Does a residence permit verify a person’s identity?
A residence permit is a document that can verify the identity of the person to whom it belongs. But a residence permit is unconditionally accepted as an identity document only for stateless persons. Foreigners in official institutions are required to present a passport, which acts in their home country as an identity document along with a residence permit issued in accordance with the federal legislation of the Russian Federation.
When entering/exiting the territory(s) of the Russian Federation, a person must present his passport at the border confirming his citizenship of the country of which he is directly a citizen.
The law contains a provision for extradition for persons who have committed criminal acts on the territory of another state. The owner of a residence permit of the Russian Federation, having violated the law of any country, will be extradited to its territory in order to suffer a well-deserved punishment there. This provision does not apply to citizens of the Russian Federation who have committed a criminal act on the territory of another state.
There are two types of stateless persons:
- If you have an identification document, namely a residence permit.
- Persons living in the Russian Federation for more than 183 days a year, but having citizenship of another state. The main document is a residence permit.
Foreigners who live less than 183 days a year in the Russian Federation. For these people, the main document before obtaining a residence permit is a temporary residence permit (TRP).
Is a residence permit an identification document?
A residence permit is an identification document that in the Russian Federation is issued to citizens of other states or stateless people. Its presence is evidence that a person is practically equal in rights to citizens of the Russian Federation.
Exceptions are cases prescribed by law. Also, a residence permit, first of all, indicates that its owner has the right to reside in the country. But it is still worthwhile to figure out whether the residence permit is an identity document for official structures.
Definition and purpose of a residence permit document
The main function of a residence permit is to confirm the right to reside in Russia. It contains all the basic information about a person:
- FULL NAME;
- registration address;
- Date of Birth.
Similar data is displayed in the passport, so the document, theoretically, can be considered an identity document. This is also evidenced by the laws, which indicate that with a residence permit you can use the services of social spheres. It allows you to get education and medical care, get a job, and apply for benefits and subsidies.
Visually, the residence permit is also similar to a Russian passport. It is a “little book”, but not burgundy, but blue. Inside, the person’s personal data is indicated, as well as information about the place and date of issue.
A residence permit is issued at the migration service. You should go there immediately after entering Russia. If this is not done, then staying on the territory of the state will be illegal and will entail many problematic consequences, including deportation.
There is no need to immediately obtain a residence permit; first, a temporary residence permit is issued. Without this permission, the next step - obtaining a residence permit - will not be available. To obtain a temporary residence permit, you must provide a birth certificate, a passport of the state of which the person was previously a citizen, and other documents as required.
A temporary residence permit is issued for a year. After this period, you must submit a documentary package for obtaining a residence permit if you plan to continue to stay in Russia.
There are several categories of persons who have an advantage in obtaining a temporary residence permit. It is much easier for them to become its owners than for others. We are talking about people born on the territory of the Russian Federation or the RSFSR, and then lost citizenship for some reason. This also includes people who are married to a citizen or civil Russian Federation. Another category is people who have disabled parents with Russian citizenship.
The residence permit is valid for five years. It, unlike a temporary residence permit, can be extended several times.
A residence permit allows you to enjoy rights similar to those of Russian citizens, but there are also a number of restrictions. Stateless persons (stateless persons) cannot enter territories that have state security status. In other words, visiting garrisons or, for example, closed military camps is prohibited.
Also, a residence permit does not give the right to participate in elections, perform military service, work in military or civil aviation, on maritime vessels, or join parties or other political associations. In general, such restrictions do not in any way prevent stateless people from leading a full life in the Russian Federation.
As for the available rights, we are talking about the following:
- A person with a residence permit can legally reside in the Russian Federation for a long time and move from one locality to another without any problems.
- He can leave the country and return back without restrictions.
- It can work in any Russian region.
- May own apartments and other residential premises.
A migrant who has received a residence permit must comply with the laws of the Russian Federation.
The basic set for obtaining a residence permit is:
- statement;
- RVP;
- photos;
- medical certificates;
- identification document;
- income certificate;
- a receipt indicating payment of the state duty.
