TRP and Residence Permit

TRP (temporary residence permit) and Residence Permit are documents that grant a foreign citizen the right to live in Russia for a long time. TRP — for 3 years, Residence Permit — for 5 years with extension.

This article explains what TRP and Residence Permit are, how they differ, how to obtain them, what documents are required, how much they cost, and what rights they grant.

Important: TRP and Residence Permit are not available to everyone. To obtain them, you need either a quota or a special ground (marriage to a Russian citizen, EAEU citizen, compatriot resettlement program, investment, etc.).

Difference between TRP and Residence Permit

Main difference: TRP is a temporary status for 3 years without extension. Residence Permit is permanent, extended automatically.

Who is eligible for TRP

TRP can be obtained:

• By quota — each region sets the number of quotas per year;
• Without quota — for special categories (see below).

Without quota, TRP is granted to:

• Spouses of Russian citizens — in case of marriage;
• Parents of Russian citizens or children who are Russian citizens;
• Minor children of Russian citizens;
• EAEU citizens (Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan);
• Participants of the compatriot resettlement program;
• Military servicemen — under contract;
• Investors — who invested in the Russian economy;
• Specialists — in demanded professions;
• Russians by birth — born in the RSFSR;
• Stateless persons who previously lived in Russia;
• Other categories.

Who is eligible for a Residence Permit

A Residence Permit can be obtained:

• Through TRP — after 1 year of living with TRP;
• By EAEU citizens — bypassing TRP;
• By marriage to a Russian citizen — if there is a common child or 3 years of marriage;
• Under the compatriot resettlement program;
• By investors — who invested from 15 million ₽ in the economy;
• By highly qualified specialists (HQS);
• By Russian language speakers — based on interview results;
• By able-bodied parents of Russian citizens;
• By persons born in the RSFSR who held USSR citizenship;
• By military servicemen who served 3 years under contract.

How to obtain TRP — step by step

Step 1. Check the ground

Determine on what ground you can obtain TRP — quota or without quota. If by quota — find out if it is available in your region.

Step 2. Collect documents

• Application for TRP (2 copies);
• Passport + notarized translation;
• Migration card;
• Certificate of no criminal record — from the country of citizenship;
• Certificate of income or a document confirming the ability to support yourself;
• Medical certificates — absence of HIV, infections, drug addiction;
• Certificate in Russian language, history and legislation;
• 4 photos 3.5×4.5 cm;
• Receipt for payment of the state fee.

Step 3. Submit documents

Documents are submitted to the MVD Migration Department at the intended place of residence. Submission — in person.

Step 4. Wait for the decision

Review period — up to 6 months. Sometimes — up to 2 months, if by marriage or EAEU.

Step 5. Receive TRP

After approval — come to the MVD department and receive the stamp in the passport or a separate document. TRP validity — 3 years.

How to obtain a Residence Permit — step by step

Step 1. Determine the ground

A Residence Permit is granted on various grounds. For EAEU citizens — a simplified procedure. For others — after TRP or on a special ground.

Step 2. Collect documents

• Application for Residence Permit (2 copies);
• Passport + notarized translation;
• TRP document — if obtaining through TRP;
• 4 photos 3.5×4.5 cm;
• Certificate of income — for the last year;
• Medical certificates — same as for TRP;
• Certificate in Russian language (if not submitted);
• Documents confirming the ground — marriage certificate, diploma, resettlement program;
• Receipt for payment of the state fee.

Step 3. Submit documents

Submitted to the MVD department at the place of residence (under TRP). Submission — in person.

Step 4. Wait for the decision

Review period — up to 6 months (for EAEU citizens — up to 3 months).

Step 5. Receive the Residence Permit

The Residence Permit is a separate document (booklet), validity — 5 years. Extended indefinitely.

How much do TRP and Residence Permit cost

Total for TRP: 10,000–15,000 ₽.

Total for Residence Permit: 12,000–20,000 ₽.

Rights granted by TRP and Residence Permit

TRP:

• Live in Russia for 3 years;
• Work — no patent required;
• Study at universities;
• Receive medical care under compulsory insurance;
• Open a business — with restrictions;
• Apply for citizenship after 1 year.

Residence Permit:

• Live in Russia indefinitely;
• Work without restrictions;
• Open a business and LLC;
• Receive compulsory insurance and social benefits;
• Exit and enter freely;
• Apply for Russian citizenship.

What happens if TRP or Residence Permit expires

TRP — not extended. If the term ends, you must leave Russia within 15 days. Otherwise — a fine and deportation.

Residence Permit — extended every 5 years. Documents must be submitted before the expiration. Delay — a fine and risk of cancellation.

If the Residence Permit is cancelled:

• Leave Russia within 15 days;
• Entry ban — up to 3 years;
• Re-obtaining — only through court or from scratch.

Common mistakes

Mistake 1. Did not check the ground

TRP and Residence Permit are not granted to everyone. If the ground does not fit — they will refuse. Check in advance.

Mistake 2. Incorrect documents

Errors in the application, invalid certificates, missing notarized translation — refusal.

Mistake 3. Did not take the exam

Without a Russian language certificate — refusal. Take it in advance.

Mistake 4. Delayed TRP

TRP is not extended. Delay — exit and entry ban.

Mistake 5. Did not extend the Residence Permit

The Residence Permit is extended every 5 years. If not extended — cancelled.

FAQ

Can TRP be obtained without a quota?

Yes, for certain categories — spouses of Russian citizens, EAEU citizens, participants of the resettlement program, investors.

How long after TRP can a Residence Permit be obtained?

After 1 year of living with TRP.

Can a Residence Permit be obtained without TRP?

Yes — for EAEU citizens, under the resettlement program, by marriage, HQS, investors.

How long is TRP valid?

3 years. Not extended.

How long is the Residence Permit valid?

5 years. Extended every 5 years.

Is a patent required with TRP or Residence Permit?

No. TRP and Residence Permit give the right to work without a patent.

Can I leave Russia with TRP?

Yes, but no more than 6 months per year. Otherwise — cancellation.

Summary: what to do

1. Determine the ground — quota, marriage, EAEU, program;
2. Collect documents — passport, certificates, photos, receipts;
3. Take the exam in Russian;
4. Pass the medical examination;
5. Submit to the MVD — in person;
6. Wait for the decision — up to 6 months;
7. Receive TRP or Residence Permit;
8. Observe the deadlines — do not leave for more than 6 months.

If you received a refusal, delayed the document or faced difficulties — consult a migration lawyer. Initial consultation is free.