Highly Skilled Migrant Visa for Russia

If you are a foreign, highly skilled worker looking for your next adventure or opportunity for career progression, have you ever considered moving to Russia? Russia is a culturally rich nation, offering a great deal to prospective workers and their families from around the world. Its main industry sectors include the more traditional industries of oil and gas, mining, aircraft manufacturing, aerospace, electrical engineering, automotive, transport, road and agriculture machinery production, but there is now a growing service sector, especially in the areas of finance and technology. And these burgeoning sectors are always on the lookout for talented and highly skilled staff to further enable their growth. While applying for a Standard Work visa in Russia can be a lengthy and complex process, this is less so for the Highly Skilled Migrant visa. In this article, we will explain who can apply for a Highly Skilled Migrant visa for Russia, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Who can apply for a Highly Qualified Specialist Visa for Russia?

As the name suggests, the Highly Skilled Migrant visa is a work visa intended for those with strong work and academic skills – referred to as ‘Highly Qualified Specialists’ (HQS). Those who are successful in applying for a Highly Skilled Migrant visa can stay for up to three years initially and can travel in and out of Russia freely during this time on a multiple entry visa. Crucially, those on a Highly Skilled Migrant visa can also bring their family members within them.

The benefits of the Highly Skilled Migrant visa are:

• There is no limit or quota applicable on the number of applications
• There is no requirement for employers to apply for a permit to recruit foreign staff
• Permits are valid for up to three years
• There is less paperwork required
• Visa holders can leave the country and return easily on a multiple entry visa
• Family members can join the visa holder
• The employee taxation rate is lower at 13%

Am I eligible for a Highly Skilled Migrant visa for Russia?

All applicants for a Highly Skilled Migrant visa require a job offer from a Russian company/organisation. They also need to meet both experience/seniority and salary requirements. This means that applicants must typically have a relevant higher-level education (i.e., a degree in a suitable subject) and have at least five years of work experience in a senior role. Suitable roles may include managing director, finance director, commercial director, HR director, or head of department.

Highly Skilled Migrant visas are only issued to candidates with a salary of at least RUB 167,000 per month, however, it is possible to apply with a lower salary if you have been offered work in certain geographical areas or roles (such as academic researchers and teachers).

How do I apply for a Highly Skilled Migrant visa for Russia?

To apply for a Highly Skilled Migrant visa, applicants need to complete the required application form and collate the required documents. The employee then needs to visit their nearest Russian embassy or consulate and supply the completed application form and documents (see below for more details).

As part of the application process, the employer in Russia will need to provide specific documents to the Russian embassy; these documents depend on your nationality but may include:

• A current passport valid for at least six months after the visa’s expiration date and has at least two blank pages.
• Visa application form filled in and printed out.
• One recent passport size photo
• Letter from your employer - You should submit a letter which has been written and signed by your employer in Russia providing details on the company and your job, salary, level of skills, and qualifications.
• HIV Test (AIDS) Certificate taken within the last three months. HIV Test (AIDS) Certificate should still be valid for 15-30 days on the day of your application

What happens after my Highly Skilled Migrant Visa application is submitted?

Your application will be processed by your local Russian embassy. If any additional documents are required, these will be requested and should be provided in the timeframe given. If your application proceeds smoothly, you can expect a decision within ten working days. If your application is urgent, it may be possible to receive a decision within three working days.

How long is the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa for Russia granted for, and can it be extended?

Highly Skilled Migrant visas for Russia are typically granted for up to three years on a multiple entry visa (meaning you can leave the country and return as many times as you wish during this time)

What happens when I arrive in Russia?

Anyone who stays in Russia for more than seven business days is required to register as a foreigner on arrival in the country. In addition, if you are staying in Russia for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit through the GUVM.

Reiss Edwards has the resources and expertise to assist with all aspects of Russian immigration. If you need assistance with your Highly Skilled Migrant visa for Russia or any other immigration matter, contact our immigration lawyers on 020 3744 2797 or by email at info@reissedwards.co.uk