Moscow, Dec 26 || The procedure for purchasing SIM cards by foreigners will become stricter in Russia from January 1, 2025, the country's Ministry of Digital Development announced on Thursday.
The new rules will be introduced for foreigners with stricter measures aimed at combating fraudsters and "gray" SIM cards.
According to the new rules, the communication contract can only be concluded in person at a communication store; one person can register no more than 10 numbers, including corporate ones; one will need SNILS, a State Services account and biometric identification verification registered in the Unified Biometric System; and, the contract will specify a unique 15-character device number — IMEI.
The changes will, however, not affect Russian citizens as the new rules only apply to foreigners and stateless persons.
Those foreigners who already have SIM cards will need to confirm their identity at a communications store before July 1, 2025 and have to undergo the SNILS procedure.