The article analyzes the legal regulation of registration of citizens on the territory of the Russian Federation and the influence of the current order on the implementation of social rights. The position of the highest courts on the issue of determining the place of residence of a citizen is given. Among the significant factors impeding the free exercise of citizens’ rights, there is divergent judicial practice on issues of financing benefits between the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. It is noted that for executive authorities, registration measures are necessary to ensure stable financing of budget expenditure obligations. The author notes that the currently functioning citizen registration registers in Russia are sufficient to solve problems with linking the exercise of rights depending on the citizen’s place of residence. Ways to improve legislation and change approaches to registration of citizens “at the place of residence” are proposed.