A Russian citizen’s bankruptcy petition must be filed with the commercial court at the debtor’s place of residence, not any convenient city. Registration is the starting presumption, but stable actual residence in another region may be proved by a body of evidence.
No free choice
Jurisdiction follows residence, not the representative’s location or convenience.
Combined evidence
Housing, work, family, payments and duration are assessed together.
Remote tools remain available
Electronic filing and web hearings do not change territorial jurisdiction.
Which court has jurisdiction
The case belongs to the commercial court at the citizen’s place of residence. Permanent registration normally supports that place unless the facts establish a stable actual residence elsewhere. A court cannot be selected merely because it is cheaper or more convenient.
| Situation | Jurisdiction | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Registration matches actual residence | Court for the registered region | Registration record |
| Living in another city | Actual settled residence is assessed | Housing, work, family, medical and payment records |
| Move shortly before filing | Reality and good faith are examined | Combined evidence and explanation |
| Case already accepted | Do not file a duplicate petition | Review the order and any transfer issue |
Proving actual residence
- housing title or tenancy documents;
- employment records;
- family residence and children’s education;
- medical registration;
- regular household payments and correspondence;
- duration and consistency of residence.
No single item automatically resolves jurisdiction; the court assesses the whole record.
Relocation before filing
Relocation is not prohibited, but its reality, stability and timing matter. A move shortly before filing may be examined for manufactured jurisdiction. Once a case has been accepted, any transfer issue follows procedural rules; a duplicate filing should not be used.
Handling a case from another city
Documents may be filed electronically, and attendance may be arranged through a representative or a web-conference motion. Technical availability and the court’s decision still matter. Originals and complete disclosure may still be required.
Read the remote bankruptcy guide.
Practical workflow
- Compare registration with actual residence.
- Collect evidence of stable connection to the city.
- Check whether a case is already pending elsewhere.
- Disclose both addresses and explain any difference.
- File with the proper court and retain proof.
- Arrange electronic filing, representation or remote attendance.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Moscow court be chosen because the lawyer is there?
No. The representative’s location does not establish jurisdiction.
Does temporary registration automatically change the court?
No. It is assessed with all actual residence evidence.
What if there is no permanent registration?
The debtor should prove actual residence with a consistent body of documents.
Must every hearing be attended in person?
Not always; representation and remote attendance may be available.
Can two petitions be filed in different regions?
No. The proper court and any already pending case must be respected.
Primary legal sources
- Supreme Court Plenum Resolution No. 45
- Supreme Court personal bankruptcy review of 18 June 2025
- Article 153.2 of the Commercial Procedure Code
- Article 213.4 of Insolvency Law No. 127-FZ
Need to verify jurisdiction before filing?
I can review residence evidence and a safe participation route without promising a preselected court.
INITIAL CONSULTATIONThis guide is general information; jurisdiction is determined by the court on the facts.