Education of Migrant Children in Russian Schools: New Requirements

Starting April 1, 2025, new rules came into effect in Russia regarding the education of children of foreign citizens in public schools. These changes are aimed at improving the quality of education and ensuring better social integration of children from other countries. Let’s go over the main updates and key features of migrant children’s education in Russian schools.

Going to school

Why Were the New Rules Introduced?

In the previous school year, more than 200,000 migrant children studied in Russian schools. Many of them struggled due to limited knowledge of Russian, which hindered both learning and communication with teachers. To address this, the government made it mandatory to pass a Russian language test before enrollment. This ensures that the child will be able to study successfully and adapt.

How to Register in the Gosuslugi RuID App: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners with Pictures

The Gosuslugi RuID app is a special service for foreign citizens planning to enter Russia. With it, you can submit an entry application, create a digital profile, and receive a QR code required to cross the border. It helps simplify and speed up border control and also provides access to various state services in Russia. Starting June 30, 2025, registration in this app will be mandatory for visa-free entry.

Bank Accounts for Migrants: Specifics of Opening in Russia

Migration to another country is often associated with the need to open a bank account. This is an important part of life since an account helps to store money, receive a salary, and pay for services. In Russia, migrants can open a bank account, but there are specific rules and requirements they should know about.

Opening a bank account for migrants in Russia underwent significant changes in 2025. Now, foreign citizens must comply with a number of new requirements and procedures related to tighter control and digitalization.

Work Patent in Russia in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

Obtaining a work patent in Russia has become a key requirement for labor migrants from most visa-free countries. In 2025, the procedure for issuing the document underwent several important changes that must be considered when planning employment.

Who Needs a Work Patent

A patent is mandatory for citizens of visa-free countries wishing to work in Russia. Citizens of Azerbaijan, Moldova, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan must obtain the document. Meanwhile, citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union countries — Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan — can work without a patent under current agreements.

Belarus and Russia: Visa Mutual Recognition Agreement from January 2025

New rules opened opportunities for millions of tourists

On January 11, 2025, the long-awaited agreement between Russia and Belarus on mutual recognition of visas came into force. The document was signed back on June 19, 2020, but only now, after completing all domestic procedures, it has taken effect.

For Belarusian and Russian citizens, nothing has changed – they can still travel freely between the two countries without visas. The main changes affect foreign citizens.

How to Apply for an E-Visa to Enter Russia: Key Changes in 2025

An electronic visa (e-visa) is a fast and simple way to visit Russia. You can apply online without leaving your home. Below you’ll find clear instructions and important rules.

What is an E-Visa?

An e-visa is a special document that allows a foreign national to enter Russia for a limited time for tourism, business, visiting friends, or participating in events (scientific, cultural, sports, etc.).

Entry Procedures for Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons to the Russian Federation

The Russian Federation remains a key destination for labor migration from the post-Soviet region. Every year, millions of citizens from CIS countries cross the Russian border for work, education, or family reunification. Residents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and other Central Asian republics are especially active in exercising this right.

The year 2025 brought significant changes to Russia’s migration laws. As of February 5, new border control regulations came into force, tightening the requirements for documents and entry procedures. At the same time, since January 11, an agreement with Belarus on mutual recognition of visas has been in effect, opening up additional opportunities for foreign citizens.

Entry to Russia Only After Registration on GOSUSLUGI

Starting June 30, 2025, entry rules for Russia will change dramatically. All foreign nationals arriving in the Russian Federation under the visa-free regime will now have to register in advance through a special app and receive a QR code. Without this code, you simply won’t be allowed into the country. These requirements will especially affect citizens of post-Soviet countries who frequently visit Russia visa-free.