An application for a residence permit is registered within 1 day. But it is considered, depending on the situation, for up to 6 months. Once a decision is made to the person, it is sent in writing. If the residence permit is ready, then it must be picked up at the department.
If the application was refused, the department will issue a document with the official reasons for the refusal. The main reason for this is incorrect documentation or lack of documents.
Is a residence permit an identity document?
To fully understand whether a residence permit is an identity document, you need to refer to the laws of the Russian Federation. One of them states that a person’s identity is verified by a passport or other paper provided for by federal legislation or international agreements.
In general, if a person has citizenship of another state, then he also has a foreign passport. This will serve as an identification document. Therefore, foreigners who have citizenship cannot present a residence permit as an identification document. But you still need to have it with you, since when checking your documents, the question of your right to stay in Russia may arise.
As for stateless people, that is, people without citizenship, the situation here is different. They may present a residence permit or temporary residence permit if identification is required. For them, these documents will just be confirmatory.
If the check reveals the absence of a residence permit or temporary residence permit, this will be a reason for deportation.
Deportation occurs in the following situations:
- if a stateless person provided false documents to obtain a residence permit;
- if he did not start processing it at all on time, did not submit documents;
- if he violated the rules of residence in the Russian Federation.
Other documents proving the identity of a stateless person in Russia
According to the law, documents confirming the identity of a stateless person are:
- a document issued in another country and recognized in Russia;
- temporary residence permit;
- resident card;
- other papers that may be recognized by Russian legislation.
As can be seen from the above, specifically named documents are legally considered residence permits and temporary residence permits. It is these that a stateless person who comes to Russia must receive. First, a temporary residence permit is issued, and then, after a year of residence, a request for a residence permit is submitted.
A residence permit, as an identification document, can be used to obtain rights available to Russian citizens. This issue was discussed in detail above.
Official documents proving identity can also be considered a refugee certificate, a certificate of consideration of an application for refugee recognition, a certificate proving the right to temporary asylum in the territory of the Russian Federation.
As for other papers, they should be considered individually in each specific case. If they are recognized by Russia, they may well serve as an identity document.
In 2021, the possibility of introducing a new document was discussed, which would be precisely the identity card of a stateless person. At the moment there is none. Therefore, stateless persons present a residence permit, temporary residence permit and other documents listed above.
In a word, a residence permit is an important document, without which foreign citizens and stateless persons cannot stay on Russian territory. Before applying for a residence permit, you must obtain a temporary residence permit.
It is valid for exactly one year, after which you must collect a package of documents for a residence permit. The request will be considered for up to six months, depending on the situation. Stateless persons can use the received document as an identification document.
A residence permit confirms the right to live and work in the Russian Federation. It is valid for five years. Then you can extend your residence permit, and you can do this as many times as you like. The document gives the right to use education and medicine.
Stateless persons can apply for pensions, benefits, and subsidies. In short, they can enjoy the same rights as Russian citizens, but with some restrictions.
Registration of a residence permit
To obtain a residence permit you will need a package of documents. The first thing to do is to register a TIN at the nearest tax office. An identification code is issued within five days after submitting an application from the applicant. You also need a certificate of income, which will confirm official employment. Or a bank statement stating that the applicant has a sufficient amount of money in his account, not lower than the subsistence level in force in the Russian Federation at the time of submitting the request. And most importantly, this is the original passport and its translation into Russian, certified by a notary. Photos (4 pcs.) and an application form in which all personal data and information about relatives will be indicated in detail. Certificate of medical examination. You must pay the state fee.
How to obtain residence permit documents
Registration of a residence permit is a multi-stage procedure that requires the applicant’s effort, time and certain knowledge. Only persons who have received a temporary residence permit can apply for a residence permit. For immigrants from certain CIS countries and some groups of migrants, a temporary residence permit is not a mandatory requirement. The following can apply for a residence permit using a simplified procedure:
- persons who previously renounced citizenship of the country;
- residents of Belarus;
- persons whose native language is Russian;
- highly qualified specialists and their immediate relatives;
- persons with political refugee status.
