Keywords: rent apartment in Russia, rental agreement in Moscow, tenant rights Russia, property rental, security deposit In Russia, the rental agreement (dogovor arendy) protects both tenant and landlord. However, unclear or verbal agreements often cause disputes. Here are the key points every tenant...
RESIDENCE (REGISTRA) PROCESS IN RUSSIA — 2025 UPDATE
Keywords: residence registration Russia, Gosuslugi registration, landlord responsibility, temporary registration, address registration
Every foreign citizen in Russia must be officially registered at their place of residence within 7 business days after arrival.
This process, known as "registra" (регистрация), records the address where the person lives.
📌 Important:
Foreign tenants cannot register themselves.
Only the landlord or the property owner is legally authorized to submit the registration via Gosuslugi (Russia's e-Government portal) or at MFC (Multifunctional Center).
1. Who Must Register
- All foreigners staying more than 7 business days in Russia,
- Students, workers, and visitors,
- Holders of RVP (Temporary Residence Permit) or VNJ (Permanent Residence Permit).
2. Who Performs the Registration
Only the landlord (property owner) or their notarized representative can register the tenant.
If the property is rented via an agency, a notarized power of attorney is required.
3. How the Registration is Done
A. Through Gosuslugi (https://www.gosuslugi.ru)
- The landlord logs into their Gosuslugi account.
- Selects the service "Registration of a foreign citizen at the place of stay."
- Fills in tenant's details and uploads:
- Passport scan,
- Migration card,
- Rental contract.
- Submits the application electronically to GUVM МВД (Migration Department).
- Confirmation arrives within 1–2 days.
The confirmation can be printed or stored digitally — it's legally valid.
B. At MFC (Multifunctional Center)
Landlord and tenant go together, fill in the notification form, and submit passports and the rental contract.
Processing takes about 3–7 business days.
4. Documents Required
- Tenant's passport + notarized Russian translation,
- Tenant's migration card,
- Rental agreement,
- Landlord's passport,
- Proof of ownership (EGRN extract),
- Notification form (уведомление).
5. Duration & Renewal
Valid for the duration of the lease.
If the tenant moves out, the landlord cancels the registration.
Renewals can be submitted online through Gosuslugi before expiration.
6. Fines
- Tenant unregistered: 2,000–7,000 RUB,
- Landlord failed to register: 5,000–50,000 RUB,
- Higher in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
7. Summary
- Tenants cannot self-register; only landlords can file.
- Use Gosuslugi or MFC for registration.
- Keep the digital or printed certificate.
- Registration is mandatory for banking, SIM cards, and visa extensions.

