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Settling In

Russia Post-Arrival Guide 2026-27

What to do after you land in Russia: register your address, do your medical check, open a bank account and keep your visa valid.

Welcome • Russia

Russia Post-Arrival Guide 2026-27

Arrival Plan

First day to first month

Address Registration

Registering your address

Visa Renewal and Residence Permit (RVPO)

Staying legal

Your First Steps in Russia

Three things to finish in your first weeks.

Address registration

Your dormitory or landlord registers your address (tells the government where you live) within 7 working days. Keep the stamped slip.

Medical check and fingerprints

Medical check within 30 calendar days after you enter Russia. Fingerprints and photo once, at the migration office.

Bank account

Banks ask for your passport, migration card and registration slip.

Post-Arrival Resources

Comprehensive guides for each aspect of settling into your new life in Russia.

Arrival Plan
First day to first month

What to do on your first day and first weeks.

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Address Registration
Registering your address

Who registers you and the 7 working day limit.

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Visa Renewal and Residence Permit (RVPO)
Staying legal

Your yearly visa and the optional temporary residence permit for education (RVPO).

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Bank and SIM
Money and phone

Open an account and get a phone number.

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University Enrolment
Starting your course

What happens at your university.

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Adaptation Timeline

A structured approach to settling in Russia during your first few months.

First Days
Day 1
Arrive and report.
Fill in a migration card (the entry form) at the border. In the box for the aim of your visit, write STUDIES.
Tell your university the same day.
First Weeks
Days 1 to 30
Papers, phone and money.
Your address is registered within 7 working days after you arrive.
Buy a SIM card and open a bank account.
Get your student card for student transport fares.
First Months
Month 1 onward
Medical check, fingerprints and visa renewal.
Medical check within 30 calendar days after you enter Russia.
Fingerprints and photo.
Your university applies for your multiple-entry study visa (a visa you can use for many trips, for up to 1 year).
Support Services

Support Resources

Essential support services and resources to help you during your stay in Russia.

International office

Your first stop for address registration, the medical check and visa renewal.

Emergency number 112

Fire, police and ambulance. Free. In Moscow the ambulance has an English-speaking operator.

Contact

112

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about post-arrival life in Russia.

Ready for Your First Weeks in Russia?

Read the arrival plan, or talk to us if you need help.

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Complete Guide to Russia

Explore all aspects of studying in Russia with our comprehensive guides

Post-Arrival - Detailed Guides

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Need Assistance?

Need Help Settling In Russia?

Qogent is with you even after you land in Russia, offering post-arrival assistance and guidance.

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