Russia hikes migrant fees by over 1,000% while shielding military recruits
The Russian government has proposed sharp increases in state fees for migrants seeking citizenship, residency, or education permits. The changes would raise costs significantly, with some fees climbing by over 1,000%. At the same time, new laws now protect foreign nationals who have served in the Russian military from deportation or extradition. Under the proposed changes, the fee for a permanent residence permit would rise from 6,000 rubles to 30,000 rubles. Temporary residence permits would see an even steeper jump, from 1,900 rubles to 15,000 rubles. Foreigners entering Russia for education would pay 8,000 rubles instead of the current 1,900 rubles, while multiple border crossings would cost 6,000 rubles, up from 1,900 rubles. The most significant increase applies to citizenship applications, where the fee would surge from 4,200 rubles to 50,000 rubles.
Not everyone will face these higher costs. Exemptions would apply to stateless persons who were former Soviet citizens. Participants in the state program for the voluntary resettlement of compatriots abroad, along with their family members, would also avoid the fees. Additionally, those signing a contract with the Defense Ministry for at least one year of military service during the special military operation—and their families—would be exempt from citizenship and residence permit charges. Separately, President Vladimir Putin recently signed two laws affecting foreign nationals in the military. The first bans the deportation of foreigners who have served in the Russian Armed Forces. The second prevents the extradition of foreign citizens or stateless persons for criminal prosecution or imprisonment if they have served or are currently serving under contract in the Russian army or other military formations.
The new fee structure would make residency and citizenship far more expensive for most migrants. However, exemptions remain for specific groups, including military personnel and former Soviet citizens. The laws also ensure legal protections for foreign nationals who have served in Russia’s armed forces.
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