How to check the readiness of residence permit in 2024

Obtaining a residence permit is an important step for those who plan a long-term stay or move to another country. A residence permit grants the right to legally reside, work, study and access various social services in the chosen country. In 2024, the process of obtaining a residence permit and verifying its readiness may involve new rules and technology, making it a bit more complicated for unprepared applicants. To avoid uncertainty and delays, it is important to know how and where to check the readiness status of your residence permit. In this article, we will break down the basic steps and tools that will help you easily track your document.

Checking readiness following the example of Russia

The process of checking the readiness of your residence permit may vary slightly from country to country, but in general, the methods and procedures have a lot in common. Using Russia as an example, let's look at the main methods that may be useful for other countries as well.

Personal visit to the migration authority

One of the traditional and most reliable ways to check the readiness of your residence permit is a personal visit to the migration authority. In Russia, to do this, you need to go to a branch of the Main Department for Migration Issues of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. You should have your passport and proof of application for a residence permit. Employees of the migration authority will provide you with up-to-date information about the status of your application and, if necessary, clarify what additional documents or actions are required to complete the process.

Online check through the official website

Modern technologies allow you to check the status of readiness of a residence permit without leaving home. In Russia, there is a special service on the official website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where you can enter your data and get information about the status of your application. To do this, you will need your application number and personal data. Online verification is a convenient and fast way that saves time and allows you to follow the process in real time.

By phone

Another way to find out about the readiness of your residence permit is to call the migration authority. In Russia, you can contact the regional office of the Main Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and, having provided the necessary data, find out the current status of your application. This method can be particularly useful if you do not have access to the Internet or if you prefer personal communication with a representative of the migration service.

These methods of checking the status of residence permit readiness in Russia may be similar in other countries. Personal visit to the migration authority, online check through the official website and phone calls are universal methods that are usually offered for the convenience of applicants around the world.

Notification via SMS

In some regions of Russia, the service of notification by SMS about the status of readiness of the residence permit is available. After submitting your application, you can activate this service by entering your phone number. When the status of your application changes, you will receive a corresponding notification on your cell phone. This is a convenient way to stay informed about the process without the need for frequent visits to the website or migration authority.

Written request

You can also check the readiness of your residence permit in Russia through a written request to the migration service. The application should specify the date of submission of documents and request the results of its consideration. Written requests are subject to mandatory consideration within 30 days of their registration. A response to such a request is mandatory, but this method may seem inconvenient due to the long waiting time. You should not expect a prompt response within a few days.

Through a request to a company that provides citizenship services

If you have used the services of a company that specializes in applying for a residence permit or citizenship, you can check the status of readiness through them. Such companies usually liaise with their clients and migration authorities, which allows them to receive information about the status of your application promptly. You can contact your agent or manager and get up-to-date information about the process. This is a convenient way, especially if you do not want to deal with bureaucratic procedures on your own.

How long does a residence permit take by country

Russia

Obtaining a residence permit (VNZh) in Russia takes on average 3 to 5 months. Russia is the largest country in the world, known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and climatic conditions. From snowy Siberia to the sunny shores of the Black Sea, the country offers many opportunities for living and traveling. The Russian capital, Moscow, as well as the cultural capital, St. Petersburg, are centers of business, culture and education.

The cost of obtaining a residence permit in Russia starts at $160,000. This amount includes all necessary government fees, legal support and possible additional costs associated with the execution of documents. A residence permit in Russia provides ample opportunities for business, employment and access to quality medical and educational services.

Hungary

Obtaining a residence permit in Hungary takes up to 2 months. Hungary, located in the heart of Europe, is famous for its picturesque landscapes, rich historical sights and thermal springs. It has a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is known for its architecture and cultural life. The cost of obtaining a residence permit in Hungary starts at $250,000, which includes all necessary expenses for registration and legal support. Hungary offers a high standard of living, excellent infrastructure and a favorable geographical location for doing business and traveling around Europe.

Switzerland

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Switzerland takes from 6 months. Switzerland is a country with magnificent alpine landscapes, clear lakes and highly developed cities. The climate ranges from temperate to alpine, with cold winters and mild summers. Switzerland is famous for its political stability, high standard of living and excellent health care and education system. The cost of obtaining a residence permit in Switzerland starts from 160,000 euros. A residence permit in Switzerland provides ample opportunities for business, work and residence in one of the most developed and safe countries in the world.

Spain

Registration of a residence permit in Spain takes 3-4 months. Spain is a sunny country known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture and gastronomy. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters, which makes the country attractive for living all year round. Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia are cities where you can find plenty of opportunities for work and entertainment. The cost of obtaining a residence permit in Spain starts at $10,000, making the process affordable for many foreign nationals. Spain offers comfortable living, quality education and medical care, and a rich cultural life.

Portugal

Obtaining residency in Portugal takes approximately 2-4 months. Portugal, located on the west coast of Europe, is famous for its picturesque landscapes, mild climate and hospitality. The capital Lisbon and cities such as Porto and the Algarve offer a variety of opportunities for work and leisure. The climate in Portugal is predominantly Mediterranean, with mild winters and warm summers. The cost of obtaining a residence permit in Portugal starts from 250,000 euros. A residence permit in Portugal provides access to excellent health care, a high standard of living and a favorable business environment, as well as opportunities for investment and travel throughout the European Union.

Greece

Obtaining a residence permit in Greece takes about 2-3 months. Greece is a country rich in history and culture, known for its ancient monuments, picturesque islands and hospitality. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers, making Greece an attractive place to live all year round. Athens, Thessaloniki and islands such as Crete and Rhodes offer a variety of opportunities for living and vacationing. The cost of obtaining a residence permit in Greece starts at 250,000 euros. It is an investment program that includes the purchase of real estate and opens up access to living in one of the most beautiful and historically significant countries in Europe.

Italy

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Italy takes about 3-4 months. Italy is a country known for its art, culture and culinary traditions. The climate ranges from temperate in the north to Mediterranean in the south, making Italy ideal for a diverse lifestyle. Cities such as Rome, Milan and Florence offer many opportunities for work and entertainment. The cost of obtaining a residence permit in Italy starts at €250,000, which includes investments in real estate or other assets. A residence permit in Italy offers access to high standards of living, excellent health and education systems, and a rich cultural life.

France

Obtaining a residence permit in France takes between 3 and 6 months. France is a country of romance, fashion and art, known for its beautiful cities such as Paris, Lyon and Marseille. The climate is varied, from temperate in the north to Mediterranean in the south, making France attractive for different types of residence. The cost of obtaining a residence permit in France starts at 300,000 euros, which usually includes investments in real estate or other assets. A residence permit in France provides access to high standards of living, an excellent education and healthcare system, and the country's rich cultural and gastronomic traditions.