Irregular Migration Status in Russia After the 2025 Deadlines. What Foreigners Should Do Now

Advocate Sergey Nazarov, register No. 47/2562 · updated 20.10.2026

Short answer

Presidential Decree No. 1126 of 30 December 2024 allowed certain foreign citizens to regularise their legal status in Russia by 30 April 2025; Decree No. 272 of 28 April 2025 extended the deadline to 10 September 2025. Both deadlines have now passed. Since 5 February 2025 Russia has applied a special expulsion regime and maintains a registry of controlled persons — foreigners who stay in the country without legal grounds. Persons on the registry face significant restrictions and must leave Russia. If your status is irregular, do not ignore it: check whether you are on the registry, find out whether you have lawful grounds to stay — work, study, family, protection — and get legal advice before visiting the migration authorities.

Your situation and options

Fines and expulsion

Breach of the rules of stay is an administrative offence under Article 18.8 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offences. In St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region the penalty is higher than in most regions and is accompanied by administrative expulsion from Russia. After expulsion or deportation, entry to Russia is usually banned for several years.

Practical steps

1. Check your status on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, including the registry of controlled persons.
2. Collect documents: passport, migration card, registration, patent or permits, marriage and birth certificates.
3. Get advice before contacting the authorities — the right order of actions often determines the result.
4. If proceedings have started, you are entitled to an interpreter and a lawyer; do not sign documents you do not understand.

Applying for a residence permit — our step-by-step guide; other typical problems — migration issues in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region.

When you need a lawyer

• You are on the registry of controlled persons or have received an expulsion decision.
• You have family ties in Russia and want to keep them protected.
• You need to appeal a decision of the migration authorities.

Advocate Sergey Nazarov (Leningrad Region Bar, register No. 47/2562) advises foreign citizens on Russian migration law in Gatchina, St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region — migration law services, contacts.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 30 April 2025 deadline still valid?

No. It was extended to 10 September 2025, and that deadline has also passed.

What is the registry of controlled persons?

A registry of foreigners staying in Russia without legal grounds; inclusion entails restrictions and the obligation to leave.

Can a decision on expulsion be appealed?

Yes, in court within a short statutory time limit.

Do I have the right to an interpreter?

Yes, in administrative and court proceedings.