The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering the introduction of consular registration for Russians living abroad

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in an interdepartmental format, is considering the introduction of mandatory consular registration for Russian citizens permanently residing abroad.

"In accordance with item 42 of the plan of measures for the implementation of the Concept of the State Migration Policy of the Russian Federation for 2019-2025 in 2024-2025, approved by the decree of the Russian government, the issue of introducing mandatory consular registration of citizens of the Russian Federation residing abroad is being studied," said the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova.

As a result of this work, it is planned to establish a clear definition of the term "citizen permanently residing outside the Russian Federation" and detail the legislative status of this category of citizens.

"The relevant report and draft regulatory acts will be submitted by the Russian Foreign Ministry to the Russian government by June 20, 2025," emphasized Zakharova.

Currently, registration for consular registration for Russian citizens residing abroad is carried out at their own request or at the initiative of their legal representatives. Russian consular offices abroad do not collect biometric data from citizens leaving the country, Maria Zakharova emphasized.

It is worth noting that earlier, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed doubling the cost of submitting an application for renouncing Russian citizenship.