Since 1 September 2025, Russia has introduced a new digital requirement for certain international workers in Moscow and the surrounding region. Employees from nine countries must now enroll their place of residence through a mobile application called Amina. This move is part of Russia’s shift toward stricter digital oversight of migrant workers.
Which Countries Are Affected?
Citizens from the following nine nations must register their address using the Amina app if working in Moscow:
- Uzbekistan
- Armenia
- Ukraine
- Azerbaijan
- Tajikistan
- Georgia
- Moldova
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
How the Amina App Works
The Amina app functions as an experimental geolocation-based system. Once registered, workers must keep their mobile devices switched on with GPS tracking enabled at all times. The app verifies that the employee remains at their registered address. If location data stops updating, the system automatically cancels the enrollment, requiring re-registration.
Who Must Enroll?
The requirement applies only to citizens from the listed countries who are officially employed in Moscow or the Moscow province. Relatives of these workers are not currently required to enroll. Each time an employee enters or returns to Moscow, they must re-register through the app.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Enrollment is mandatory. Failure to comply can result in:
- Fines
- Loss of registration status
- In severe cases, deportation
Authorities have stated they will actively monitor compliance through the application.
Impact on International Workers
Moscow relies heavily on labor from Central Asia and the Caucasus. While address registration has long been required in Russia, linking it to continuous GPS tracking is a new step. Workers must ensure:
- Their phones remain charged and location services are enabled
- The Amina app is installed before arriving in Moscow
- They avoid disabling GPS to prevent automatic cancellation
Conclusion
The Amina app underscores Russia’s move toward digitized migration control. Although currently described as a “test project,” it reflects a broader trend of tighter digital supervision. For now, international workers from the nine affected countries cannot bypass this new requirement when working in Moscow.
FAQ
What is the Amina app?
The Amina app is a mandatory geolocation-based registration system for certain foreign workers in Moscow.
Who needs to use the Amina app?
Workers from Uzbekistan, Armenia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan employed in Moscow must use it.
What happens if I disable GPS or uninstall the app?
Your registration will be automatically canceled, and you will need to re-enroll. Repeated violations could result in fines or deportation.
Does this rule apply to family members of workers?
No. At present, the requirement applies only to the workers themselves, not their relatives.
Is the Amina app permanent?
Authorities have called it an experimental project, but it indicates a shift toward broader digital supervision in Russia.