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Key steps, required documents, and services for getting a SIM card in Russia

2025

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SIM Cards for Foreigners: Get a SIM Card to Stay Connected

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:

Prepare the Necessary Documents and Information

Email Address 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

Check the Number of Active SIM Cards

Sign a Contract with a Mobile Operator

Activate Your SIM Card

Now let’s look at each step closer …

Starting January 1, 2025

Biometric verification will be required for registration.

Before July 1, 2025

Previously purchased SIM cards must be re-registered.

Up to 10 SIM Cards

Can be registered to one person.

In-Person Only

SIM card registration cannot be done remotely.

STEP 1: Prepare the Necessary Documents and Information

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.

Email Address

Make sure you have access to your email. If you don’t have one, create it.

Identity Document

For foreign citizens:
• Passport of a foreign national

For stateless persons:
• Residence permit
• Refugee certificate
• Certificate of temporary asylum in Russia
• Temporary residence permit

Notarized Translation of a Foreign Passport

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.

SNILS (Individual Insurance Account Number)

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

Verified Gosuslugi Account

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.

How to Register a Verified Account
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.

Verified Biometric Data

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.

Steps to Register Biometric
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 – Your Device’s Identification Number

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code assigned to every device with a SIM card.

How to Find IMEI:
• 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.

STEP 2: Check the Number of Active SIM Cards

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.

STEP 3: Sign a Contract with a Mobile Operator

To register a new or re-register an existing SIM card, visit a mobile operator’s office with:

Passport and notarized translation (if applicable).
SNILS.
Verified Gosuslugi account.
Verified biometric data.
Email address you can access.
IMEI of the device where you will use the SIM card.

The employee will draft a contract—review and sign it. Activate your SIM card in the operator’s office or on Gosuslugi.

STEP 4: Activate Your SIM Card

You can activate it independently on Gosuslugi. If you have difficulties, the operator’s employee will assist you.

Activate

Where to Obtain Required Documents and Services

Notaries

Get a notarized translation of your passport.

Book an appointment →

SFR Offices

Obtain SNILS.

Choose an office ment →

Banks

• Verify your Gosuslugi account.
• Register biometric data.

Choose a bank →

MFC Offices

• Create a Gosuslugi account.
• Obtain SNILS.

Choose an office →

Frequently Asked Questions

SNILS (Individual Insurance Account Number) is …

A unique 11-digit number assigned by the Social Fund (SFR).
It remains unchanged even if documents are lost or your name changes.
It is used for pension contributions and registration on Gosuslugi and government websites.
SNILS is a digital document with no physical version—you only need to know the number.

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:

Identity document.
SNILS.
Verified biometric data.
Verified Gosuslugi account.
IMEI of your device.

2. Provide your identity document and IMEI. If you have a foreign passport, a notarized Russian translation is required.
3. Confirm your identity via biometrics. Look into the camera as instructed by the employee or use the Gosuslugi app.
4. Sign a new contract.

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.

Only in Russia—visit a notary or translation bureau. It is required for SNILS, Gosuslugi registration, biometric registration, and signing a mobile contract. Book a meeting with notary →

To register on Gosuslugi without a phone number, you will need an email address that you have access to.
Registration is available with Russian or foreign phone numbers on email services like “Yandex,” Mail, and VK Mail.

This insight is written by our expert