Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Obtaining a Russian passport may seem like a complex process for those unfamiliar with this country’s administrative procedures, but by following the appropriate steps, you’ll be able to navigate this process effectively. This practical guide will provide you with all necessary information, from preparing essential documents to submitting your application, while addressing the most important and often overlooked aspects of the Russian administrative system.
Whether you’re seeking citizenship for professional, family, or personal reasons, our article offers a clear and concise overview of the steps required to obtain this valuable document.
Costs Associated with Obtaining a Russian Passport
Available Russian Passports:
- Standard national passport (non-biometric): intended for domestic travel and national identification.
- International biometric passport: used for traveling abroad, equipped with an electronic chip containing the holder’s biometric data.
| Passport Type | Description | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (non-biometric) | Domestic use, identification | 5 years |
| Biometric (international) | International travel, embedded chip | 10 years |
Application Fees by Passport Type:
- Standard non-biometric adult passport: 2,000 RUB
- Standard non-biometric minor passport: 1,000 RUB
- International biometric adult passport: 5,000 RUB
- International biometric minor passport: 2,500 RUB
Please consult the government portal “Gosuslugi” directly as well as the official pages of Russian consulates for each relevant country (https://www.gosuslugi.ru, https://mid.ru).
Good to Know:
Fees for a standard Russian passport are generally lower than those for a biometric passport, with possible additional costs for expedited processing; foreign residents and minors may also see varying rates depending on their status. Payments are often made by bank card or transfer, but regularly check current information on official sites like gosuslugi.ru to avoid surprises regarding regional fees.
Procedures for Obtaining a Russian Passport
Documents Required for Russian Passport Application:
- Completed application form, printed and signed (available on the official website).
- Proof of Russian citizenship: internal passport (for residents in Russia) or birth certificate accompanied by proof of citizenship (for minors or those born abroad).
- National ID card or any required civil status document as applicable.
- Recent color ID photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm format, no tinted glasses or headwear).
- Valid health insurance policy in Russia (for certain passport types or applications abroad).
- For minors: legalized birth certificate and parental authorization, form signed by a parent.
- For applications abroad: proof of permanent residence in the application country (example: C permit in Switzerland).
Where and How to Submit the Application:
In Russia: at Ministry of Internal Affairs offices, migration services, or via the government electronic portal (gosuslugi.ru).
Abroad: at the competent Russian consulate or embassy for your place of residence. The form must be signed in person upon submission.
For certain procedures, online appointment scheduling may be required.
Associated Fees and Payment Methods:
| Passport Type | Standard Rate (indicative) | Accepted Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Biometric passport (10 years) | ≈ 3500-5000 RUB | Bank card, cash, online |
| Classic passport (5 years) | ≈ 2000 RUB | Bank card, cash, online |
| Minor passport | ≈ 1000 RUB | Bank card, cash, online |
Fees vary according to age, passport type, and submission location (Russia or abroad).
Consulates generally accept bank cards or cash, sometimes bank transfers.
Processing Times and Expedited Services:
Standard processing: 1 to 3 months in Russia, 1 to 2 months abroad.
Submission in another region or special circumstances: up to 4 months.
Expedited service possible in some cases (additional fees), but availability varies by location.
Specific Requirements for Minors and Persons with Special Needs:
- Application signed by a parent or legal guardian.
- Presentation of original birth certificate, legalized and translated if necessary.
- Written authorization from both parents (or justification in case of one parent’s absence).
- For persons under guardianship: official guardianship document required.
Tips for the Interview or Photo Taking:
- Compliant photo: color, light background, clear face, exact format (3.5 x 4.5 cm).
- No tinted glasses, headwear, or accessories hindering identification.
- Prepare all original documents and copies for the consulate or office interview.
- For certain passports or visas, an interview may be required (particularly for complex cases or non-residents).
Passport Validity and Renewal:
| Passport Type | Validity | Renewal Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Biometric passport | 10 years | Application to initiate 6-12 months before expiration, same formalities as first application |
| Classic passport | 5 years | Same |
| Minor passport | 5 years | Mandatory renewal at age 14 |
It’s advisable to renew your passport before expiration to avoid any validity interruption.
In case of loss or damage, report immediately and submit a new application with loss declaration.
Good to Know:
To obtain a Russian passport, gather an application form, proof of citizenship, and your ID card; submit the file to the competent consulate or government office; fees can be paid by card or cash, with the possibility of expedited service as needed. For minors, parental authorization is required, and the passport is valid for 10 years with the need to renew before expiration.
Average Processing Times for Russian Passport
Current Average Processing Times for Obtaining a Russian Passport
| Application Type | Standard Processing | Expedited Processing | Main Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person application (consulate) | 4 to 10 business days | Less than 4 business days | Additional fee for expedited processing |
| Online application (e-visa) | Less than 4 business days | — | Fast processing, generally issued within 4 days |
Differences by Application Method and Location
In-person application requires an appointment at a Russian consulate (Paris, Marseille, Strasbourg, Villefranche-sur-Mer).
Online processing (for electronic visa) is generally faster, with document issuance within 4 business days.
Processing times may vary by region or city, depending on consulate workload and local capacity.
Expedited Processing Options
Expedited processing can be requested during in-person applications, with an additional fee (approximately €35 plus standard rate).
Processing time for expedited service is less than 4 business days.
Certain visa categories (long-term tourist/business) are not eligible for urgent processing and require a fixed processing time (for example, 13 days for some multiple-entry visas).
Practical Tips to Avoid Delays
- Prepare a complete file: official completed form, recent photo, valid passport, medical insurance, invitation proof if necessary.
- Schedule appointment as early as possible, especially during peak demand or consular closure periods.
- Verify specific requirements of selected consulate (document format, hours, etc.).
- Track application status online or contact consulate if no response within indicated timeframe.
- Avoid errors on the form and provide up-to-date documents.
- Regularly consult official sites for regulatory updates and closure periods.
Official Sites and Resources for Current Information
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation: (https://visa.kdmid.ru)
- Russian Embassy in Paris: (https://paris.kdmid.ru/queue-fr/)
- General Consulates (Marseille, Strasbourg, Geneva): access to appointments and specific information.
Important: Processing times are subject to change without notice. It’s recommended to systematically consult official embassy or consulate websites before any procedure.
Good to Know:
Average processing times for obtaining a Russian passport are 30 days for in-person applications and up to 3 months if done in another region, with an expedited option of 5 days in major cities; check current information on the official Gosuslugi website.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
