The Russian Interior Ministry has issued a warning to foreign nationals regarding the misconception that they can renew their migration status and extend their stay in Russia by simply leaving and re-entering the country. According to the Interior Ministry’s Migration Department, this belief is incorrect.
The Ministry reminded that the maximum allowed stay for citizens of visa-free countries, who do not have grounds for extending their stay, is 90 days within a calendar year. Foreigners who violate this rule risk being added to Russia’s Controlled Persons Register (RKL), a list of individuals who are under special supervision.
The interior ministry also clarified that migrants are considered informed about being added to the RKL as soon as the information is posted on the Ministry’s official website.
“The foreign citizen is considered notified about their inclusion in the register from the moment this information is published on the official MVD website,” the Migration Department stated.
The Controlled Persons Register was introduced in Russia on February 5, 2025. It includes foreign nationals and stateless individuals who do not have legal grounds for staying in the country.
Migrants listed in the register face a series of restrictions, such as a ban on using bank cards, driving vehicles, registering marriages or divorces, enrolling children in schools or daycare, and other limitations.
