For thousands of Cubans living irregularly in the Russian Federation, a new glimmer of hope has emerged in recent months with the introduction of a decree that promises the possibility of “regularizing” their immigration status.

Many have already begun — or are planning — to go through the process. Others are setting off from Cuba, dreaming of a new life in Russia. But in many cases, there are more questions than answers, and much of the information circulating on social media and among friends is incomplete or inaccurate.

What exactly does the presidential decree say? Is it truly a path to legal residency? How does it apply specifically to Cubans? And what will happen after April 30, 2025, when the decree’s deadline expires?

With the help of Orday Robaina — a Cuban lawyer with a master’s degree in International Relations from the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia and a current employee at the prominent Moscow law firm Pravo y Slovo (Law and Word) — we aim to answer these and other pressing questions from elTOQUE's audience.

The Decree and the Process

On December 30, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed Decree No. 1126, “On Temporary Measures to Regulate the Legal Status of Certain Categories of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Russian Federation in Relation to the Application of the Expulsion Regime”. The stated goal is to “strengthen control” over foreign nationals as part of broader efforts to curb illegal immigration.

The decree mandates that foreigners without legal grounds to remain in Russia must either leave the country or regularize their status between January 1 and April 30, 2025.

“This decree sets the legal foundations and procedures to regulate the situation of foreigners who have violated the terms of their legal stay in Russia”, Orday explains.

Anyone residing irregularly in the country — regardless of how long they have been in that situation — is eligible to apply for this so-called “regularization” though, Orday notes, “the longer you’ve been in the country illegally, the more questions authorities might have”.

However, the process is primarily about registering and controlling undocumented migrants, not necessarily granting them legal status. Authorities' slow interpretation and inconsistent application of the decree have led to widespread confusion. “Unscrupulous individuals and companies have exploited the uncertainty, promising residency or work permits through this process," warns Orday.

The procedure itself is relatively straightforward and does not require paying intermediaries. In Moscow and its surrounding region, it is carried out at the Migration Multifunctional Center in Sakharovo, on the outskirts of the capital. Applicants must present their passport, the immigration document issued upon entering Russia, and proof of registration from their place of residence. Authorities will collect biometric data and conduct a medical checkup to rule out infectious diseases. Successful applicants receive a Migration Card valid for five years.

But does this mean they acquired legal status in Russia for five years?

"No," says Orday. "The card simply indicates that the migration authorities have registered you and won’t need to repeat the process anytime soon. However, unless you later secure legal status, you must leave the country by April 30, 2025. Those with valid grounds for remaining will be granted extensions to finalize their status change."

What This Means for Cubans

"Although Cubans do not need a visa to enter Russia, most lack legal grounds to extend their stay," Orday explains.

Only Cubans who meet certain criteria — such as marriage to a Russian citizen or having Russian citizen children or parents — may be eligible to remain legally after the deadline. 

Another exception applies to foreigners who sign contracts with the Russian Armed Forces or other military entities. These individuals have previous deportation orders and entry bans annulled.

"Realistically, very few Cubans meet the legal criteria to remain," the lawyer warns.

Cubans are not eligible for Russia’s "patent" system — a work permit available to citizens of several former Soviet republics like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Moldova, Azerbaijan, and some Ukrainians. Nationals from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia, as members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), don't even require a patent.

Although Cuba enjoys visa-free status and is an observer in the EAEU, Cubans still need a different type of work permit, which is subject to lengthy and complex procedures. Such permits are usually granted for professions in high demand that cannot be filled by Russian citizens.

Furthermore, companies wishing to hire foreigners must initiate a complicated bureaucratic process months in advance. "Permits must be requested in person by company directors or via notarized proxies, and the process can take up to four months," Orday says.

In short, for most Cubans currently living irregularly in Russia, obtaining legal status after completing the first step of this decree will be extremely difficult. Those who do meet the necessary criteria likely already reside in Russia legally.

Thus, for the majority, the main benefit of the decree is "buying time" — staying in Russia without fear of deportation until April 30, 2025 — and the chance to leave voluntarily without facing legal consequences, preserving the possibility of returning later.

However, Orday cautions, that return visits will be subject to new regulations: "Under the 90/365 rule for visa-exempt countries, Cubans can now only spend 90 days in Russia per calendar year, rather than every 180 days as before."

After April 30, 2025

"Whether someone can stay beyond April 30 will depend on whether they have a valid legal basis to apply for a change of status," Robaina reiterates. For those who qualify for residence permits, completing the biometrics and initial procedures now could shorten future processing times.

The decree is part of a broader crackdown by Russian authorities on illegal immigration. Over the past year, enforcement efforts have intensified, including more frequent raids, arrests, deportations, and bans.

Those who complete the regularization process will be "safe", for now. But after April 30, 2025, the grace period ends. Authorities are expected to tighten controls significantly, with harsher penalties for those who remain undocumented.