Purchasing Property in Russia

Under the general rule foreigners can purchase in property or rent any real estate, but there are some legal limitations. Land Code of Russia (hereinafter – LC), Clause 15 establishes the first one – foreign people, apartheids and foreign companies can not have proprietary possession on land spots located in borderline zones.

Foreign individual may buy an apartment, a house, a semi-detached house or a room, but he (she) is to be registered only at place of “stay”, even if he is a proprietor of housing. “Permanent’ residence is officially possible only for Russian citizens. Accordingly at the same time with purchasing an estate with great importance a question about the legitimacy (in long term) of residence of a foreigner on Russian territory arises.

Legislation in 2001 brought the opening up of real estate to foreign investment. The Land Code of 2001 allows private ownership of land and properties, both by locals and foreigners.[4]

Temporary residence permit By Marriage[1]:

You can get 100% TRP or ARWPY, after getting married to a Russian national/citizen. First, you need to take date for the marriage. Special department in Russia deals with marriage registrations. Normally 30 to 40 days are required to get date for your marriage registration. Soon after getting marriage certificate, you can apply for temporary residence permit called ”ARWYP”.

Foreigners having TRP in Russia, has the right to apply for the permanent residence in Russia. Permanent residence permit gives the right to foreigners, to stay in Russia for the period of 5 years.

Temporary residence permit By Investment[2] :

After launching a company in Russia as a foreigner, you will be eligible to apply for TRP as a director of your own company. You can apply soon after paying taxes on your first 3 to 6 months income. For that you need to show high tax returns against your income.

Temporary residence permit By Quota System[3]:         

Russian Govt. gives special quota every year for specific countries on temporary residence permit “ARWYP”. Different Russian cities have different quota for the foreign nationals willing to apply TRP.

[4] Article 5(2) of the FEDERAL LAW  No. 136-FZ – CONCERNING LAND CODE OF RUSSIAN FEDERATION

[1] Article 6(4) of the FEDERAL LAW No. 115-FZ – CONCERNING THE LEGAL STATUS OF FOREIGN CITIZENS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

[2] Article 6(5) of the FEDERAL LAW No. 115-FZ – CONCERNING THE LEGAL STATUS OF FOREIGN CITIZENS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

[3] Article 6(1) of the FEDERAL LAW No. 115-FZ – CONCERNING THE LEGAL STATUS OF FOREIGN CITIZENS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION