FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Here are short answers to the questions that come up when someone writes to a public authority for the first time or argues with an organization in writing. More detail is in the guides and in the documents section.
It is better to ask about deadlines before sending the letter: that leaves time to prepare copies and write down the dates.
Writing
Can I write an appeal by hand?
Yes, if your handwriting is legible. Typed text is easier to read, so if possible it is better to print the letter. Either way, check the required details: addressee, your details, reply address, substance, signature and date.
How long should an appeal be?
Long enough to fit the facts and the request, and no longer. One or two pages are usually enough. Details are best moved to enclosures and referred to in the text.
Do I need to cite laws?
Not necessarily. An appeal is reviewed on its substance, not on the number of citations. If you are sure of a rule, cite it precisely, with the law and article number; if not, just describe the situation.
Can I write on behalf of neighbors or relatives?
If the issue is shared, each person can sign the letter themselves — that makes it a joint appeal. Writing in someone else’s name without their consent and signature is not a good idea.
Deadlines
When will the appeal be registered?
Within three days of receipt (Art. 8(2)). If the letter was sent by mail, add the delivery time.
How long does the review take?
The standard period is 30 days from registration (Art. 12(1)). It runs not from the day you sent the letter but from the registration date.
Can the deadline be extended?
Yes, in exceptional cases — by no more than 30 days, and the citizen is notified (Art. 12(2)). Keep the notice together with the copy of your appeal.
How long does forwarding take if I picked the wrong addressee?
The appeal is sent to the right body within seven days of registration, and the author is notified (Art. 8(3)). From then on, wait for a reply from the new addressee.
If something goes wrong
The deadline has passed and there is no answer. What should I do?
Send a follow-up letter with the number and date of the first appeal and ask about the outcome. If there is still no answer, the failure to act can be challenged before a higher body, the prosecutor’s office or the court.
The reply is a formality and my questions remain. Where do I go?
Write again and list what was left unanswered. If that does not help, a complaint goes to a higher body or through another established procedure, but not to the one whose decision you are challenging (Art. 8(6)).
I lost my copy of the appeal. Is that irreparable?
Not necessarily. If you know the registration number, refer to it in your next letter. In the future, keep copies and proof of sending in one folder.
Can you check my letter or write it for me?
No. We do not give personal legal advice and do not draft appeals. This guide explains the general procedure; for an analysis of a specific case, it is best to consult a lawyer.
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.
- Examples
Sample situations: no reply for over a month, a brush-off instead of an answer, forwarding to another body, a silent store, adding to a letter.
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.