Biometrics will simplify electronic transactions with apartments starting July 1.

      Starting from July 1, 2026, the regulations for submitting electronic documents for the registration of property rights in Russia will change. The relevant amendments have been introduced by Federal Law No. 133-FZ dated June 7, 2025, and Rosreestr has described in an official clarification how the new procedure will work in practice.

      The key change concerns the so-called "mark of the possibility of registration based on electronic documents." Until now, the rights holder was required to make such an entry in the Unified State Register of Real Estate (EGRN) in advance to carry out a transaction remotely. From July 1, this requirement will cease to apply if two conditions are met: the transaction documents must be signed with a qualified electronic signature (QES), and the identity of the rights holder must be confirmed through the Unified Biometric System (UBS).

      What is the UBS? It is a state information system that contains biometric personal data of citizens (in particular, facial images and voice samples). It is used for identification (determining identity) and authentication (verifying user authenticity). The development and implementation of the mechanism are being carried out by Rosreestr in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Development of Russia.

      To use the new service, citizens need to follow several steps:

      The first step is to register confirmed biometrics. For this, you need to choose a bank branch on the UBS website, on the State Services website, or on the Bank of Russia website, go there with your passport and SNILS. You also need to have a confirmed account on the State Services. A bank employee will take a photo of the visitor, record their voice, and ask them to sign consent for the processing of personal data. The status is updated in the system within a few hours, and in some cases, up to five calendar days. The agency emphasizes that confirmed biometrics are required for legally significant actions.

      The second step is to work on the State Services portal. Biometrics can be used within the framework of a specialized service for purchasing real estate. Condition: all participants in the transaction who are individuals must have confirmed biometrics. If a legal entity is involved, this procedure is not required for them.

      Next, it is necessary to undergo identity verification. The system will compare the image from the computer's webcam with the data contained in the UBS. After that, the participants prepare an electronic sales contract, attach the necessary documents, sign the QES applications, and send the package to Rosreestr. Upon completion of the registration actions, an extract from the EGRN confirming ownership will be sent to the personal account on the State Services portal.

      Rosreestr also reminded about the validity periods of key tools. Confirmed biometrics are valid for five years. The QES used for signing applications is valid for 12 months. You can check the status of biometrics in your personal account on the State Services, on the UBS portal, or in the "State Services Biometrics" mobile application.

      Special attention in the message is given to security issues. Biometric personal data is stored in encrypted form, separately from other personal data, in a secure contour of the state system. The use of biometrics is in addition to the QES — the combination of these two factors, according to Rosreestr, provides enhanced protection for citizens when conducting transactions electronically.

      Among the preventive recommendations for protection against fraud are: do not disclose personal data and account information on State Services to third parties, do not forward SMS content and notifications from the portal and banks, regularly change your password, do not click on suspicious links, and also submit an application to include a note in the EGRN about the impossibility of registration without the personal participation of the rights holder.