Permanent residence permit in Russia (VNZh): documents and translations

Which documents a foreigner needs for a Russian residence permit (VNZh), what must be translated and notarized, the state fee in 2026 and how to avoid a returned application.

The residence permit — VNZh (vid na zhitelstvo) — is the long-term status that lets a foreigner live anywhere in Russia, work without a separate permit and, later, apply for Russian citizenship. For foreign citizens it is now issued without an expiry date, though the card itself is replaced periodically and holders confirm their residence in Russia with a regular notification.

Most applicants get a VNZh after living in Russia on a temporary residence permit (RVP). Some categories can apply without one — for example participants in the State Programme for resettlement of compatriots, holders of the "native speaker of Russian" status and certain highly qualified specialists.

Documents you usually file

The exact list depends on your ground and region, but typically:

• the application form, in Russian;
• your passport with a notarized translation of every page with marks;
• your RVP, if you apply on its basis;
• photos in the required format;
• a criminal record certificate from your country of citizenship, apostilled or legalized, with a notarized translation — when your ground requires it;
• proof of income or means for the period of living on the RVP;
• a certificate of knowledge of Russian, Russian history and the basics of law, unless you are exempt;
• documents confirming family ties, if your ground is family — marriage and birth certificates, with translations;
• the state fee receipt.

What must be translated

Every foreign document not in Russian is filed with a notarized translation. Russian documents — your RVP, Russian medical certificates, a Russian marriage certificate — need none.

For the passport, the migration office checks your travel history since the RVP, so the translation must cover all pages with visas and stamps. If you renewed your passport while living on the RVP, bring translations of the old and the new passport.

Your name must be spelled exactly as in your RVP and earlier translations. We keep your spelling on file and use it everywhere.

State fee

From 26 July 2026 the state fee for a residence permit is 30,000 roubles, after the amendments to the Tax Code adopted in June 2026. Check the amount on Gosuslugi before paying.

Common reasons applications come back

• the passport translation covers only the data page;
• the criminal record certificate is older than three months, or its apostille is not translated;
• the name is spelled differently in the RVP and in new translations;
• the passport was replaced and the old one was not translated.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change; check the current list with your migration office before filing.