RussiaBusiness and self-employment

Russia business visa

Ordinary business visa

In short

The ordinary business visa is for business trips to Russia and is issued for up to one year, or up to five years on the basis of reciprocity, normally on an invitation issued by the migration authorities at the request of a Russian company. It does not allow employment; business trips of up to 30 days can be made on the e-visa if your nationality qualifies.

checked 29 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Within the visa validity of up to one year
Validity
Up to one year, or up to five years by reciprocity
Fee
The amount depends on your nationality, the number of entries and the processing time; check the fee table of the Russian mission where you apply.
Processing time
Set by the Russian mission where you apply; urgent processing costs more.
Work
No employment; business trips only
Where to apply
The Russian embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence, by appointment, after completing the electronic visa application form

Consular visa or e-visa?

Unless your nationality is visa-exempt, holders of ordinary passports enter Russia on a visa issued under Russian law. Nationals of the 64 countries on the official e-visa list can replace the consular visa with the unified e-visa for private, business or tourist trips of up to 30 days; other nationals should ask the Russian mission responsible for their country of residence which rules apply to their passport.

Basis and invitation

Under the Law on Exit and Entry, the business visa is issued to foreigners entering for business trips for up to one year, or up to five years on the basis of reciprocity. The usual basis is an invitation issued by a territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the request of the Russian company or organisation. Business visas are also issued, for up to one year, to people coming for medical treatment and their companions on a clinic-requested invitation.

Documents

Submit your passport, the electronic application form, a photo, the original or electronic invitation and medical insurance. Consulates may ask for a letter from your employer describing the trip.

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport valid for at least six months after the visa expires, with at least two blank pages for the visa

Work

  • Business invitation issued by the Russian migration authorities at the host company's request

Insurance

  • Medical insurance policy valid in Russia and covering the whole period of the visa

Other

  • Electronic application form printed, dated and signed, with one 3.5 x 4.5 cm front-facing photo on a white background glued on

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Work

  • Letter from your employer describing the purpose of the trip

Consular fee

The fee depends on your nationality, the number of entries (single, double or multiple) and the processing time you choose; urgent processing costs more than standard processing. Check the fee table published by the Russian mission where you apply and confirm it when you book.

Where to apply

Regular visas are applied for at the Russian embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence. Each mission publishes on its website how to book an appointment and where to hand in the file. Complete the Foreign Ministry's electronic visa application form first, then lodge the file in person.

The data entered online must match the documents exactly. The decision to issue or refuse the visa always rests with the Russian consular post that examines it.

  1. Ask your Russian partner to obtain a business invitation from the migration authorities.
  2. Fill in the electronic visa application form of the Russian MFA and print it.
  3. Book an appointment at the Russian embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence, as it explains on its website.
  4. Submit the passport, form, photo, insurance and invitation or confirmation in person and pay the consular fee.
  5. Collect the visa and check the dates, entries and purpose printed on it.
  6. On arrival keep your migration card and make sure your host registers you within seven working days.

Migration registration and migration card

Within seven working days of arriving at your place of stay, the receiving party (a hotel, landlord, employer or university) must notify the migration authorities of your arrival under the Law on Migration Registration. Keep the tear-off part of the notification and your migration card, which you receive at the border, until departure. Overstaying or working outside your visa purpose can lead to fines, expulsion and an entry ban.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the e-visa for business meetings?

Yes, if your nationality is on the e-visa list: the unified e-visa covers business visits of up to 30 days without an invitation.

Can I install equipment in Russia on a business visa?

Employees of a foreign supplier doing installation, service or warranty repairs of equipment supplied to Russia receive a work visa of up to three months, extendable by 90 days.

How long can a business visa be valid?

Up to one year, or up to five years where reciprocity applies.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Russia

Visits and short stays

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Visa for up to one year, extended in Russia for the duration of studies

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Term of the contract, up to one year (HQS: up to three years, extendable)

Residence

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Maximum stay: Up to 30 days from entry (arrival and departure days count as two days)

Russia visa guide