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E-card for foreign citizens: pilot scheme in Moscow

01.03.2024

As part of measures to implement state migration policy in 2024-2025[1], a pilot scheme is to be launched in Moscow involving the issue of electronic cards to foreign citizens and stateless persons who are temporarily resident in Russia. A relevant Decree[2] was adopted by the Moscow Government in February 2024.

According to the Decree, the purpose of the scheme is to help ensure the stability of social processes and test the use of information technology to analyse the characteristics of population groups residing in Moscow and adjacent regions.

Electronic cards will be received by foreign citizens[3] aged over 14 years who are residing in Russia on a temporary basis and make applications regarding their legal status and other matters to the “Multifunctional Migration Centre” (MMC) state-funded institution in Moscow.

An e-card will contain the following information about its holder:

Surname, first name, patronymic (if the holder has a patronymic)
Date of birth
Gender
Photograph
Nationality
Series and number of the e-card
Expiry date of the e-card
Sample signature of the e-card holder

If the above details change or the card is lost or damaged, the foreign citizen will be obliged to notify the MMC and apply for a replacement card within 7 calendar days.

The details shown on the e-card must match the details contained in the identification document of the foreign citizen (stateless person). An e-card may not be transferred for presentation and use by another person.

E-cards will be valid for 5 years. No fee will be charged for the issue of a card.

At the time of writing the cards are not yet being issued and there is no information about the procedure and timeframe for obtaining them. B1 will continue to monitor the situation and will keep you informed of any new developments.

AUTHORS

Ekaterina Ukhova, Partner People Advisory services
Maria Tkacheva, Senior Manager, People Advisory services
Maria Moskaleva, Senior, People Advisory services
Svetlana Mironova, Senior, People Advisory services
Anna Iarmosh, Advanced Staff, People Advisory services

Show references

[1] Directive No. 30-r of the Government of Russia of 16.01.2024 “Concerning the Action Plan for the Implementation in 2024-2025 of the State Migration Policy Framework of the Russian Federation for 2019-2025”
[2] Moscow Government Decree No. 205-PP of 06.02.2024 “Concerning the Use in the City of Moscow of Electronic Cards Issued to Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons Temporarily Residing in the Territory of the Russian Federation”
[3] Foreign citizens who do not have a temporary or permanent residence permit