IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Russian immigration authorities in Moscow have added new registration requirements for foreign nationals registering in Moscow during the FIFA Confederations Cup soccer tournament.

What does the change mean? The new documentation requirements come after Russia announced in May that it would tighten registration rules during the Confederations Cup by requiring foreign nationals to register with immigration authorities within one day of their arrival in a city that is hosting the soccer matches. In practice, immigration authorities in Moscow may request different documentation, depending on the office. Some offices are requesting copies of passport pages, while others are going even further and requesting marriage certificates or birth certificates. Affected foreign nationals should familiarize themselves with the chart below and be prepared to provide the appropriate documentation.

  • Implementation time frame: Between now and July 12.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals arriving in Moscow between now and July 12, when the Confederations Cup concludes.
  • Impact on processing times: The changes add to the registration requirements for foreign nationals traveling to Moscow during the soccer tournament.
  • Business impact: Business travelers should note that the registration requirements apply during the times in question no matter whether they are traveling to attend soccer matches or not. Travelers may be affected, therefore, even if their purpose in Moscow has nothing to do with the matches themselves.
  • Next steps: The additional documentation requirements in Moscow coincide with Russia’s hosting of the Confederations Cup, but it is possible that the requirements will remain in place after the tournament ends or when Russia hosts the World Cup soccer tournament from May 25 to July 25 in 2018.

Background: Additional documentation has been requested from foreign nationals registering in different parts of Moscow as follows:

District Name of Department Additional Documentation/Requirements
Central Administrative District Migration Department of Basmanny District Certificate from local police confirming company address.
Migration Department of Khamovniki District Copy of passport page containing arrival stamp.
Migration Department of Meshchansky District Copy of all passport pages.
Migration Department of Presnensky District Copy of all passport pages.
Migration Department of Tverskoy District Copy of filled passport pages, petition from foreign employee.
Migration Department of Zamoskvorechye District Copy of all passport pages.
Western Administrative District

 

 Migration department of Solntsevo District Copy of documents that confirm notification on conclusion of employment contract.
Northern Administrative District

 

 Migration department of Voikovsky District Copy of all passport pages.
North-Western Administrative District

 

 Migration department of Yuzhnoye (South) Tushino District Copy of all passport pages. Registration will not extend beyond period for which lease agreement is valid.
Troitsk Administrative District Intermunicipal migration department (Moskovsky) Copy of filled passport pages, petition from employer, petition from foreign employee, certified copy of marriage or birth certificate (plus a copy translated into Russia). Registration will not extend beyond the period for which lease agreement is valid or the time for which the employee’s health insurance is valid.

BAL Analysis: Those planning travel to Moscow during the Confederations Cup are urged to follow registration rules and adhere to the documentation requirements listed above. Failing to follow registration procedures could lead to administrative penalties, including fines for visitors and hosting entities alike, as well as possible expulsion from Russia for visitors. Those planning travel to Russia should consult with BAL to ensure that they follow proper registration procedures and should note that changes may remain in place even after the soccer tournament ends.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Russia. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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