Country Profiles

Russian Federation

March 2011

This summary is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered an authoritative guide on how to obtain work authorization in Russia. The intent is to give the reader a general overview of the process only. Procedures and requirements may have changed since the writing of this article or may have been inaccurately characterized in it. For current and detailed information regarding the topics below, as well as documentary requirements, processing times, post-arrival and departure requirements, penalties for non-compliance, allowances for accompanying family members, and any other information pertaining to your specific needs, please contact your Pro-Link GLOBAL immigration professional.

BUSINESS VISITOR

Permitted Activities - Business visitors must generally limit their activities to the following:

  • Making sales calls to potential Russian clients provided that the visitor represents a commercial entity outside of Russia
  • Attending business meetings or discussions
  • Negotiating or signing agreements or contracts
  • Entering as a representative of a foreign company to install, dismantle, service or repair equipment or software that was supplied by a foreign company, provided it is on a post-sales, contractual basis
  • Attending personal professional development and retraining programs
  • Entering as a crew member or a transportation driver

Type of Business Visas – The Visa type will depend on the nationality of the traveler. The following are examples of the types of business visa that are available to the business traveler.

  1. Business visa – single, double or multiple entry

Basic Requirements –

  1. Intention of a genuine visit for business and not for paid employment;
  2. Good health and character;
  3. Evidence that there are no restrictions on his or her traveling to Russia.
  4. No intention to permanently reside in Russia
  5. A ticket for onward travel from Russia
  6. HIV test if applying for a visa for over six months

Estimated Processing Times – This varies by diplomatic post and country.

Maximum Time On Visa - This visa allows business people to make a short business visit to Russia for up to 90 days out of 180 days during the visa validity period. Visas cannot be extended in country.

Typical Documents Required –
All travelers need to present the following documents to officers in immigration clearance:

  • a valid passport or other acceptable travel document and in some cases
  • a valid visa or authority to enter Russia

EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

Basic Requirements - The principal immigration category for temporary employment in Russia is the personal work permit. This is a category for employers to sponsor approved skilled workers to work in Russia on a temporary basis.

Who is this visa for? - This visa is for employers who would like to employ overseas workers to fill skilled and qualified positions in Russia. 

Process Overview - The standard process for obtaining work and residence authorization involves a five step process summarized below.  Note that for highly skilled employees, who receive at least $65,000USD salary in Russia,  a new process was introduced in July 2010 which is considerably shorter- certain steps may be waived, as indicated below. 

Note: This overview assumes that the company has submitted a labor forecast and has been allocated places accordingly under the relevant regional quota, or that the position for which the application is being made is quota exempt. Pro-Link GLOBAL can assist with labor forecast and quota applications as well as determining quota exemptions.

  1. Work force demand - local labor market test to demonstrate that no resident worker can be found (waived for highly skilled empoyees)
  2. Corporate work permit application - this may list several positions and nationalities and can be used for multiple cases (waived for highly skilled empoyees)
  3. Personal work permit application - submitted in Russia
  4. Visa Invitation letter application - submitted in Russia
  5. Visa application (work visa for employee and dependent visas for accompanying family members) - submitted to Russian Embassy or Consulate in country of residence
  6. Registration and visa extension - post arrival.  Note that a comprehensive medical examination is required for the employee - this is waived for highly skilled qualifying employees.
  7. Contract notification - once the employee has signed the employment contract, various Russian authorities must be notified.

Estimated Processing Time – 16 - 20 weeks, or 4-6 weeks for highly skilled employees.

Validity periods - With this permit you can employ overseas workers for up to twelve months.  The permit is renewable.

Family Members – Secondary/ family dependants can not work and study without separate work authorisation.