Passport renewal and issuance

Russian citizens residing abroad can use their foreign passport for international travel and their Russian passport for entry into Russia. Even if their surname has been changed or they have updated their foreign passport, issues with entry into Russia using their Russian passport have not been reported, provided the Russian passport is valid.

In case of passport loss abroad: 1. Immediately report the loss to local police and obtain a formal loss report/statement. This document is essential for proving legal status while waiting for a new passport. 2. A domestic Russian passport (internal) is valid for proving identity and citizenship to the consulate to avoid the lengthy verification procedure required for those without one. 3. Residence permits (e.g., German Aufenthaltstitel) remain valid even if the associated passport is lost, provided the holder is taking active steps to obtain a new one.

Russian internal passport renewal at age 45 requires two personal visits to MVD or MFC. Filing is only possible after the birthday. The process is not fully digitized as original documents and photos are required. Even though the old passport is legally valid for 90 days post-45, banks and other institutions may refuse service; immediate renewal is recommended.

If your German residence permit and passport are expiring soon, and obtaining a new passport appointment is difficult, consider applying for a Fiktionsbescheinigung (provisional document) from the relevant authority (Ausländerbehörde). This document can temporarily extend your legal stay and allow you to continue working. It is also advisable to apply for a second passport abroad if possible, as it is a common practice ('must-have') for individuals residing overseas.

For a Russian citizen to travel internationally, a valid Russian international passport is required for exiting Russia and often for entering other countries. While a German Personalausweis may suffice for travel to some neighboring countries like Turkey (when flying from Germany), it is not a substitute for a Russian international passport for exiting Russia or for entry into many other destinations. Obtaining a Russian international passport can take up to a month, though expedited processing may be possible.

If your residence permit (VWP) and passport expire simultaneously in September, and you have an appointment at the Bürgerbüro on July 14th but no available appointments for a new passport, inform the Ausländerbehörde (ABS) in advance. They might issue a Fiktionsbescheinigung (provisional document) to allow continued legal stay and employment while awaiting the new passport. Expedited processing or applying for a second passport abroad might be options.

When applying for a new passport while living in Germany, one can obtain a confirmation document from the consulate. Presenting this to the Ausländerbehörde allows for the issuance of a Fiktionsbescheinigung (valid for six months), which maintains legal status during the passport transition period without affecting employment or study status.

A German ID card (Personalausweis or 'Ausweis') with less than 120 days validity remaining (e.g., 2 months) is generally acceptable for travel to Turkey, despite common Turkish entry requirements. According to information from the German Ministry of Interior, there may even be exceptions for expired German ID cards for travel to Turkey. Therefore, travel with a German ID card close to its expiration date is typically permissible.

Russian 5-year non-biometric passports are subject to specific entry and visa restrictions depending on the destination country. Germany currently rejects them for visa applications and entry unless a valid German visa is already present. France applies restrictions for holders aged 15 and older but allows exceptions for children under 15. Always verify specific consulate requirements for passport validity types before travel or application.

A 5-year Russian international passport might be considered valid for travel within the EU/Schengen area if accompanied by a valid German or EU residence permit (e.g., according to German residency law and EU mobility law). However, border controls (especially for buses) and police checks on autobahns are frequent. Airlines may also check. Using a 5-year passport without a current 10-year passport, even with a valid residence permit, can lead to issues, including fines, if authorities deem it invalid for current travel regulations. Passengers must ensure their travel document is compliant with the latest regulations, especially if they aim to use their residence permit for identification.

Since January 1, 2026, Germany generally does not accept non-biometric 5-year passports for entry. Exception: If a German Residence Permit (VNZh) was issued *before* January 1, 2026, and linked to a 5-year non-biometric passport, the individual may travel on these documents until the VNZh expires. For new VNZh applications, a biometric passport is typically required. Processing times for biometric passports can vary significantly (e.g., 2.5 weeks to 3+ months). It is recommended to contact the German Embassy in Russia (visa.auswaertiges-amt.de) for specific clarification and to carry their response when traveling. Information on visiting consul schedules can be found on resources like documenty.de Instagram.

Dual citizens (RU/DE) traveling between Germany and Russia via Poland should present their German Personalausweis to EU border officials and their Russian international passport (zagranpasport) to Russian border officials. There are no systemic issues with non-biometric passports when paired with valid EU identification.

To renew a Russian internal passport from abroad (e.g., Germany) due to age, you can initiate the process via Gosuslugi (Public Services portal) or in person at an MFC (Multifunctional Center). Required documents typically include the old passport and photographs. Additional documents like marriage and birth certificates are needed if you wish to include such information. Be aware that you might be informed about a penalty for late renewal, but this may not apply if you apply within 30 days of returning to Russia. It is advisable to bring your foreign passport to the MFC. The entire process, including checks by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), can take approximately 10 working days. It is important to clarify the fine policy, as it may not be applicable under specific circumstances.

Losing a Russian internal passport shortly before a visa application deadline for Germany presents a significant challenge. While visa centers may sometimes allow for later submission of documents, this is unlikely to apply to a lost passport. Obtaining a new passport can take several working days. Contacting the German embassy in Russia for guidance, explaining the situation, and mentioning the possibility of providing a temporary ID might offer a potential solution, especially if a response from the embassy can be presented during the application.

From October 1st, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Sweden will cease recognizing five-year Russian international passports. This adds to the existing list of 11 countries (Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Romania) that already do not accept them. Sweden provides a transitional period until December 31, 2026, for non-biometric passports if a Schengen visa or EU/Schengen residence permit was issued before October 1, 2026. Belgium, Luxembourg, and Netherlands offer no such transitional period. These restrictions apply to both entry into these countries and intra-Schengen flights.