Publishing Android App to RuStore

Publishing an Android App to RuStore

RuStore is a Russian app store run by VK, launched in 2022 as a Google Play alternative for Russian users. After Google restrictions in the Russian market, RuStore audience grew — for apps targeting Russian users, presence in this store is justified.

Account Registration and Verification

Developer account is created at rustore.ru/develop. A legal entity or individual entrepreneur registered in Russia is required — individuals without entrepreneur status cannot publish apps. For verification: INN (tax ID), OGRN/OGRNIP, bank details.

Verification takes 1–5 business days. After confirmation, access to Developer Console is available.

Technical Requirements for APK

RuStore accepts APK (AAB is not supported at time of writing). Requirements:

• targetSdkVersion: minimum Android 6.0 (API 23)
• 64-bit: arm64-v8a is mandatory for new apps
• Signing: standard release keystore signature
• Size: up to 2 GB (OBB files not supported, large resources through expansion files or in-app download)

Apps must not contain references to Google Play or Google policies — automatic violation during moderation. If code has direct URLs like https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=..., they need to be removed or replaced with conditional logic.

Moderation Specifics

RuStore checks:

• Presence of Privacy Policy with current URL
• Description matches actual functionality
• Absence of prohibited content per Russian legislation (FZ-149, FZ-436)
• For push notification apps — separate check for user agreement presence

Financial apps, medical services, and apps for children undergo expanded checking with additional documents.

Typical moderation time — 1–3 business days. Result comes to the email specified at registration.

RuStore Push Kit

If the app uses push notifications, integrate with RuStore Push SDK. On devices without Google Play Services (increasingly common in Russia after restrictions), FCM doesn't work.

// build.gradle (app)
implementation 'ru.rustore.sdk:pushclient:2.1.0'

// Initialization in Application.onCreate()
RuStorePushClient.init(
    application = this,
    projectId = "your_project_id",  // From Developer Console
    logger = DefaultLogger("RuStorePush")
)

// Push message handler
class MyPushService : RuStoreMessagingService() {
    override fun onNewToken(token: String) {
        // Send token to your server
        sendTokenToServer(token)
    }

    override fun onMessageReceived(message: RemoteMessage) {
        // Show notification
        showNotification(message.notification?.title, message.notification?.body)
    }
}

Register service in AndroidManifest:

<service
    android:name=".MyPushService"
    android:exported="true">
    <intent-filter>
        <action android:name="ru.rustore.sdk.pushclient.MESSAGING_EVENT" />
    </intent-filter>
</service>

If the app already uses FCM, both SDKs can be used simultaneously, routing by GMS/RuStore availability on the device.

Monetization in RuStore

RuStore supports In-App Purchases via RuStore Billing SDK. Commission is 15% (vs 30% at Google). To integrate, create products in Developer Console and integrate the SDK:

implementation 'ru.rustore.sdk:billingclient:4.0.0'

Payment processing is through Russian payment systems (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.), critical for apps without access to Google Pay.

Process

Register developer account, verify legal entity.

Prepare APK: check compatibility, remove Google Play references.

Fill listing, Privacy Policy, upload APK.

Optionally: integrate RuStore Push SDK and Billing SDK.

Pass moderation and publish.

Timeline Estimates

Publishing an app without additional SDK integration — 1–2 days. With Push Kit and Billing SDK integration — 3–5 additional days.