In this material, we will present useful and relevant information that will help migrants avoid difficulties and adapt more quickly in a new country.
1. Preparation before departure: check documents and restrictions
Before heading to Russia, it is important to:
— ensure there is no entry ban. To avoid refusal from Russian authorities, it is advisable to check information about grounds for refusal through the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation service two months before the trip;
— familiarize yourself with the new rules for entry, migration registration, and employment;
— carry a valid passport (foreign or ID card).
Important! From January 1, 2025, Kyrgyz citizens entering without a visa can stay in Russia for no more than 90 days per year (unless there are grounds for extension).
To extend the stay, working Kyrgyz citizens in Russia under the EAEU must apply to the migration department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia with a statement and a copy of the employment contract.
2. Crossing the border: migration card — a key document
When entering Russia, it is extremely important to fill out the migration card correctly, especially indicating the purpose of the visit.
If a Kyrgyz citizen arrives in Russia for work, the purpose of entry must be indicated as "work," as it will be impossible to change it without leaving.
The loss of the migration card may result in a fine and deportation, so it should be kept together with the passport.
3. Medical examination, fingerprinting, and photographing: requirements
Since December 29, 2021, citizens arriving in Russia for labor activities without a visa are required to undergo a medical examination, as well as fingerprint registration and photographing within 30 days.
Foreigners arriving in Russia for more than 90 days and not for work must also undergo fingerprint registration and medical examination within 90 days after entry.
If the specified procedures are not completed, the stay of foreigners in Russia will be shortened.
Children under six years old are exempt from these procedures. After completing all stages, a "Foreign Citizen Card" is issued — an important document for confirming legal status in Russia.
4. Migration registration: registration
Kyrgyz citizens are not required to register with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia within 30 days after entry.
If a Kyrgyz citizen stays in Russia for more than 30 days, they are obliged to register with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Registration for workers and their family members is carried out for the duration of the employment or civil law contract with the employer.
Registration for citizens arriving for other reasons is carried out for no more than 90 days from the date of entry.
All registration actions are performed by the receiving party, which can be either Russian citizens or foreigners, as well as legal entities providing housing for migrants.
The foreign citizen must present the receiving party with their passport and migration card, which cannot be confiscated. There is no state fee for registration.
The receiving party fills out a notification of the foreigner's arrival and submits it to the migration department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The notification can also be submitted through the Unified State Services Portal (www.gosuslugi.ru).
During the validity of the contract, the worker and their family members can freely leave and return to the country, but the registration procedure must be repeated with each entry.
5. Employment: the importance of the employment contract
The rights and obligations of workers from EAEU countries are outlined in Articles 96-98 of the EAEU Treaty dated May 29, 2014, and the Protocol on Medical Assistance to Workers.
When employed, it is not necessary to take exams in the Russian language, history, or law, nor to obtain patents or work permits.
Kyrgyz citizens can engage in professional activities in Russia according to their qualifications, except for certain professions that require nostrification of educational documents.
Work experience is counted for social security purposes, except for pensions, according to the legislation of the country of employment.
Work must be performed based on a written employment contract.
The contract is drawn up in two copies, one of which remains with the employee, and the other with the employer. The employee must confirm receipt of their copy with a signature.
In case of non-payment of wages, Kyrgyz citizens can contact the consular department of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Russia or the judicial authorities.
If the employment contract is terminated, a Kyrgyz citizen has the right to conclude a new contract within 15 days without leaving the country.
6. Free medical assistance under the compulsory health insurance policy
Kyrgyz citizens working in Russia have the right to free medical services under the compulsory health insurance (CHI) policy.
Since December 27, 2016, an order from the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation has been in effect, establishing that workers from EAEU countries can obtain a CHI policy.
The policy can be obtained from an insurance company participating in the CHI program, covering emergency and planned medical assistance.
To obtain the policy, it is sufficient to contact one of the insurance companies participating in the program.
7. Protection of workers' rights
Kyrgyz citizens can appeal to courts, the prosecutor's office, and the labor inspectorate in Russia.
In case of labor disputes, one can contact:
— the consular department of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Moscow;
— directly to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, court, or prosecutor's office.
The Employment Center for Citizens Abroad under the Ministry of Labor of the Kyrgyz Republic informs about important changes in migration procedures.
8. Innovations: the "Amina" app for migration control
From September 2025, migrants in Moscow must install the "Amina" app.
This app is designed for remote accounting of migrants, ensuring automatic data transmission about location to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
In case of discrepancies with the specified address, a violation is recorded.
How to use the "Amina" app
Before starting to use the app, the migrant must undergo procedures at the MMC "Sakharovo," receive a "Foreign Citizen Card," and authorize in the app.
"Amina" simplifies migration procedures for conscientious citizens but also serves as a control tool.
Violating the usage rules may lead to fines or expulsion.
From September 1, 2026, this requirement will apply to foreigners entering without a visa for more than 90 days.
The app will automatically transmit data to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia to strengthen control over migration legislation.
The official "Amina" app can only be downloaded through the Russian app store RuStore.
Useful contacts
Employment Center for Citizens Abroad (Kyrgyzstan):
City of Bishkek, Toktogul St., 237
City of Osh, Kurmandjan Datka St., 128
+996559189900
www.migrant.kg
Representation of the Ministry of Labor of the Kyrgyz Republic in Russia: City of Moscow, Malaya Polyanka St., 7, building 5
+74951977671, WhatsApp: +79250302627 [email protected]
Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Russia: City of Moscow, Bolshaya Ordynka St., 64
+74992376565, hotline: +79251155047, [email protected]
Clarifications from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation reminds the necessity to comply with migration legislation:
— timely undergo fingerprinting, photographing, and medical examination;
— comply with the rules of migration registration and residence;
— do not acquire counterfeit documents;
— contact only official bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation;
— respect the laws and traditions of the Russian Federation.
According to the Ministry of Labor of the Kyrgyz Republic, about 380 thousand Kyrgyz citizens are registered for migration.
As of September 10, 91 thousand Kyrgyz citizens remain on the blacklist, and 75 thousand are in the registry of controlled persons.
Russia is not only an opportunity to earn money but also a necessity to comply with the laws. Attention and adherence to the rules will help you feel safe in a new place.
The second part of the material will consider the cultural aspect of migrants' adaptation in Russia.
