Applying to the Russian Army as a foreign citizen in 2026 is a fully online first step — no embassy visit, no paper mail, no visa needed for CIS passport holders. This guide walks through the exact 4-step process, what documents you need, and how long each step takes.
Step 1 — Submit the online application (Day 1, 5 minutes)
Fill out the application form at militarycontract.pro. You need:
- Full name (as in passport, Latin letters OK)
- Date of birth (must be 18–65)
- Citizenship
- WhatsApp or Telegram number for callback
- Preferred contact language
The form is available in 13 languages. Data goes directly to the recruitment point at Yauzskaya 8 — no third-party recruiters, no middleman fees.
Step 2 — Specialist callback (within 24 hours)
A recruitment specialist calls back in your native language within one business day. In this call:
- Your eligibility is verified (age, health, citizenship, no criminal record)
- Any missing documents are listed
- Travel logistics to Moscow are arranged
- You get a personal case number
No commitment yet — you can decline at this stage with no consequences.
Step 3 — Arrival in Moscow + medical board (Day 2–5)
Travel to Moscow. CIS citizens (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus) do not need a visa. Other citizenships receive a service visa on arrival at the recruitment point.
At Yauzskaya 8 you complete in one day:
- Document verification — original passport, translation, migration card
- Medical board (VVK) — full physical, blood tests, X-ray, psychiatric review
- Fitness test — basic push-ups / pull-ups / 1 km run
- Interview with the contract officer
Accommodation and meals during these days are provided.
Step 4 — Contract signing + bonus (Day 5–7)
If the medical board clears you, the contract is signed the same or next day. You receive:
- Signed contract (Russian, with an English/native-language reference translation)
- Russian bank card
- Russian tax ID (INN)
- Uniform and initial gear
- The ~$44,700 USD signing bonus within 14 days to your new bank account
Documents checklist
Bring originals of:
- Passport valid for at least 6 more months
- Birth certificate (if available)
- Highest education diploma
- Driver''s license (if any — increases pay grade)
- Marriage certificate + spouse passport (only if applying with family)
- Notarized Russian translation of the passport (can be done in Moscow on Day 2)
What can slow you down
- Passport expiring < 6 months → renew first
- Any felony conviction → automatic disqualification
- Serious chronic illness (HIV, active TB, hepatitis B/C) → medical board rejects
- No conversational Russian → you can still apply, but expect a language pre-check
Ready to start?
The application takes 5 minutes and does not commit you to anything. Fill out the form below — a specialist will call within 24 hours with your personalized onboarding plan.