Mobile SIM cards distributed in the Leningrad region (area surrounding Saint Petersburg) associated with MegaFon network.
In a significant development for foreigners staying in Russia, MegaFon, a leading mobile operator, has partnered with Multifunctional Centers (MFCs) to introduce a streamlined, biometric-based process for purchasing and activating SIM cards. This collaboration aims to simplify the process, ensure authenticity, and comply with Russian regulations designed to combat SIM card fraud and the "grey" market.
The new process begins with registration via the Gosuslugi portal, the Russian public services portal, using biometric data, including face photos and voice recordings. Foreign citizens are required to purchase SIM cards in person at official MegaFon retail outlets, authorised sales points, or possibly partnered MFCs. The presentation of the original passport is mandatory for all purchases.
The key steps and conditions of this process include:
- Registration via Gosuslugi portal with biometric data: Foreign citizens submit face photos and voice recordings for biometric verification.
- In-person purchase only: SIM cards can only be bought at official MegaFon retail outlets or authorized sales points, including possibly MFCs partnered with MegaFon.
- Document requirement: Presentation of the original passport is mandatory for foreigners to purchase and activate the SIM card.
- Contract update deadline: Any mobile contracts with foreigners signed before these rules must be updated by March 1, 2025, or the SIM service will be blocked.
- IMEI recording: Mobile operators are required to include the international mobile equipment identifier in the service agreements with foreign customers.
- Exemptions: Diplomats, representatives of international organizations, and refugees are exempted from these biometric rules.
This streamlined biometric process through MFCs and MegaFon helps foreign citizens avoid complicated document checks during SIM purchase, while complying with Russian regulations.
Additional practical tips suggest that foreign visitors commonly buy SIM cards with their passports at airports, official stores, or major city locations, with a typical cost range of 200-400 rubles including data. However, online purchase remains restricted for foreigners as per new regulations.
This cooperation between MegaFon and MFCs introduces a biometric-based, in-person activation procedure that significantly simplifies and secures SIM card purchase and activation for foreign nationals in Russia.
The project is currently being implemented in the Vsevolozhsky business office of the MFC, with plans to expand it to other regions of the Russian Federation. By the end of the month, the project will be expanded to all state service centers of the Leningrad MFC. Igor Glebov, Director of the Development Department at MegaFon, emphasizes that reducing the activation time for new customers is a top priority.
This collaboration is expected to benefit foreign citizens and stateless persons, significantly simplifying the customer journey when concluding new contracts. MegaFon plans to continue expanding this type of cooperation with MFCs across the Russian Federation.
[1] Source: TASS News Agency [2] Source: ExpatRussia [3] Source: Russia Beyond
- The biometric-based, in-person activation procedure introduced by MegaFon and MFCs streamlines the process of purchasing and activating SIM cards for foreigners in Russia, ensuring compliance with Russian regulations.
- Foreigners are required to register via the Gosuslugi portal and submit biometric data, such as face photos and voice recordings, for this simplified SIM card activation process.
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