In simple terms
Migration registration (миграционный учёт, migratsionny uchet) is the way the state knows where a foreigner lives. When you arrive in Russia and settle at an address, you must report it to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (МВД). In everyday speech it is often called "registration", although officially it is registration at the place of stay.
It is not the foreigner who registers, but the host party (принимающая сторона): the owner of the flat where you live, your employer, a university (for students) or a hotel. The foreigner gives them the passport and the migration card, and they file a notice of arrival.
If you have an RVP (temporary residence permit) or a residence permit (ВНЖ, VNZh) and your own or someone else's home, you can arrange registration at your place of residence — that is a different procedure.
Deadlines
- The general deadline is 7 working days from the day you arrive at the address.
- Citizens of Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan (EAEU countries): up to 30 days from entry.
- Citizens of Belarus: up to 90 days.
- Citizens of Tajikistan: up to 15 days under an agreement between the countries.
- In a hotel, the hotel usually does the registration itself.
Example with dates
A citizen of Uzbekistan moved into a flat on Wednesday, 1 April 2026. The period is counted from the next day and only in working days:
- 2 and 3 April (Thursday and Friday): the 1st and 2nd working days;
- 4 and 5 April: weekend, not counted;
- 6–10 April (Monday to Friday): the 3rd to 7th working days.
So the owner of the flat must file the notice no later than 10 April 2026. You can count working days in the days calculator.
Calculate it yourself
Change the numbers and the step-by-step calculation updates instantly. Russian rules for 2026.
Where to file the notice
- at the MVD migration office;
- at an MFC (multifunctional public services centre);
- at a Russian Post office (by registered letter with a list of contents);
- on Gosuslugi (Госуслуги) — for a host party with a verified account.
The foreigner receives the tear-off part of the notice; keep it together with your passport. If you move to another address, you are registered again. If you rent, it is convenient to state in the rental agreement right away that the owner will register you.
Common mistakes
- Registration at an address where you do not live. Sham registration is a criminal offence for the host party, and the foreigner may have problems extending documents.
- Missing the deadline. The foreigner faces a fine under Art. 18.8 of the Code of Administrative Offences (КоАП) (usually 2,000–5,000 ₽, more in Moscow and St Petersburg) and possible expulsion; the host party faces a fine under Art. 18.9 of the КоАП.
- Registration after the legal period has ended. Since 5 February 2025 an "expulsion regime" applies: people who are in Russia without a legal basis are entered in the register of controlled persons. Registration does not extend your period of stay; for visa-free visitors the 90-day rule applies.
- Losing the tear-off part. You may be asked for it during a check, at a bank or when applying for a patent.
The rules change, so check the MVD website and Gosuslugi.
Key rules
Russia
Governed by Federal Law No. 109-FZ. The general deadline is 7 working days. Citizens of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia (EAEU) may stay unregistered for up to 30 days, citizens of Belarus for up to 90 days and citizens of Tajikistan for up to 15 days. The rules change, so check the MVD website and Gosuslugi (Госуслуги).
Sources: Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia («МВД России», мвд.рф): migration services, Gosuslugi («Госуслуги»), Federal Law No. 115-FZ «О правовом положении иностранных граждан» (On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens), ConsultantPlus