The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia revoked 2,300 residence permits

In 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia revoked more than 2,300 permits for temporary residence (RVP) and residence permits (VNZH) for foreigners.

According to the police, all of them entered into “sham” marriages with Russians for the sake of status.

As reported by the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, Irina Volk, this year the Ministry revoked 765 RVPs and 1,545 VNZHs.

According to Volk, these documents were issued based on a previously concluded marriage with a citizen of the Russian Federation, and after obtaining migration status, the marriages were dissolved.

At the same time, in 2024, these figures barely exceeded 200 in total, said the police representative.

Based on the law that came into effect on January 25, 2025, it is no longer sufficient to have just the fact of marriage registration with a Russian citizen to obtain an RVP without considering the quota. Now, it is necessary to be married to a Russian citizen for at least three years before the date of application for the issuance of an RVP or to have a common child born or adopted in the marriage with a Russian citizen.

Foreigners in Russia are issued RVPs according to a quota established annually by the government.

A permanent residence permit (VNZH) in Russia is usually issued after one year of residence on an RVP. However, certain categories of foreigners, such as highly qualified specialists, native speakers of Russian, and individuals who have been granted refugee status in Russia, can apply for it immediately.

Previously, due to the limited number of quotas, migrants entered into sham marriages with Russian citizens for money or under certain conditions to obtain a temporary residence permit, and after the documents were processed, they dissolved the marriage.