The Law “On Communications” has been amended to include additional requirements for the registration and use of SIM cards by foreign citizens. As of 2025, biometric confirmation is required for issuing SIM cards, and a foreign citizen can only conclude a contract for the provision of communication services in person at a communication salon. To conclude a contract, you need a SNILS, a Public Service account, and proof of identity using biometrics registered in the Unified Biometric System. A maximum of 10 numbers can now be assigned per person.

At the same time, existing SIM cards for foreign citizens must be reissued before July 1, 2025. If more than 10 SIM cards were issued earlier, then the “extra” communication contracts must also be terminated before July 1, 2025. If these requirements are not met, the telecom operator stops providing services.

To be issued a new or reissue an old SIM card, you must
1) have a verified Public Services account with biometrics
2) contact the mobile operator’s office and provide: ·
— passport and its notarized translation into Russian; ·
— SNILS; ·
— The IMEI of the device in which the SIM card will be used (a unique number that is assigned to each device with a SIM card and consists of 15 characters).

In addition, the State Duma has submitted to the Federation Council for consideration a draft law “On the creation of state information systems to combat offenses (crimes) committed using information and telecommunications technologies and on amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation.”

In order to combat fraud, a State information system is being created to counteract offenses committed using information and communication technologies. The bill also introduces a number of amendments to the Law on Communications:

• Mass and/or automated telephone calls may be made only if the subscriber’s prior consent is obtained. The subscriber can refuse mass calls by sending a refusal to the telecom operator;
• Transfer of a subscriber number to other persons (except family members) is not allowed. The subscriber is responsible for any misuse of his number;
• Company phone calls must be indicated by the operator so that the user can see on a smartphone screen which company is calling, and if desired, prohibit such calls and complain to the operator.

It is planned that the requirements regarding the labeling of calls will enter into force on September 1, 2025, but many operators are already meeting these requirements.

Our contacts

info@awaragroup.com

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