What paperwork do you need after moving to Russia in 2026?

Confirm you are still on a lawful stay basis, then finish migration registration at your address. Hotels often file for you; private landlords and employers act as the host (принимающая сторона) at an MVD desk, an MFC (многофункциональный центр, multifunctional public-services centre), or through Gosuslugi when the host account supports it. Missing the registration slip blocks banks and many employers in practice.

Apply for SNILS through the SFR, an MFC, or your employer, and get an INN from the FNS. Those two numbers unlock payroll, many Gosuslugi checks, and parts of health enrolment. Build a verified Gosuslugi login early; without it, appointment booking and digital extracts stay slow.

Buy a local mobile number for SMS codes, then open a bank account once registration, SNILS, and INN look consistent. Health cover splits by status: eligible RVP or VNZh holders often enrol in OMS (обязательное медицинское страхование, compulsory medical insurance); others buy DMS (добровольное медицинское страхование, voluntary medical insurance) while waiting. Start with Enrol in OMS and confirm live insurer rules rather than copying a friend’s policy type.

Long-stay status is separate from identifiers. Most movers still need the RVP (разрешение на временное проживание, temporary residence) path, then later VNZh permanent residence, through territorial MVD units. Use Apply for a residence permit for the filing shape, and Renew or confirm residence so annual уведомление windows do not sneak past you. After approval, collect the physical stamp or booklet and re-register the address promptly.

Licence exchange and pets can wait until stay and housing are stable. Convert a foreign licence when you become a long-stay driver in Convert a driving licence. Pet entry follows Rosselkhoznadzor timing in Bring pets. Expect Russian-first counters even in central Moscow: Bureaucracy without Russian is the practical language plan.

Do not invent fee amounts, RVP quota totals, or exam brand shortcuts as evergreen facts. Quotas, state fees, and exemption lists change; verify live MVD, Gosuslugi, SFR, and FNS pages for your nationality and category before you pay translators.