Russia Migration Updates Key changes 2025–2026
Russian visa and migration rules changed significantly in 2025–2026. This page summarises the key developments that affect foreign nationals planning to visit, work or live in Russia.
Recent regulatory developments
Updates are listed chronologically. Contact us if you need to understand how a specific change affects your situation.
Russia launches Talent Visa programme
Presidential Decree No. 883 (signed December 2, 2025) entered into force in April 2026, introducing a new mechanism for attracting outstanding foreign nationals to Russia.
The programme works in two stages: a foreign national first obtains 'person of interest to Russia' status through the ASI-affiliated operator, then uses it to receive a simplified Temporary Residence Permit (RVP, 3 years) or Residence Permit (VNJ, 5 years) — without queuing for quotas or passing language and history tests.
Eight qualifying categories: science & technology, industrial production, sports, creative industries, culture & humanities, education, public contribution, and in-demand professions. Status automatically extends to spouse and minor children.
Our Talent Visa service →Russia–Saudi Arabia visa-free regime enters force
A bilateral visa waiver agreement between Russia and Saudi Arabia came into force in May 2026. Citizens of Saudi Arabia can now enter Russia without a visa for short stays, and Russian citizens can enter Saudi Arabia on the same basis.
This is a significant expansion of Russia's visa-free travel network and creates new opportunities for business travel, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries.
E-visa stay extended to 30 days, validity to 120 days
Effective August 23, 2025, Russia extended the single-entry electronic visa for tourists and business travellers: the maximum continuous stay increased from 16 to 30 days, and the overall visa validity from 60 to 120 days from the date of issue.
The e-visa is available to citizens of 64 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Poland, Turkey and others. The e-visa cannot be used for employment or study — it covers tourist, business, humanitarian and event-related visits.
Visa info by nationality →Mandatory pre-registration via Gosuslugi RuID — 72 hours before entry
From June 30, 2025, certain categories of foreign nationals entering Russia are required to submit an electronic declaration of their travel plans through the 'Gosuslugi RuID' app at least 72 hours before crossing the border.
This requirement primarily applies to visitors from countries with established visa-free or simplified entry arrangements. Visitors entering on a standard visa are generally not affected, but we recommend verifying the applicability of this requirement for your specific nationality and entry route before travel.
Failure to pre-register where required may result in refusal of entry. Contact us if you are unsure whether this requirement applies to you.
Migration Concept 2026–2030 approved
In October 2025, President Putin approved Russia's new Migration Policy Concept for 2026–2030. The document sets the strategic framework for migration regulation over the next five years.
Key priorities include attracting qualified specialists and talented individuals from abroad (including through the new Talent Visa mechanism), tightening controls on illegal migration, and developing digital tools for migration management. The concept signals continued investment in streamlined legal pathways for skilled and talented foreign nationals while maintaining robust enforcement for non-compliance.
Visa-free stay reduced to 90 days per year for many nationalities
For nationals of countries with visa-free agreements with Russia, the maximum cumulative stay in Russia without a visa was reduced from 180 to 90 days per calendar year.
This change affects visitors from a number of CIS and other countries with visa-free arrangements. Nationals of countries that require a standard visa to enter Russia are not affected by this specific change. Contact us if you need to clarify the rules applicable to your nationality.
Questions about how these changes affect you?
Our specialists keep track of every regulatory development. Get in touch for an up-to-date assessment of your situation.
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