New Types of Indefinite Residence Permits Introduced in Russia

New types of indefinite residence permits have been introduced in Russia. At the same time, the list of foreign citizens eligible to obtain residence permits without needing temporary residence permits has been expanded, along with a reduction in the processing time for applications to four months, reports RIA Novosti.

The relevant legislative changes will come into effect on November 1. The law establishes the procedure for granting indefinite residence permits (previously issued for a duration of five years), with exceptions for highly qualified specialists and their family members (according to the validity period of their work permits) and cases of qualified specialists receiving such permits (for three years).

Additionally, temporary residence permits can be obtained by foreign citizens belonging to various groups without considering quotas. This provision will apply to those who were born in Russia, are married to a Russian citizen, have refugee status, or have been granted temporary asylum in Russia.

The process for obtaining residence permits has been simplified for a number of foreign citizens born in the RSFSR and who previously held citizenship from the Soviet Union. Aside from what has been mentioned, the application processing time for temporary residence permits has also been reduced to four months.