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How to Get a SIM Card in Russia as a Foreigner

Step 1

First, prepare all the required documents. You’ll need:

Your passport, or if you’re stateless, a residence permit or refugee certificate

A notarized translation of your passport into the Russian language. To get this translation, contact a notary for a translator recommendation, get passport translated, then certified by the notary. You can also go to a translation agency.


Your SNILS – that’s your Russian personal insurance number

A valid email address that you can access

And eventually, a verified Gosuslugi (Public Services) account and biometrics.

Step 2

SNILS is a Russian social security number. You can get it at:

The Social Fund of Russia

A local MFC office

Just bring your passport, and it's notarized translation.

Step 3

Next, register on the Public Services portal, Gosuslugi.

To do this, bring your passport, notarize translation, SNILS, and your email.
You can register at your bank or any MFC office.


If you get your SNILS at the MFC office, you can stay there to register your profile on Gosuslugi and confirm it. To do this, take two coupons in advance: one for registering your SNILS and one for creating an account on Gosuslugi.

Step 4

You’ll need to register your biometrics: your voice and face.

For this, go to a bank and ask to be added to the Unified Biometric System. Bring your passport, its notarized translation, SNILS, and your email.


Step 5

Now you’re ready to get your SIM card! Visit a mobile carrier office with all your documents:

Your original passport

Notarized translation

Your verified Gosuslugi account

And make sure you have your device’s IMEI ready. You can find it in your phone's settings under "About phone". On iPhone, you need to click on "General" then "About."

The employee will check how many SIM cards you already have. Russian law limits the number to 10 per person.
If everything’s in order, they’ll draw up a contract. You'll review it carefully and sign.

Then, confirm your identity using your registered biometrics.

If needed, you can also complete this step through the Gosuslugi portal.

Activation

The SIM card is usually activated within a few minutes, but sometimes, it can take up to 24 hours.

The cost depends on the mobile plan you choose, but activation itself is free.

Now you're connected. Welcome to Russia!