Proposal
A recommendation on how to improve laws, the work of public bodies or the way they deal with people. A proposal is not about a violation but about what could be done better, so specifics and a clear benefit matter most.
Basics
The basics
The word “appeal” sounds bureaucratic, but it stands for something simple: a person asks a public authority, a local government body or an official in writing to look into something. How you name and structure the letter largely shapes how it will be read. This section covers the types of appeals and the required details without which a letter risks going unanswered.
An application asks, a complaint challenges, a proposal improves. If you know what you are writing, the addressee will find it easier to understand too.
This section describes the general concepts of Russian Federal Law No. 59-FZ and everyday correspondence practice. It does not replace advice from a lawyer and does not account for the specifics of any particular case.
Types of appeals
Five types of written appeals that people come across most often. The label helps the addressee understand what is expected of them, but the content is what really counts.
Application
A request for help in exercising your rights, or a report of a violation or of shortcomings in the work of a body or official. This is the most common type of appeal: a request to check, do or explain something.
Complaint
A request to restore or protect violated rights, freedoms or legitimate interests — your own or other people’s. A complaint names the decision, action or failure to act being challenged and explains where you see the violation.
Request
A letter asking for information or for an explanation of a procedure. Word it as precisely as you can: exactly what information you need, for what period and in what form you would like to receive it.
Claim to a company
A written demand to a store, contractor or other organization that you believe has broken the terms. This is no longer an appeal to a public body: reply deadlines are set by law or by the contract. The rule is the same — in writing, with a copy for yourself.
Related sections
- Guides
Step-by-step guides: write an appeal, send it with proof of delivery, challenge an unsatisfactory reply and draft a claim to a company.
- Documents
Which papers to keep after sending, how to check the receipt stamp and registration number, and what deadlines the law sets.
- Glossary
The vocabulary of written appeals: appeal, complaint, claim, registration, competence, forwarding, extension, receipt stamp.
Sources
- Federal Law No. 59-FZ of 2 May 2006 “On the Procedure for Considering Appeals of Citizens of the Russian Federation” (Russia) — Arts. 7, 8, 11, 12
- Official Internet Portal of Legal Information (Russia) — texts of laws
This guide summarizes the general rules of Russian Federal Law No. 59-FZ “On the Procedure for Considering Appeals of Citizens of the Russian Federation” as of the date the material was prepared. Laws change, so before an important step, check the wording against the current version on the official legal information portal.