April 1, 2026, marks the 30th anniversary of the introduction of SNILS (personal insurance policy) numbers in Russia. Introduced on April 1, 1996, this 11-digit code has become an integral part of the life for every Russian over three decades. Over 160 million SNILS numbers have been assigned to date.
In essence, SNILS is the key to practically all state services, accompanying a person throughout their entire life: from the first days after birth to the pension assignment. The insurance number is required to issue a certificate for maternity (family) capital, enroll a child in a kindergarten or school, receive welfare benefits and allowances. SNILS makes it possible to get a doctor appointment free of charge, set up a health record or obtain a compulsory health insurance policy. On employment, the 11-digit number is also required by the employer to pay insurance contributions and record the employee's service record.
Since 2020, the process of assigning SNILS to newborn children has been simplified as much as possible. Parents no longer have to submit separate applications or visit any agencies. The number is assigned to the child automatically after the birth registration in a civil registry office, with a corresponding notice to the mother's personal account on the Gosuslugi Portal.
Importantly, a SNILS is mandatory for foreign nationals as well. They have to obtain it if they are officially employed in Russia, hold a residence permit or a temporary residence permit, use the Gosuslugi Portal or receive welfare payments.
The document's appearance changed in 30 years. Before 2019, it used to be a green laminated card, whereas now SNILS is assigned in electronic form. You can find out your number in your personal account on the Gosuslugi Portal; however, a citizen can also obtain a paper version of the document by contacting a customer office of the Social Fund or any multifunctional center.
The SNILS anniversary is not just a memorable date, but a confirmation of the effectiveness of the individual personalized registration system, which has guaranteed pension and social rights for every resident of Russia for 30 years.