From age 14, with one of the following identity documents:
- Foreign passport (with notarized translation).
- Residence permit.
- Refugee certificate.
- Certificate of temporary asylum.
- Temporary residence permit.
Insights
Starting January 1, 2025, new regulations in Russia will change the process of obtaining and using SIM cards for foreign nationals.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to register a SIM card, the necessary documents, and where to obtain required services.
By following these guidelines, foreign residents can ensure seamless access to mobile communication services in compliance with the latest legal requirements. Here are the main steps in short:
Now let’s look at each step closer …
Identity Document
Notarized Translation of a Foreign Passport
SNILS (Individual Insurance Account Number)
Verified Gosuslugi Account
Verified Biometric Data
IMEI – Your Device’s Identification Number
Now let’s look at each step closer …
Before registering a SIM card in Russia as a foreign national, you must gather specific documents and details. These requirements ensure compliance with regulations and facilitate a smooth registration process.
This step outlines the essential documents, including an accessible email address, an identity document, a notarized translation of a foreign passport, and a verified Gosuslugi account. Additionally, it explains how to register biometric data and locate your device’s IMEI number. By preparing in advance, you can complete the registration process efficiently and avoid delays.
Make sure you have access to your email. If you don’t have one, create it.
For foreign citizens:
• Passport of a foreign national
For stateless persons:
• Residence permit
• Refugee certificate
• Certificate of temporary asylum in Russia
• Temporary residence permit
To obtain a notarized translation, you can:
• Visit a notary: Have the translation done by a recommended translator and get it notarized.
• Go to a translation bureau.
If you don’t have one, apply at the
Social Fund (SFR)
, an
MFC office
, or through your employer:
• Bring your passport and a notarized translation in Russian (if applicable).
• Provide an email address that you can access.
! The document is usually issued immediately, but in rare cases, it may take up to five working days
If you don’t have an account, you’ll need:
• Passport and a notarized translation in Russian (if applicable).
SNILS.
• Email address that you can access.
Depending on whether you have a Russian phone number and a bank account:
• No phone number or bank account: Visit an MFC office or a bank in person with your documents.
• With a Russian phone number and a bank account: Register online via the
Gosuslugi portal
or app. Select “Online via Internet Banking” and follow the instructions.
To register your biometrics in the Unified Biometric System (EBS), you’ll need:
• Passport and notarized translation in Russian (if applicable).
• SNILS.
• Verified Gosuslugi account.
• Email address registered with
Gosuslugi
.
If you don’t have a Gosuslugi account, the bank employee will create one during biometric registration.
1. Visit a
bank branch
.
2. Provide your documents.
3. Follow the staff’s instructions: look into the camera and say a sequence of numbers.
Your biometric data will be registered immediately. You can check the status in:
• Your
Gosuslugi account
.
• The “Gosuslugi Biometry” app.
• The
EBS portal
.
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code assigned to every device with a SIM card.
• On the back of the phone’s packaging.
• By dialing *#06# (displays IMEI on-screen).
• In the device settings under “About Phone.”
• On the device body (SIM tray or under the battery).
• In the phone’s documentation.
If you can’t find your IMEI, a mobile operator employee can help.
Before registering a new SIM card, ensure you have fewer than 10 active SIM cards. Check this at mobile operator offices.
If you already have 10 active SIM cards, you must terminate an existing contract before registering a new one. Visit a mobile operator’s office with your documents.
Any SIM cards not registered to you that you wish to keep using must be re-registered at a mobile operator’s office before July 1, 2025, or they will stop working.
To register a new or re-register an existing SIM card, visit a mobile operator’s office with:
The employee will draft a contract—review and sign it. Activate your SIM card in the operator’s office or on Gosuslugi.
SNILS (Individual Insurance Account Number) is …
To get SNILS as a foreigner or stateless person, you need an identity document. If you have a foreign passport, a notarized translation in Russian is also required. Apply at an MFC, SFR office, or through your employer.
SNILS is usually issued immediately but may take up to five working days in some cases.
To continue using your registered SIM card, re-register it before July 1, 2025. Otherwise, it will stop working.
How to Re-Register a SIM Card:1. Visit your mobile operator’s office with:
From age 14, with one of the following identity documents:
Only in Russia — visit a notary or translation bureau. It is required for SNILS, Gosuslugi registration, biometric registration, and signing a mobile contract.
Take the first step, ask for more information today!
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