A Russian Green Card, also known as a fingerprint card, is a required document issued to foreign citizens who enter Russia to stay over 90 days (for non-work-related purposes) and over 30 days (for work related purposes). In order to the green card foreigners undergo two key procedures:

1. Fingerprint registration
2. Photographing

Additionally, to the green card, foreign citizens within the mentioned time frames, are obliged to undergo a medical examination and provide Ministry of Internal Affairs with medical documents confirming that they have not used narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, new potentially dangerous psychoactive substances, do not have infectious diseases or HIV infection.

How to Obtain a Russian Green Card

Foreign citizens must apply for a green card through the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD):

• migration units of the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia
• subordinate enterprise (FSUE “PVS” of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia)
• representative offices of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia abroad

The following documents are required:

• Foreign passport
• Notarized translation of the passport

Not listed as obligatory, but may be asked to be provided:

• Migration card
• Migration registration in Russia

In practice, in Moscow, in order to undergo the fingerprinting procedure, it is required also to have the above-mentioned medical documents in hand. The medical documents are issued within 5 working days, and the fingerprint card takes 3 days.

Once the documents are submitted, the applicant will undergo fingerprinting and photographing. The document confirming the passage of fingerprint registration and photographing is issued on the same day. If the procedure passes abroad- on the day of applying to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia or the migration department of the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia after arrival on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Types of Russian Green Cards

There are two types of green cards issued:

1. Regular plastic green card (a laminated card with photo, passport details, date of birth, citizenship, issuing date and place)
2. Chipped green cards – These contain an embedded chip that stores the individual’s data both in the Ministry of Internal Affairs system and on the card itself.

Who Needs a Russian Green Card in 2025?

Most foreign citizens staying in Russia for an extended period require a fingerprint card. However, the following categories are exempt:

• Citizens of Belarus
• Children under 6 years old
• Foreigners staying in Russia for less than 90 days (except those entering for work)
• Diplomats, employees of diplomatic missions and their family members

Foreigners who have previously undergone the fingerprint procedure when obtaining a patent/ temporary residence permit are exempt from fulfilling this obligation. They can apply to the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia at their actual location to obtain a document confirming the passage of mandatory state fingerprint registration and photographing.

Employer’s Responsibilities in Checking a Green Card

While the green card is not a mandatory document for employment, it is crucial for a foreigner’s legal stay in Russia. The absence of a green card is considered a violation under Article 18.8 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.

Why Employers Should Verify Green Cards

• Lack of a green card violates migration laws, leading to administrative penalties.
• Two violations may result in a ban on entry for the foreign worker.
• While not always required for employment, it is best practice for employers to ask all foreign employees for their green card.

What If a Foreigner Loses Their Green Card?

In case of loss, foreigners can easily restore the green card at the same authority that issued it.

Our contacts

info@awaragroup.com

+7 495 225-30-38 Moscow
+7 812 244-75-49 Saint Petersburg
+7 495 225-30-38 Tver