to provide a criminal record certificate?
All foreign nationals over 14 years of age applying for a TRP, TRP-E, or residence permit. -
Which countries must issue the criminal record certificate?
The country of the foreign national's citizenship and the country wh ere they hold a residence permit. In the case of multiple citizenships, a certificate from each country is required. -
Who is exempt from the criminal record certificate?
Refugees, persons with temporary asylum, contract servicemembers of the Russian Armed Forces, as well as foreign nationals residing in Russia on the basis of a TRP, TRP-E, or residence permit who have already provided such documents. -
What kind of criminal record prevents obtaining a TRP?
Any unexpunged or outstanding criminal record for offenses recognized as crimes under Russian law, whether committed in Russia or abroad. -
Will old applications be reviewed under the new rules?
No, applications submitted before February 1, 2027, will be processed under the rules in effect on the date of submission. -
What are the changes for citizens of Ukraine?
They are exempt from the criminal record certificate for two years from the date the law takes effect (until February 1, 2029).
Photo source: https://www.magnific.com/ru
