We direct your attention to a law that significantly affects migration registration of foreign citizens and which was approved by the Federation Council (Upper House of the Federal Assembly of Russia) on June 20, 2018 and forwarded to the RF President for signing and publication.

Migration registration of foreign citizens was introduced in Russia in 2007. Migration registration has allowed companies to indicate their office address as the place of stay of their foreign employees and foreign guests. Most companies preferred to register their foreign employees and foreign guests, rather than expect the registration to be done through the owners of the apartments where the foreigners reside.

However, the law (read more) removes the ability of companies to provide migration registration for their foreign employees and foreign guests, except in cases where such foreigners actually reside in the company's premises.

The other rules remain the same, meaning that registration can still be obtained through a hotel (if staying at a hotel) OR though the owners of rented apartments. Foreign employees working as highly qualified specialists who own apartments will be required to register themselves (as well as to register family members who are foreign citizens).

Although the law still has to be signed by the RF President, if it is adopted employers will no longer be able to register foreign employees with their accompanying family members and other foreign guests (unless employers provide accommodation for foreigners on the premises of the company). Foreign employees, accompanying family members and foreign guests will need to be registered at their actual place of residence only.

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