Russian language exam
Who is exempt, why there are only three attempts, how long the certificate is valid and why it pays to take the exam at home before you fly.
Who needs it, by when, what it covers and where, and why the VHI policy is a separate document that does not replace the examination.
This is a separate obligation with its own deadline. You don't need a patent for it, and it does not depend on citizenship.
Who it applies to
Every foreign citizen staying in Russia longer than 90 days. Including citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Deadline
30 calendar days from the day of entry. After that the examination is repeated every year, again with 30 calendar days — counted from the date of the previous medical certificate.
What it covers and where
Three tests: HIV, infectious diseases, narcology. Only in Russia, for every citizenship. Bring your passport and migration card. You or your employer pay for it.
What you get
A medical certificate. Remember its date: the next examination is counted from it, and whether your fingerprint record stays valid depends on it too.
VHI policy
The voluntary health insurance (VHI, ДМС) policy is a separate document. You need it for a patent; it is valid for one year and only in the region where you work. You arrange it yourself — it is not your employer's obligation. Having a policy does not cancel the examination, and vice versa.
Law
Federal Law No. 162-FZ of 10.06.2026, in force from 1 September 2026. Liability — Article 18.11.1 of the Code of Administrative Offences (KoAP).
Read next
Patent
Who needs a patent, how to apply within 30 days, what to bring, which date the deadlines count from and how to pay so the patent doesn't lapse.
Employment notification
Two months from the patent's issue date, in person or through Gosuslugi — and why the employer's notification doesn't replace yours.