Foreigners registration

Foreign employees of Russian companies and representative offices in Russia must register with the Department for Visas and Registrations of the Ministry of Interior (UVIR). Foreign nationals visiting Russia must register their passports and visa with the UVIR within three days of arriving in Russia. If the foreigner is staying in a hotel, the hotel will usually organize registration with UVIR. If the foreigner is not staying in a hotel, registration with UVIR is nevertheless still required. UVIR places a stamp on the foreign visitor's visa to confirm registration and without this stamp some difficulties may be encountered with the militia and other authorities. 

The police may fine an individual if his visa is not registered.