From January 1, 2025, foreigners can apply for a Russian SIM card only after biometrics identification procedures.
SIM cards purchased before January 1, 2025, must be reissued using biometrics before July 1, 2025
How a foreigner can get a Russian SIM card:
1. Get SNILS:
- prepare a notarized translation of your passport (you will also need an email address);
- contact a local Russian Social Fund office (at your place of residence/registration) or one of the «My Documents» multifunctional centers;
- SNILS will be ready immediately (in some cases it will take up to 5 days to process).
2. Create an account on the «Gosuslugi» portal:
- contact one of the «My Documents» multifunctional centers (you will need: email, SNILS, passport and its notarized translation);
- the account will be confirmed on the day of the request.
3. Register biometrics data at a bank office:
- visit one of the bank offices (you will need: email, SNILS, passport and its notarized translation, verified account on the «Gosuslugi» portal)
- bank staff will take a photo of you and record your voice;
- the biometric data status will be displayed on the «Gosuslugi» portal.
4. Apply for a SIM card at a mobile shop:
- visit any mobile shop to purchase a SIM card and sign an agreement (you will need: a passport and its notarized translation, SNILS or email, your telephone to check the IMEI, registered biometrics data);
- activate the SIM card with a biometric terminal (if installed at the mobile shop) or through the «Gosuslugi» portal (a link to activate the SIM card will be available in the "notifications" section).
*More information about a SIM card application procedure (including FAQ) can be found on the «Gosuslugi» portal. A step-by-step video guide is also available on the unified biometric system portal.
Any questions? Please write us to international@mgutm.ru.