The Russian news agency RT has quoted Anatoly Kucherena as telling reporters that Snowden received a three-year residence permit” on Aug. 1.

Kucherena also said that Snowden will be able to “travel freely within the country and go abroad” for no longer than three months. Snowden has been unable to leave Russia during the past year that he has lived there.

In addition, Snowden will be eligible to apply for Russian citizenship in five years.