Changes to the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in Russia

Changes have been introduced to the Federal Law on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation and the Federal Law on State Fingerprint Registration from July 1, 2021. Starting from December 29, 2021, citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union member states arriving in Russia for work purposes are required to:

• Complete a one-time state fingerprint registration and photograph within thirty calendar days from the date of entry into Russia,
• Undergo a medical examination within thirty calendar days from the date of entry into Russia to confirm or deny the use of drugs or psychotropic substances without a doctor's prescription, as well as being tested for infectious diseases dangerous to the environment and for diseases caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), according to the list approved by the authorized federal body,
• Submit urgent medical documents to the territorial body of the executive authority in the field of internal affairs within thirty calendar days after the expiration of the validity period of the said medical documents, either directly or in electronic format through the unified portal of state and municipal services or through an authorized organization.

If foreign citizens fail to comply with these requirements, their temporary residence period in the Russian Federation may be shortened. Additionally, decisions may be made regarding their undesirability of residence (residency) or prohibition of entry into Russia if the medical examination results confirm that they have used drugs or psychotropic substances without a doctor's prescription or test positive for HIV.