Belarus and Russia to Simplify Residence Permit Procedures for Citizens of Both Countries

Reform.news Editorial Team · 24 September 2026, 20:07

https://reform.news/en/belarus-and-russia-to-simplify-residence-permit-procedures-for-citizens-of-both-countries/

Russia and Belarus have signed a protocol amending an agreement on ensuring equal rights for citizens of the two countries to freedom of movement and to choose their place of stay and residence in the territories of the Union State. The document was signed on September 24 during a meeting of the Council of Heads of Migration Agencies of the CIS countries.

As reported by the Union State Permanent Committee, the protocol provides for the possibility of staying in the other country without a time limit. However, those staying for more than 90 days will still be required to register with the competent authorities.

The document also provides for the possibility of obtaining a temporary residence permit in the other country on the basis of citizenship of one of the parties. Quotas will not apply to Belarusian citizens obtaining temporary residence permits in Russia.

In addition, Belarusian citizens will be able to enter, leave, transit through and stay in Russia using biometric documents for leaving Belarus and entering Belarus, as well as identification cards.

The processing time for applications for permanent residence permits will be reduced from three months to two.

A birth certificate will be removed from the list of documents required for Russian citizens under the age of 14 to enter, leave, transit through, move around and stay in Belarus.

The protocol is subject to ratification and will enter into force after the exchange of instruments of ratification.