This is interesting: How to extend temporary registration at the place of stay for foreign citizens
At the second stage, the applicant collects the necessary papers and submits an application to the Department of Internal Affairs. The final step is to obtain a residence permit document (booklet).
What do different groups of migrants need to obtain a Russian residence permit? The list of documents differs slightly, the main ones include:
- an application form for a residence permit, filled out in any convenient way clearly, without any erasures (you can download the application form on the official government website, it is better to do this immediately before going to the Department of Internal Affairs);
- standard format photo 4 pcs.;
- passport (national or foreign, depending on the country of citizenship);
- a document confirming payment of the state fee for a residence permit;
- a copy of the temporary residence permit form (if necessary);
- financial papers confirming the presence of a bank deposit, funds sufficient to live in the Russian Federation (certificate from the tax office on income form No. 2, patent);
- certificate of health and absence of HIV infection;
- certificate confirming knowledge of the Russian language.
When applying for a residence permit, documents are written exclusively in the state language; if necessary, translation and apostille are affixed at the consulate.
A migrant receives a certificate of proficiency in Russian after a special exam, during which he must confirm his knowledge of the language, history and legislation of the Russian Federation. The following are exempt from it:
- highly qualified specialists;
- persons under 18 and over 60 years of age (women), or 65 (men);
- repatriation program participants;
- persons who received their education during the USSR;
- citizens with diplomas and certificates of education obtained in Russia;
- persons who have received native speaker status.
The certificate is valid for 5 years, the exam is paid.
The application for a residence permit with a package of documents is submitted by the applicant to the nearest branch of the Federal Migration Service. The period for consideration of the application is three months. The result can be obtained at the same branch of the migration service where the residence permit is issued.
Residents of CIS countries
Citizens of Belarus have the opportunity to contact the migration service directly after entering the Russian Federation and registering at their place of residence. A residence permit is issued according to a simplified procedure; prior receipt of a temporary residence permit is not required. It is mandatory to provide a certificate of income received and a bank statement of account balances. Belarusians have the right to work in Russia without official permission, so obtaining a residence permit is advisable only for the purpose of obtaining citizenship or family reunification.
Citizens of Ukraine and other CIS countries receive residence permits on a general basis. Representatives of these states can get an official job with the mandatory opening of a patent. Obtaining Russian citizenship becomes possible for them only after the mandatory procedure for obtaining a temporary residence permit and residence permit. The exception is Russian-speaking citizens taking part in the state repatriation program.
For foreigners
Migrants who do not have the right to a simplified procedure apply to the Federal Migration Service for a temporary residence permit. There are regions where you will need to initially obtain a quota for temporary residence permits. The list of documents for the migration service is supplemented by:
- a certificate from the place of temporary registration and a rental agreement (for persons living in the Russian Federation for less than 36 months, these documents may not be required);
- document on assignment of TIN.
This is interesting: If there is no registration in the passport, what is the fine?
The deadline for submitting the package is clearly regulated:
- they are applied for a residence permit six months before the expiration of the temporary residence permit;
- the deadline for submitting an application is no later than 30 months from the date of receipt of the temporary residence permit;
- renewal documents are submitted 60 days before the end of the validity period.
The Department of Internal Affairs reviews the documents for at least six months; the answer may be negative.
For children
Often a family applies for a residence permit. What documents are needed when applying for a residence permit for children? The list differs from the list of documents for adults. Parents of a minor should submit to the FMS:
- two copies of the application (child version);
- four photos of a standard sample;
- passport or birth document;
- certificate of health and absence of AIDS/HIV;
- consent of a teenager over 14 years of age to a residence permit;
- certificates of parents' income and account balances.
The representatives of the child upon reaching adulthood will be the parents (adoptive parents).
Refugee status
Now, due to the current situation, another pressing topic has appeared in the world and in our country - refugees. Many people who were forced, due to some circumstances, to leave their country and move to the Russian Federation for a long period of residence want to apply for a residence permit. What should you do first? First you need to apply for refugee status. This status gives a person the right to stay, live, and get a job on the territory of the Russian Federation. It is very important to know that upon receiving it, the passport of the country of which he is a citizen is confiscated. Therefore, he will need to use a certificate of consideration of the application or a refugee certificate as an identification document. The passport is returned if the status is cancelled. That is, he will not be able to leave Russia at his first desire.
What it is
A residence permit is a document confirming that a foreigner or a person who does not have any citizenship has the right to stay in the country for a certain period, cross its border in both directions without restrictions, work for hire without registering, or conduct business as an individual entrepreneur , vote in municipal elections, etc.
A residence permit in the Russian Federation for a foreign citizen will save you from many problems. Therefore, foreigners who want to stay in the country for a long time are interested in registering it.
Where to go to get refugee status
In order to obtain a refugee certificate or a certificate of consideration of an application for refugee recognition, you need to contact the Federal Migration Service. The applicant will be given a certificate stating that the application to recognize the person as a refugee has been accepted for a period of five calendar days. Next, you need to obtain a certificate of consideration of this application from the territorial bodies of the MS with this certificate. You can also submit a petition for payment of a one-time benefit and provision of a place in a temporary accommodation center. Such people are provided with housing for up to three months, and, if necessary, food and medical care. Next, you need to register with the local Federal Migration Service and undergo a medical examination. And the last thing is to receive refugee status or be denied it for some reason. If the decision is made in favor of the applicant, then he is issued a certificate.
Temporary asylum is provided by the Federal Migration Service for a period of one year. May be extended by decision of the migration service.
Residence permit in the Russian Federation
Most states provide two levels of legalization of residence. The first is a temporary residence permit. After receiving this status and living in the country for a certain time, it becomes possible to obtain a permanent residence permit.
In Russia, most foreigners have a similar two-step legalization procedure. But its first stage is called, and the second - the actual residence permit.
The law on obtaining a residence permit in Russia in 2021 has not undergone any fundamental changes.
Why do you need a residence permit?
The need for this status is determined by what a residence permit in Russia provides.
The advantages include the following:
- the right to stay in Russia for five years without leaving the country or to leave it and return as many times as desired;
- live in any region of the Russian Federation, and not just the one in which the document was issued;
- apply for a compulsory medical insurance policy even if you are unemployed.
And this is not a complete list of the advantages that a residence permit in the Russian Federation provides. The rights and obligations of the holder of this document are determined by the current legislation of the country.
It is important to note that for a foreigner legally residing in the Russian Federation, a residence permit replaces a passport. But in some cases, a foreign passport and its translation certified by a Russian notary or an employee of the Russian consulate abroad may be required.
No less important is the question of whether a residence permit in Russia gives the right to work. The answer here is clearly positive.
If you have a residence permit, no additional paperwork is required for employment.
Moreover, unlike a temporary residence permit, a residence permit is not limited only to the region where it was issued. The restrictions apply only to positions for which the law is closed to foreigners, regardless of their status in the Russian Federation.
What does it look like
Knowing what a residence permit looks like is necessary not only for foreigners who want to obtain it, but also for those who may be presented with this document. After all, for its holder, a residence permit is an identity document in the country.
Here are the basic information that the residence permit contains:
- series and number (you can use them to check its authenticity);
- last name, first name and – if available – patronymic of the owner;
- Date of Birth;
- date and place of issue of the document;
- information about registration at the place of residence, etc.
In general, the same set of data as in the passport.
Externally, the document is similar, but differs in the color of the cover: for a foreigner’s residence permit it is blue, for stateless persons it is green.
How does a residence permit differ from citizenship?
Despite the fact that a residence permit gives its owner quite a lot of advantages, he still has fewer rights than a citizen of the Russian Federation. Thus, a foreigner has the right at the place of registration, but cannot occupy an elected position in a government body.
Employment opportunities for a residence permit holder are also limited. The road is closed to him, for example, to positions in state and municipal authorities, law enforcement agencies (with the exception of contract service in the army), to any position that involves access to information that is classified by law as a state secret.
Being a member of the crew of a ship sailing under the Russian flag, performing as part of the national team, etc. - all this is not available to the holder of a residence permit, while citizenship is the only option for legal relations with the state that removes these restrictions.
The situation is similar for those who have a residence permit for a stateless person.