Biometrics for Real Estate Transactions to Take Effect in Russia from July 2026

From July 1, 2026, amendments to the law on state registration of real estate will come into force in Russia, allowing the use of biometrics for remote real estate transactions. Citizens will be able to confirm their identity through the Unified Biometric System (GIS EBS) without the need for a personal visit to the MFC. The law was developed by Rosreestr to simplify procedures and reduce the time for registering transactions. However, surveys show that 53% of Russians are not ready to buy housing remotely.

The amendments provide for the use of GIS EBS, which contains biometric data of individuals and is used by state bodies, the Central Bank, and banks. Currently, for an electronic transaction, the owner must enter a mark in the EGRN allowing registration based on electronic documents. The new law will allow transactions to be carried out without this mark if the documents are signed with an enhanced qualified electronic signature (UKEP) and the identity is confirmed through biometrics. This will eliminate the need for an in-person visit to the MFC, which, according to Rosreestr, will speed up the process of buying housing and improve the quality of services.

Surveys conducted by Level Group show that 21% of Russians do not trust remote transactions, and 32% prefer to personally inspect the property. Nevertheless, 13% of respondents are ready for online purchases using AI technologies and online viewings, and 16% will agree to a remote transaction only with a trusted developer. The introduction of biometrics, according to experts, will increase security through multi-factor identification, but the risks of fraud, including forgery of biometric data, remain.

Work on finalizing the information systems of Rosreestr for the transition to GIS EBS will be completed by July 2026. Experts note that biometrics will become more popular among young citizens, but traditional transactions will remain relevant, especially for the older generation.

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