Starting from July 1, 2025, Russia began phasing out SIM cards issued to foreign citizens who have not confirmed their identity in accordance with the new legal requirements.
What has changed?
Starting from January 1, 2025, foreign citizens can conclude an agreement with a telecom operator or reissue an existing one only if they have a confirmed identity through the Unified Biometric System (UBS). This prerequisite applies to:
connecting new numbers;
to save valid SIM cards issued before 2025.
By July 1, 2025, it was necessary:
complete biometric identification;
to reissue the contract at the communication salon.
Those who did not comply with this requirement began to lose access to communication services.
How does the blocking work?
Operators disconnect subscribers in two stages:
If the SIM card has not been used for more than three months, it will be blocked immediately.
If the SIM card is active, disconnection occurs gradually:
first, international and long-distance communication is limited.;
then the speed of the mobile Internet decreases;
after 30 days without renewal of the contract, communication services are completely terminated.
Please note: these requirements do not apply to citizens of the Russian Federation. Biometric identification is not required for them.
What is recommended for a foreign citizen to do?
To maintain access to communication services, we recommend taking the following steps::
Check the number of registered numbers for you.
This can be done in the “Sim cards” section of the Public Services portal.
No more than 10 numbers, including corporate numbers, can be registered per foreign citizen.
Terminate contracts for unused or superfluous numbers.
3. Contact the communication center and verify your identity using biometrics for all remaining numbers. Before the visit, make sure that your data is entered into the Unified Biometric System (UBS).
This information is especially relevant for foreign workers living and working in Russia.📌
Please share it with colleagues and acquaintances to avoid unpleasant situations related to loss of communication.
Ask an expert a question
On the rights of advertising:
At the Auditorium, we provide accounting, tax planning, and reporting services. We will help you adapt to changes in legislation and ensure the accuracy of financial documentation.
Trust the professionals of the “Audience”!
- A source: www.buh-a.ru
- WhatsApp: +7 925 532 66 80
- Telegram: auditoriya_buh
- Email: auditoriya@buh-a.ru