Russia work visa and work permit

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.

The employer first obtains permission to employ foreign workers and a work permit for you, subject to annual quotas set by the government, and an invitation for a work visa. You then apply for the work visa, which is issued for the term of the employment or service contract but not more than one year. Employees of foreign suppliers doing installation, service or warranty repair of equipment supplied to Russia receive a single or double-entry work visa of up to three months, extendable by 90 days.

Article 13.2 of the Law on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens defines a highly qualified specialist by salary: at least RUB 750,000 per quarter in the general case; RUB 83,500 per month for scientists and teachers invited by accredited universities and state research bodies and for employers in Crimea and Sevastopol; RUB 58,500 per month in technology special economic zones; and no salary threshold for Skolkovo and innovation centre participants. Quotas do not apply to HQS and their families. The employer assesses the specialist's qualifications and bears the risks.

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.

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.

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.

Family members of an HQS, defined broadly as the spouse, children, children's spouses, parents, parents' spouses, grandparents and grandchildren, can accompany the specialist. HQS and their family members can receive a residence permit without first obtaining a temporary residence permit; for an HQS who has worked in Russia for at least two years it is issued without time limit. Spouses and children of workers in professions on the qualified-specialist list also receive work visas as family members.