Do you have a number of questions about getting temporary residence in Russia (RVP) by marriage in 2025? Do you need assistance in obtaining a RVP by marriage with a Russian citizen? We will provide full support and preparation of documents for obtaining a RVP for marriage with Russian citizen in Moscow and the Moscow region (MO).
Obtaining a residence permit by marriage underwent a number of changes in 2025, adding certain difficulties for foreigners wishing to reside in Russia.
It is now possible to obtain a residence permit by marriage only after continuous cohabitation for 3 years, and only after that the law allows to apply for temporary residence.
If you compare all the processes of legalization of a foreign citizen in 2025 among themselves, then getting married to a citizen of the Russian Federation is not a quick solution to obtain Russian citizenship, provided that there are no other accompanying factors. Obtaining a residence permit by marriage is the first step in obtaining citizenship in Russia. This procedure now does not belong to the category of simplified acquisition of Russian citizenship, respectively, a foreigner can become a citizen by obtaining citizenship in the general order.
Terms of obtaining the RVP by marriage in 2025
According to this year's new rules, it is only possible to apply for a temporary residence permit after three years of marriage. From the moment the documents are submitted to obtain a residence permit through marriage, it takes between 2 and 4 months to receive the permit, depending on the applicant's citizenship. CIS citizens who receive a residence permit through marriage are usually considered within 1.5-3 months. Non-CIS citizens applying for a residence permit through marriage — that is, citizens who require a visa to enter the Russian Federation — are usually considered within 4 months, but by law this process can take up to 6 months.
Documents for obtaining a RVP by marriage
To begin a process for obtaining RVP, a foreign citizen must collect all necessary documents and enter into a legal marriage with a citizen of the Russian Federation. Marriage can be made in Russia or abroad. But it should be kept in mind that not every civil registry office is engaged in the registration of marriages with foreign citizens. For example, there are only two civil registries in Moscow, where by appointment you can conclude a union with a foreign citizen. To obtain the RVP by marriage, the main document to submit documents will be Marriage Certificate, issued in Russia or abroad. Documents issued abroad must be translated into Russian and certified by a notary; in some cases, it must be apostilled.
Under international law, in order to marry a foreign citizen, a foreigner must provide a certificate of marital status from his home country, which proves that he is not currently married in his home country. The list of other documents is completely similar to the documents for obtaining RVP on other grounds.
Where can I submit documents for obtaining a RVP by marriage?
A foreign national can submit documents for Temporary permit in Russia (RVP) by marriage at the specially authorized migration department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs by the place of his registration. In Moscow it is Multifunctional Migration Center Sakharovo. In Moscow region this is done by district departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Before submitting documents, a foreign citizen must stand in line and receive an appointment to Migration Department of Ministry of Internal Affairs. On the appointed day it will be necessary to appear on submission of documents.
Additional information for those who apply for RVP by marriage
Obtaining RVP by marriage is a complex and time-consuming process of collecting and submitting documents. Our lawyers are ready to take most of the work, and make the process of obtaining RVP by marriage easy and enjoyable.
Make an appointment for consultation +7 495 9723011 and come to our office.
