Not long ago, buying a SIM card in Russia was a simple, almost routine task. A quick exchange of documents, perhaps some cash, and within minutes, you had what you needed. Whether you had a Russian passport or not made little difference.
That has now changed.
As of early 2025, a new law has come into effect, making it nearly impossible for foreigners to obtain a Russian SIM card without a working knowledge of the language. The process is no longer straightforward—what was once an effortless transaction now requires bureaucratic hurdles, biometric registration, and an active account on government platforms. For those unfamiliar with Russian, navigating these requirements is a near-insurmountable challenge.
What was once easy is now deliberately difficult.
On This Page
- What are the new rules?
- Why?
- How does the process work?
- Mandatory IMEI registration
- What if you already have a Russian SIM card?
- How long does this take?
- Alternatives?
- E-SIM
- How Van Rhijn & Partners Can Help
- Conclusion
What Are the New Rules?
On August 8, 2024, President Vladimir Putin signed a law restricting the number of SIM cards an individual can own. Under the new regulations, a Russian citizen may not register more than 20 SIM cards, while foreigners are limited to 10, including business accounts.
At first glance, this may not seem like a drastic change. But this is only the beginning. To obtain a SIM card under the new rules, foreigners must go through a multi-step identification process, requiring:
- A SNILS (pension insurance certificate)
- An active Gosuslugi account, the primary online platform for government services in Russia
- Biometric identification
- A contract agreement with a mobile provider
What was once a straightforward purchase has now become a bureaucratic maze, with each step designed to verify, document, and restrict access.
Exceptions
The new rules do not apply to diplomats, their family members, or representatives of international organizations.
Why Is Russia Making It So Difficult for Foreigners to Buy a SIM Card?
The restrictions on SIM card sales to foreigners are part of a broader effort to reduce anonymous phone usage and combat fraud. Criminals have exploited what are known as “gray SIM cards”—registrations made with false or untraceable identities—to carry out scams and other illegal activities.
According to Andrej Lipov, head of Roskomnadzor (Russia’s telecom watchdog), investigations revealed that 278 individuals collectively controlled more than one million SIM cards, pointing to widespread abuse of the system.
How Does the Process Work?
Even within the Russian government, there seems to be some recognition that the current process is overly complex. In response, a proposal has been introduced to streamline registration for foreigners and stateless individuals. Instead of navigating multiple agencies, they would be able to confirm their identity and complete all legal requirements in a single service center.
But that system does not yet exist.
For now, there are no designated service centers, and it remains unclear which government agency will oversee them. The Ministry of Digital Development has stated that the process for foreigners seeking a Russian SIM card will eventually become faster and more efficient—but as of now, the bureaucratic hurdles remain firmly in place.
Unified Identification and Authentication System (ESIA) & Unified Biometric System
Foreigners who wish to sign a mobile contract in Russia must have their information verified through the Unified Identification and Authentication System (ESIA) and the Unified Biometric System (EBS).
This means that biometric data, such as facial scans or fingerprints, may be collected and cross-checked as part of the verification process.
I’ve Already Provided My Fingerprints at the Border. Do I Still Have to Go Through This Process?
Yes—unfortunately.
The fingerprints collected at border crossings are not automatically linked to or uploaded into the Unified Biometric System. Foreigners still need to go through the full registration process, which involves multiple agencies and several bureaucratic steps.
Pension Insurance Certificate (SNILS)
To proceed, you must obtain a SNILS—a pension insurance certificate. It can be requested at the Social Fund (SFR), a Multifunctional Center (MFC), or through an employer (if applicable). The process requires:
- A passport with a notarized translation
- A valid email address
- Processing times of up to five business days
Can Someone Else Obtain a SNILS on My Behalf?
Yes. With a notarized power of attorney, it is possible to authorize another person to request a SNILS for you.
Gosuslugi Registration
Foreigners must register on Gosuslugi, the Russian government’s online service portal, by completing three steps:
- Start Registration – Enter your name, email address, and (if available) a Russian phone number, then confirm via an email link or SMS code.
- Submit Personal Data – Provide your SNILS and passport details. If you do not yet have a SNILS, you must first obtain one through the SFR or MFC, along with a notarized translation of your passport. Verification can take up to five business days.
- Verify Your Identity – This can be done either in person at a service center (with your passport and SNILS) or online via a Russian bank (if you have an account and a Russian phone number). The SNILS must have been issued at least 14 days prior and be linked to a valid passport.
Once identity verification is complete, you will have full access to Gosuslugi’s services.
Biometric Data
Foreigners must also have confirmed biometric data stored in the Unified Biometric System (EBS). This must be registered through a Russian bank as part of the verification process.
Mandatory IMEI Registration
Russian mobile providers are now required to link the IMEI number of each phone to the user’s contract.
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit unique identifier assigned to every mobile phone, allowing it to be recognized on network systems. Without a registered IMEI, a device cannot be formally associated with a mobile plan.
Buying a New Phone? Your Contract Must Be Updated
Each phone has a unique IMEI number. When purchasing a new device, users must update their mobile contract to reflect the new IMEI—failure to do so could lead to service disruption.
What If You Already Have a Russian SIM Card?
Foreigners who obtained a Russian SIM card before January 1, 2025 can continue using it—for now. However, they must comply with the new registration requirements by July 1, 2025. Those who fail to meet the deadline will have their SIM card blocked.
How Long Does This Process Take?
As long as the proposed simplifications remain unimplemented, obtaining a Russian SIM card as a foreigner is a process that can take up to two weeks—a significant delay for anyone needing immediate mobile access.
Not Worth It for Short Visits
For those traveling to Russia for only a short period, going through the multi-step registration process—which can take up to two weeks—is simply not practical. The time investment outweighs the benefits, making alternative solutions a necessity.
Alternatives
Under Article 45, Section 1 of the Federal Law on Communications (07.07.2003 No. 126-FZ, amended 26.12.2024), the new SIM card restrictions apply only to foreigners who sign a contract with a Russian mobile provider. Those using foreign SIM cards or alternative mobile services do not need to comply with the new regulations.
E-SIM: A More Convenient Option
If you continue using your foreign SIM card in Russia through roaming, you bypass the need for a Russian mobile contract—but roaming charges are often high.
A more affordable option is a travel e-SIM, which is not issued by a Russian provider but rather through specialized companies offering international mobile data plans. Van Rhijn & Partners has partnered with esim.sm to offer a seamless alternative. By purchasing your Russian travel e-SIM through our affiliate link, you pay the same price while supporting our ability to provide valuable content.
How Van Rhijn & Partners Can Help
We assist clients in acquiring SIM cards across all regions of Russia. While the process remains complicated, we can also obtain a SNILS on your behalf via power of attorney.
These regulations are still evolving, and the process may change significantly. Stay updated by contacting us directly—as we focus on client support, we may not always be able to keep our blog posts fully up to date.
For short-term visitors, a travel e-SIM remains the simplest and most efficient solution.
Conclusion: What You Need to Know
For foreigners in Russia, obtaining a SIM card is no longer straightforward. New restrictions limit the number of SIM cards per person and require biometric registration, a SNILS, and a verified Gosuslugi account. The process is complex and can take up to two weeks, making it impractical for short-term visitors.
However, alternatives exist. Using a foreign SIM (via roaming) or purchasing a travel e-SIM allows visitors to avoid Russian bureaucracy altogether. Meanwhile, Van Rhijn & Partners remains available to assist clients in navigating these new requirements.
For those staying in Russia long-term, preparation is essential. Understanding and complying with these new regulations is no longer optional—it is a requirement.
