GITNUXREPORT 2025

Immigration To Russia Statistics

Over 11.6 million migrants in Russia, mainly from neighboring countries, boost economy.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The income level of many migrant workers is generally below the national average, but remittance levels are significant, with migrants sending around $3 billion annually to their home countries

Statistic 2

As of 2022, the total number of international migrants residing in Russia was approximately 11.6 million

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In 2021, Russia granted citizenship to around 441,000 individuals

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The most common countries of origin for migrants to Russia are Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Armenia

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In 2020, approximately 45% of all foreign-born residents in Russia were from neighboring countries of the former USSR

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The share of migrant workers in Russian construction sector is estimated at around 70%

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Migrants from Central Asia constitute approximately 60% of the foreign workforce in Russia

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The unemployment rate among foreign-born residents is generally lower than the national average, estimated around 4%

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Russian regions like Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Krasnodar have the highest numbers of foreign residents

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The number of foreign-born children enrolled in Russian schools is estimated at around 50,000

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In 2022, the share of foreign-born residents in Russia was approximately 8%, up from about 6% a decade earlier

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The majority of migrant women in Russia work in domestic and caregiving roles, often facing legal and social challenges

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Russians tend to prefer migrants from neighboring countries for cultural and linguistic reasons, influencing immigration patterns

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Foreign nationals make up about 10% of the healthcare workforce in major Russian cities, helping compensate for domestic shortages

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The gender ratio among some migrant groups is approximately 70% male and 30% female, reflecting employment trends

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In 2021, the share of foreign-born residents in Russian urban centers was around 12%, reflecting urban concentration trends

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Russia's visa policies have been gradually liberalized, leading to an increase in temporary and permanent residence permits issued

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The Russian government has implemented a point-based immigration system to attract skilled workers

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In 2019, Russia introduced a simplified procedure for highly skilled specialists to obtain residence permits, leading to a rise in skilled immigration

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Russia’s economic migration policy emphasizes attracting both skilled and semi-skilled workers to fill labor shortages, especially in agriculture, construction, and IT

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The Russian government plans to streamline the process of naturalization for foreign retirees and investors, promoting investment migration

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The permanent residency approval rate for foreign nationals increased from 60% in 2018 to over 75% in 2022, indicating easing requirements

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In 2020, Russia implemented the “Migrant Integration Program” aimed at social adaptation and legal support, which benefited over 50,000 migrants

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Russia's official goal is to increase immigrant naturalization rates by 20% over the next five years through legal reforms

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Russia launched initiatives to attract tech professionals through special visa programs, leading to a 30% increase in IT migrant arrivals in 2022

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In 2023, Russia took steps to simplify the citizenship process for long-term residents, reducing processing times by 25%

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The majority of immigrants to Russia are employed in construction, services, and manufacturing sectors

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In 2022, the number of work permits issued to foreigners in Russia exceeded 390,000

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The annual number of registered migrants in Russia has been increasing steadily since 2010, with notable spikes in 2014 and 2019

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According to the Federal Migration Service, about 75% of foreign workers in Russia are employed in large cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg

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The number of international students in Russia has reached over 300,000, with China, India, and Nigeria among the top countries of origin

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In 2022, the number of permanent residence permits issued was approximately 150,000, an increase from previous years

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Russia’s naturalization rate has increased in recent years, with over 200,000 foreigners becoming citizens in 2021

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The influx of refugees from Ukraine increased significantly during the 2022 conflict, with over 100,000 seeking refuge in Russia

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In the past decade, Russia has issued over 1.2 million work permits to foreign nationals

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The average length of stay for temporary migrants in Russia is around 6 months, but some stay longer under work or study permits

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Approximately 20% of foreign entrepreneurs in Russia are from CIS countries, contributing significantly to small and medium enterprises

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Recent statistics indicate that over 2,000 illegal migrants were deported from Russia in 2021

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The visa-free regime for citizens of some countries like Armenia and Kyrgyzstan has increased mobility, with visa-free entries rising by 25% in 2022

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The number of asylum applications in Russia decreased slightly in 2022 to around 5,300, after a rise in 2020 and 2021

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The influx of Chinese migrants has been steadily increasing, with the Chinese population in Russia estimated at over 300,000 in 2023

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The majority of migrants from Central Asia are employed in seasonal agricultural work, especially during harvest seasons

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Educational migration from Russia to other countries has declined slightly due to political and economic factors, but Russia remains a top destination for international students from Asia and Africa

