E-cards for HQSs in Moscow are to be issued after medical tests

In our alert on 1 March 2024 – “E-card for foreign citizens: pilot scheme in Moscow”, we wrote that, as part of measures to implement state migration policy in 2024-2025, a pilot scheme was to be launched in Moscow involving the issue of electronic ID cards to foreign citizens and stateless persons temporarily staying in Russia. The purpose of the scheme is to help ensure the stability of social processes and test the use of information technology to analyze the characteristics of population groups residing in Moscow and adjacent regions.

Until recently, e-cards were only issued when a foreign citizen from a “non-visa” country applied for a patent to work in Moscow.

Now, the Migration Center at 18/1, Ul. Bakhrushina, Moscow, has begun issuing e-cards to all categories of temporarily resident foreign citizens when they undergo fingerprinting and photographing procedures and when they submit renewed medical test certificates. An e-card is issued within 2 working days and can only be collected by the foreign citizen applying for it.

Meanwhile, the Migration Center at Sakhorovo issues e-cards to all categories of temporarily staying foreign citizens only when they first apply to undergo fingerprinting and photographing. An e-card is issued within 5 working days and can only be collected by the foreign citizen applying for it.

A migration center official prints out the completed e-card application form to be signed by the foreign citizen. The following documents are required for this service:

1. Original passport
2. Original current notification of arrival at a place of stay (registration)
3. Original migration card
4. Original visa
5. Original medical test certificates

E-cards are issued for temporarily staying foreign citizens above the age of 14 years.

It is not currently possible for a foreign citizen to opt out of receiving an e-card.

A foreign citizen’s e-card also doubles as a travel pass: it incorporates a “Troika” card which allows the holder to travel on public transport in Moscow and the Moscow region, including surface transport, the metro, the Central Circle and D-lines, and suburban trains.

Foreign citizens are advised to carry their e-cards with them at all times. They may need to produce them if they have their documents checked by police in Moscow.

B1 is continuing to monitor developments relating to the issuance of electronic ID cards to foreigners.