Mobile phone line (SIM) registration and new rules

This page is for Turkish citizens who want to get a mobile phone line in Russia. Since January 1, 2025, foreigners can obtain a Russian SIM card only in person, with an approved Gosuslugi account and verified biometric data. New rules also came into effect in 2025 prohibiting the transfer of a line to another person and allowing a request to prevent lines from being opened in one's name. Below you will find the requirements, the step-by-step process, and common mistakes.

• A mobile line contract with a foreigner can be concluded only after their identity has been verified through the Gosuslugi identity system (ЕСИА) and the state biometric system (ЕБС).
• The contract cannot be concluded online. You must visit the operator's store in person.
• A foreigner may receive no more than 10 lines in total from all operators. The operator checks this through the state system.
• The contract includes the identification number (IMEI) of the phone you will use with the line. To use the SIM card in another phone, you must first have the new phone's IMEI number added to the contract.
• These rules apply to all foreigners except for certain foreign groups specifically listed in the law.

• Passport
• If your passport does not contain the English spelling of your name, a notarized Russian translation of the passport
• Social security number (СНИЛС)
• Verified Gosuslugi account
• Verified biometric data
• An email address that you can access
• The IMEI number of the phone you will use with the line. It appears when you dial *#06# on the phone; dual-SIM phones display two numbers.

1. Check your СНИЛС number. After crossing the border, the number is created automatically and appears in Gosuslugi within 5 days at the latest. If it has not been created, apply to the Social Fund (СФР), a municipal service center (МФЦ), or your employer with your passport and its translation. According to Gosuslugi, СНИЛС processing can also be completed when opening a Gosuslugi account at Sber, Solidarnost, and T-Bank branches.
2. Open and verify your Gosuslugi account. You can open the account online or at a municipal service center. Gosuslugi displays bank branches where the account can be verified.
3. Register your biometric data. This can be done at banks.
4. Prepare a passport translation (if required). This is done by a notary or translation agency. If you open your Gosuslugi account at a bank, a bank employee may automatically transliterate your name into Russian using a special service.
5. Check how many lines are registered to you. If you have 10 lines, you must cancel one before getting another.
6. Go to the operator's store. Read and sign the contract.
7. Activate the line. You can do this yourself through Gosuslugi; if you cannot, a store employee will help.

• Since September 1, 2025, it has been prohibited to give a line registered in your name to another person.
• Exception: you may give the line to your family members and close relatives. The list in the law includes a spouse, parents, children (including adopted children), grandparents, grandchildren, and siblings.
• The penalty for illegally giving a line to another person is 30,000–50,000 rubles.
• If another person uses your line temporarily and free of charge for their own personal communication, this is not covered by the penalty.

• Since September 1, 2025, anyone can prohibit the conclusion of a new mobile line contract in their name. This prevents a line from being opened using your identity details without your knowledge.
• The prohibition can be imposed in two ways:
  • Through Gosuslugi
  • By applying in person at a municipal service center (МФЦ)
• The prohibition can be removed only in person at a municipal service center. You must remove the prohibition before getting a new line.

• Since June 1, 2025, government institutions, the Central Bank, banks, payment organizations, and telephone operators may not use foreign messaging apps to inform citizens.
• Be careful if you receive a message via WhatsApp or Telegram claiming to be from “your bank” or “your operator.” Do not share your codes or passwords with anyone.
• You can stop unwanted mass calls and advertising SMS messages by reporting them to your operator.

• Operator stores — contracts, line transfers, and line cancellations can only be handled in person at a store.
• Municipal service centers (МФЦ) — opening a Gosuslugi account, СНИЛС matters, and imposing or removing a prohibition on opening a line
• Bank branches — verifying a Gosuslugi account and registering biometric data
• Social Fund (СФР) branches — СНИЛС
• You can find the nearest service points on the Gosuslugi map: map.gosuslugi.ru

• Buying a “SIM card without identification” at the airport or on the street after arriving in Russia. Foreigners can receive a line only after Gosuslugi and biometric verification.
• Using a line registered in an acquaintance's name or giving your own line to someone outside your family. The penalty is 30,000–50,000 rubles.
• Putting the SIM card in a new phone without having the new IMEI number added to the contract.
• Forgetting to open and verify your Gosuslugi account. A line cannot be obtained with an unverified account.
• Not preparing a translation in advance if your passport does not contain the English spelling of your name.
• Giving SMS codes to people who say, “We are calling from your bank.”

• Can I use my Turkish line in Russia? You can use your Turkish operator's roaming service. However, a Russian number is required for Gosuslugi, banking, and many other services.
• How many lines can I get? No more than 10 in total from all operators.
• Can I get a line online or by courier? No. Contracts with foreigners cannot be concluded online; you must visit the store in person.
• Can I get a line for my spouse and give it to them? Yes. Giving a line to family members and close relatives is an exception permitted by law.
• What should I do if I change my phone? Contact the operator and have the new phone's IMEI number added to the contract. Before this is done, the SIM card cannot be used in the new phone.
• I do not have a СНИЛС number. What should I do? Apply to the Social Fund, a municipal service center, or your employer. According to Gosuslugi, the number is usually created immediately, and in rare cases within 5 business days.

• Gosuslugi: SIM card guide for foreigners
• Gosuslugi: new entry rules and СНИЛС
• Gosuslugi: service center map
• Gosuslugi: opening an account
• Federal Law 126-FZ, Article 45.1: mobile lines for foreigners
• Code of Administrative Offenses, Article 13.29.1: penalty for giving a line to another person