Fines for Foreigners in Russia: Full Breakdown by Administrative Code Articles
Violation of migration laws is one of the most common problems for foreign citizens in Russia. Even a small delay in documents or a minor error in paperwork can lead to a fine, and in serious cases, deportation from the country and a ban on entry for 5–10 years. In this article, we examine all the main fines, their amounts, and ways to avoid problems.
Main Fines According to the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation
Violation of Stay Regime (Art. 18.8 of the Administrative Code)
The most common article for migrants. It includes:
- living without migration registration or with expired registration;
- non-compliance with the declared purpose of entry;
- violation of transit travel rules;
- loss of documents without timely contact with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
| Region | Fine | Additionally |
|---|---|---|
| All of Russia (except Moscow, MO, SPB, LO) | 2,000 – 5,000 ₽ | Possible deportation |
| Moscow and Moscow Region | 5,000 – 7,000 ₽ | Deportation mandatory |
| Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Region | 5,000 – 7,000 ₽ | Deportation mandatory |
For repeated violations within a year, the fine increases to 7,000 – 10,000 ₽ with mandatory deportation from Russia.
Illegal Employment (Art. 18.10 of the Administrative Code)
Working without a patent , with an expired patent, or working in a region other than the one where the patent was issued:
| Region | Fine | Additionally |
|---|---|---|
| All of Russia (except Moscow, MO, SPB, LO) | 2,000 – 5,000 ₽ | Possible deportation |
| Moscow, MO, SPB, LO | 5,000 – 7,000 ₽ | Deportation mandatory |
Repeated violation — up to 10,000 ₽ with mandatory deportation.
The employer also faces a fine under Art. 18.15 of the Administrative Code: from 250,000 to 800,000 ₽ for each illegally employed foreign worker. In Moscow, MO, SPB, and LO — from 400,000 to 1,000,000 ₽.
Violation of Exit Deadlines (Art. 18.8 Part 1.1 of the Administrative Code)
If a foreigner did not leave Russia within the established period (for example, after the expiration of the stay period on the migration card):
- fine 2,000 – 5,000 ₽ with deportation;
- in Moscow, MO, SPB, LO — 5,000 – 7,000 ₽ with mandatory deportation;
- automatic inclusion in the register of controlled persons and entry ban.
Violations by the Host Party (Art. 18.9 of the Administrative Code)
If the employer or landlord did not register the foreigner for migration:
- individuals — 2,000 – 4,000 ₽;
- officials — 40,000 – 50,000 ₽;
- legal entities — 400,000 – 500,000 ₽.
Fake Registration (Art. 322.2, 322.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation)
This is no longer an administrative but a criminal offense. Fake registration at the place of residence or migration registration at an address where the foreigner does not actually reside:
- fine from 100,000 to 500,000 ₽;
- compulsory labor up to 3 years;
- imprisonment up to 3 years.
Both the person who arranged the fake registration and the foreigner who used it are held responsible.
Consequences Beyond Fines
A fine is not the only punishment. Depending on the severity of the violation, the following may occur:
- Administrative deportation — forced departure at the expense of the state or independently. Before deportation, the foreigner may be placed in a special temporary detention facility.
- Entry ban — for 3, 5, or 10 years depending on the violation. You can check for a ban on the Ministry of Internal Affairs website.
- Inclusion in the register of controlled persons — since 2025, data on violators is entered into a unified register. How to check if you are in the register .
- Deportation regime — restriction of rights until actual departure: you cannot open an account, buy real estate, or register a marriage.
Increased Fines in Moscow and Saint Petersburg
Legislation sets increased fine amounts for four regions:
- Moscow
- Moscow Region
- Saint Petersburg
- Leningrad Region
In all these regions, the minimum fine for migration articles starts from 5,000 ₽ (instead of 2,000 ₽ in the rest of Russia), and deportation is mandatory. This is due to the high concentration of labor migrants in these regions.
How to Avoid Fines
Keep track of deadlines. Maintain a calendar: when registration, patent, migration card expire. Start renewal at least 2 weeks before expiration.
Work only with a valid patent. The patent must be paid on time — a delay in paying personal income tax even for 1 day cancels the patent. More details — in the patent guide .
Work only in the region specified in the patent. If the patent is issued for Moscow, you cannot work in the Moscow Region with it — these are different subjects.
Check registration. Make sure the host party has indeed registered you for migration. Request a copy of the notification with the Ministry of Internal Affairs stamp.
Do not use fake registration. This is a criminal offense. Even if a “middleman” offers quick processing for money — it can lead to a criminal record.
Keep all documents with you. When checked by the police, you must present your passport, migration card, registration notification, and patent (if working). Lack of documents is grounds for detention.
In case of document loss — immediately contact the police and Ministry of Internal Affairs . Timely contact will protect you from a fine.
What to Do if You Are Fined
If you receive a fine order:
- Pay within 60 days. Non-payment of the fine is a separate violation (Art. 20.25 of the Administrative Code), which doubles the amount.
- Keep the payment receipt. It may be needed when applying for a patent, temporary residence permit, or residence permit .
- If you disagree — appeal. You have 10 days from the receipt of the order to appeal. The appeal is submitted to a higher authority of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or to the court.
- If deportation is ordered — be sure to contact a migration lawyer. Judicial deportation can be appealed in a higher court within 10 days.