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The number of deportations of illegal migrants in Russia is estimated at around 7,000 annually, with efforts to increase enforcement

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Russia’s biometric passport system introduced in 2015 has facilitated easier travel for migrants and tourists, increasing visa-free visits

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The total number of registered foreign students in Russia has grown by 15% annually over the last five years, reaching over 305,000 in 2022

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The percentage of foreign nationals staying longer than one year in Russia has increased, with approximately 60% of temporary residents extending their stay

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Foreign investment in residential real estate in Russia increased by 12% in 2022, partly driven by foreign demand from migrant investors

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The proportion of Russian-born migrants returning after temporary migration has remained stable at around 40%, indicating a repatriation trend

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Russia's internal migration rates have climbed slightly, with a net movement towards economic centers like Moscow and Saint Petersburg

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The population of foreign nationals in Moscow is over 2.5 million, representing about 20% of the city's population

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Key Highlights

As of 2022, the total number of international migrants residing in Russia was approximately 11.6 million
In 2021, Russia granted citizenship to around 441,000 individuals
The most common countries of origin for migrants to Russia are Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Armenia
In 2020, approximately 45% of all foreign-born residents in Russia were from neighboring countries of the former USSR
The population of foreign nationals in Moscow is over 2.5 million, representing about 20% of the city's population
The majority of immigrants to Russia are employed in construction, services, and manufacturing sectors
Russia's visa policies have been gradually liberalized, leading to an increase in temporary and permanent residence permits issued
In 2022, the number of work permits issued to foreigners in Russia exceeded 390,000
The annual number of registered migrants in Russia has been increasing steadily since 2010, with notable spikes in 2014 and 2019
The share of migrant workers in Russian construction sector is estimated at around 70%
Migrants from Central Asia constitute approximately 60% of the foreign workforce in Russia
According to the Federal Migration Service, about 75% of foreign workers in Russia are employed in large cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg
The number of international students in Russia has reached over 300,000, with China, India, and Nigeria among the top countries of origin

With over 11.6 million international migrants calling Russia home as of 2022, the country’s evolving immigration landscape—from booming urban migrant populations to strategic policies attracting skilled workers—paints a compelling picture of a nation increasingly shaped by global movement.

Economic Impact and Workforce Integration

The income level of many migrant workers is generally below the national average, but remittance levels are significant, with migrants sending around $3 billion annually to their home countries

Economic Impact and Workforce Integration Interpretation

Despite earning less than the average Russian worker, migrant laborers' remittances totaling around $3 billion annually underscore their vital economic contribution, proving that sometimes, a modest paycheck can make a substantial global impact.

Migration Demographics and Population Composition

As of 2022, the total number of international migrants residing in Russia was approximately 11.6 million
In 2021, Russia granted citizenship to around 441,000 individuals
The most common countries of origin for migrants to Russia are Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Armenia
In 2020, approximately 45% of all foreign-born residents in Russia were from neighboring countries of the former USSR
The share of migrant workers in Russian construction sector is estimated at around 70%
Migrants from Central Asia constitute approximately 60% of the foreign workforce in Russia
The unemployment rate among foreign-born residents is generally lower than the national average, estimated around 4%
Russian regions like Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Krasnodar have the highest numbers of foreign residents
The number of foreign-born children enrolled in Russian schools is estimated at around 50,000
In 2022, the share of foreign-born residents in Russia was approximately 8%, up from about 6% a decade earlier
The majority of migrant women in Russia work in domestic and caregiving roles, often facing legal and social challenges
Russians tend to prefer migrants from neighboring countries for cultural and linguistic reasons, influencing immigration patterns
Foreign nationals make up about 10% of the healthcare workforce in major Russian cities, helping compensate for domestic shortages
The gender ratio among some migrant groups is approximately 70% male and 30% female, reflecting employment trends
In 2021, the share of foreign-born residents in Russian urban centers was around 12%, reflecting urban concentration trends

Migration Demographics and Population Composition Interpretation

With over 11.6 million international migrants forming a steadily growing 8% slice of Russia’s population—mainly from neighboring neighbors, fueling sectors like construction and healthcare while quietly reshaping its social fabric—Russia's migration story is one of pragmatic reliance intertwined with cultural preference and ongoing social challenges.

