In Russia, a SIM card with internet access is essential for communication within the country. For Russian citizens, the process is quite simple, requiring only a visit to a mobile provider’s store (MTC, Megaphone, Tele2, Beeline, etc.) along with a national passport. However, the process for foreigners has changed since January 1, 2025, as biometric data is now required before receiving a SIM card. In this guide, we’ll explain how foreigners can obtain a SIM card in Russia.
Steps to Obtain a SIM Card for Foreigners in Russia:
- Translate Your Passport
First, you need to have your passport translated into Russian. It’s recommended to hire a professional translator to ensure the accuracy of the translation. - Notarize the Translation
Once the translation is completed, it must be notarized. This ensures that the documents are officially recognized. - Visit an MFC (Multifunctional Center) to Obtain Your SNILS
Next, you need to visit an MFC (Multifunctional Center) to obtain your SNILS (Social Insurance Number). This process takes 1–5 days, but data entry into the system can take up to 2 weeks. - Create and Verify Your Account on the Gosuslugi Platform
You will need to visit the MFC again to create and verify your account on the Russian government platform, Gosuslugi. Install the Gosuslugi app and complete the process, which typically takes 1–3 hours. - Biometric Authentication at the Bank
For biometric authentication, you need to go to a bank. Some basic knowledge of Russian will be helpful, as the process is conducted in Russian. - Purchase a SIM Card
After completing the previous steps, you can purchase a SIM card, typically with special tariffs for foreigners. You will also need to open a bank account, which takes about 25 minutes. - Link Your Device’s IMEI Number to the SIM Card
The SIM card is linked to the IMEI upon purchase.
Important Notes:
- A Russian SIM card is still required to open a bank account in Russia.
- If you already have a SIM card: the entire process must be completed by July 31, 2025, or your SIM card will be deactivated. Bank accounts in Russia are tied to a Russian phone number, but it can generally be replaced with a foreign number.
Duration of the Process:
The entire process in Moscow typically takes 20–25 hours. However, the total duration may take up to 2 weeks, depending on the city. Some services are available to assist with the process, but they typically cost around 20,000 rubles or more. The process can only be completed during business hours, which requires a significant amount of time and effort.
Alternatives for Tourists:
For tourists, this process may be too time-consuming, as it can take up to 2 weeks. However, there are alternatives for accessing the internet in Russia without a Russian SIM card:
Roaming:
Roaming can offer a solution for internet access in Russia, but it may come with higher costs for data usage via LTE/4G. Many tourists use international providers offering competitive rates for internet access in Russia. One such provider is YESIM, which allows you to use an eSIM for internet access. If your phone is eSIM-enabled, you can easily download the YESIM app from the app stores and use it for internet access.
You can find out more on their website:
Conclusion:
The process of obtaining a SIM card for foreigners in Russia has become more complex since January 2025, requiring several bureaucratic steps, including biometric data collection and registration on government platforms. For tourists who do not stay long or do not want to go through these bureaucratic procedures, roaming or using eSIM providers like YESIM offers a convenient alternative. However, if you plan to stay longer and need a Russian SIM card, it’s advisable to follow the steps outlined to access the full benefits of Russian mobile services.
