The situation

From May 25, 2018 through July 25, 2018, Russia is restricting address registration rules while the country hosts the 2018 FIFA World Cup, according to a presidential decree.

A closer look

• Who is affected. All foreign and Russian nationals arriving from abroad or from other Russian regions to the cities of Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kazan, Sochi, Yekaterinburg, Volgograd, Nizhny Novgorod, Kaliningad, Rostov-na-Donu, Saransk and Samara.

• Registration requirements. All foreign nationals must submit the required documents to their local host company (or for those staying at hotels, to the hotel) for submission to local migration authorities within 24 hours of arrival at their residence or place of stay. Additionally, Russian nationals arriving to temporarily stay or permanently reside in Russia (excluding at hotels and resorts) must apply to the local migration authority for registration within three business days of arrival.

• Exclusions. The increased security measures are not applicable to Russian and foreign nationals participating in FIFA or representatives of FIFA, FIFA subsidiaries, confederations and national soccer organizations.

• Penalties. Noncompliance with the registration rules will lead to the following administrative penalties:
  • Hosting individuals (i.e. landlords): RUB 2,000 to 4,000
  • Foreign nationals: RUB 2,000-RUB 7,000 and possible deportation from Russia
  • Company officials tasked with carrying out registration requirements: RUB 40,000 to 50,000
  • Host companies: RUB 400,000 to 500,000

Impact

Foreign nationals traveling to the above listed areas should carry the following original documents: passport, migration card, migration/address registration confirmation slip, Highly Qualified Specialist work permit or patent, and copy of labor contract (for those working without a work permit or patent).

Fragomen recommendations

Fragomen also recommends the following:

• If possible, foreign nationals should not enter the specified cities from May 25, 2018 through July 25, 2018.
• If the trip is necessary, foreign nationals should avoid entering the specified cities on Fridays and Saturdays (if registration must occur on a weekend, this may result in failed registration due to the authorities’ limited work hours, and higher expenses since host companies may charge more to arrange registration on weekends).
• If possible, Russian or foreign nationals living in these cities should not invite foreign visitors to stay during this period or should provide them with accommodation in hotels which will complete their migration registration on their behalf.

Fragomen resources

Fragomen can complete address registrations for foreign employees in Moscow and St. Petersburg only. For the remaining cities, Fragomen will only be able to provide advice and procedure guidelines.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to emea@fragomen.com.