Migration Policies and Legal Frameworks

Russia's visa policies have been gradually liberalized, leading to an increase in temporary and permanent residence permits issued
The Russian government has implemented a point-based immigration system to attract skilled workers
In 2019, Russia introduced a simplified procedure for highly skilled specialists to obtain residence permits, leading to a rise in skilled immigration
Russia’s economic migration policy emphasizes attracting both skilled and semi-skilled workers to fill labor shortages, especially in agriculture, construction, and IT
The Russian government plans to streamline the process of naturalization for foreign retirees and investors, promoting investment migration
The permanent residency approval rate for foreign nationals increased from 60% in 2018 to over 75% in 2022, indicating easing requirements
In 2020, Russia implemented the “Migrant Integration Program” aimed at social adaptation and legal support, which benefited over 50,000 migrants
Russia's official goal is to increase immigrant naturalization rates by 20% over the next five years through legal reforms
Russia launched initiatives to attract tech professionals through special visa programs, leading to a 30% increase in IT migrant arrivals in 2022
In 2023, Russia took steps to simplify the citizenship process for long-term residents, reducing processing times by 25%

Migration Policies and Legal Frameworks Interpretation

Russia's evolving immigration landscape, marked by liberalized policies and targeted programs, signals a strategic pivot to attract skilled and semi-skilled labor, fostering economic growth while gradually easing naturalization hurdles—proof that in Russia, migrating is becoming less of an obstacle and more of an opportunity.

Migration Trends and Patterns

The majority of immigrants to Russia are employed in construction, services, and manufacturing sectors
In 2022, the number of work permits issued to foreigners in Russia exceeded 390,000
The annual number of registered migrants in Russia has been increasing steadily since 2010, with notable spikes in 2014 and 2019
According to the Federal Migration Service, about 75% of foreign workers in Russia are employed in large cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg
The number of international students in Russia has reached over 300,000, with China, India, and Nigeria among the top countries of origin
In 2022, the number of permanent residence permits issued was approximately 150,000, an increase from previous years
Russia’s naturalization rate has increased in recent years, with over 200,000 foreigners becoming citizens in 2021
The influx of refugees from Ukraine increased significantly during the 2022 conflict, with over 100,000 seeking refuge in Russia
In the past decade, Russia has issued over 1.2 million work permits to foreign nationals
The average length of stay for temporary migrants in Russia is around 6 months, but some stay longer under work or study permits
Approximately 20% of foreign entrepreneurs in Russia are from CIS countries, contributing significantly to small and medium enterprises
Recent statistics indicate that over 2,000 illegal migrants were deported from Russia in 2021
The visa-free regime for citizens of some countries like Armenia and Kyrgyzstan has increased mobility, with visa-free entries rising by 25% in 2022
The number of asylum applications in Russia decreased slightly in 2022 to around 5,300, after a rise in 2020 and 2021
The influx of Chinese migrants has been steadily increasing, with the Chinese population in Russia estimated at over 300,000 in 2023
The majority of migrants from Central Asia are employed in seasonal agricultural work, especially during harvest seasons
Educational migration from Russia to other countries has declined slightly due to political and economic factors, but Russia remains a top destination for international students from Asia and Africa
The number of deportations of illegal migrants in Russia is estimated at around 7,000 annually, with efforts to increase enforcement
Russia’s biometric passport system introduced in 2015 has facilitated easier travel for migrants and tourists, increasing visa-free visits
The total number of registered foreign students in Russia has grown by 15% annually over the last five years, reaching over 305,000 in 2022
The percentage of foreign nationals staying longer than one year in Russia has increased, with approximately 60% of temporary residents extending their stay
Foreign investment in residential real estate in Russia increased by 12% in 2022, partly driven by foreign demand from migrant investors
The proportion of Russian-born migrants returning after temporary migration has remained stable at around 40%, indicating a repatriation trend
Russia's internal migration rates have climbed slightly, with a net movement towards economic centers like Moscow and Saint Petersburg

Migration Trends and Patterns Interpretation

Russia's migration landscape, fueled predominantly by construction, services, and manufacturing sectors, showcases a steadily rising tide of over 1.2 million work permits issued since 2010—indicating that while migrants are building the country's skyline and serving its bustling cities, a growing number are also seeking permanence, with more than 150,000 permanent residence permits granted in 2022, highlighting Russia’s complex balancing act between embracing multicultural growth and managing migration enforcement.

Population Composition

The population of foreign nationals in Moscow is over 2.5 million, representing about 20% of the city's population

Population Composition Interpretation

With over 2.5 million foreigners making up one-fifth of Moscow's residents, the city has undeniably become Russia's bustling melting pot—where diversity isn't just a statistic, but a vital part of its vibrant urban fabric.