The State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation has adopted in its first reading a bill significantly simplifying the process for foreign companies to relocate to Russia's special administrative regions (SARs).

This change is aimed at supporting businesses facing account freezes and restrictions on hiring lawyers and auditors abroad, which jeopardize owners' control over their assets.

Companies will now be able to redomicile to Russia even without the consent of their original country of registration, if that country blocks or prohibits such a move.

According to the draft, foreign companies registered in SARs before September 1, 2026, from countries where redomiciliation to the Russian Federation is prohibited or not provided for, are exempt from the requirement to provide a legal decision to change their personal law.

International company status will be assigned automatically. Furthermore, the two-year period for removal from a foreign register is suspended until December 31, 2027.

If the company has already extended this deadline twice or is subject to blocking sanctions, the State Commission on Foreign Investments may recognize the requirement as fulfilled.

To register in the SAR, a certificate confirming that the previous country of registration does not prohibit redomiciliation to the Russian Federation and does not have such a procedure is required.