Russian Business Visa for Technical Service

In the modern global economy, it is commonplace for machinery and technology sold in one country to be installed in another, such as Russia. For example, this may include specialist factory machinery purchased from a supplier in Germany and installed in a farm or factory in Russia. In many cases, the customer is reliant on the technical expertise of a manufacturer/installer when it comes to servicing, maintaining, or repairing the machinery or technology they have purchased from a foreign company. And it is likely that maintenance, servicing, and repair will be built into an ongoing maintenance contract. In this situation, it is essential that foreign technical support specialists can easily and quickly gain the immigration clearance needed for the country where the technology or machinery is installed to undertake technical work as and when needed. In this article, we will explain who can apply for a Technical Service Visa for Russia, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

What is a Technical Service Visa for Russia?

The Technical Service visa is not a work visa; rather, it fits into the category of a Russian business visa and enables overseas specialists to undertake specific work for a customer in Russia for a short amount of time. This is not classed as a work visa as the foreign employer is not technically employed by a Russian business, nor by an overseas business with a branch or representative office in Russia.

Russian immigration law states that where a foreign employee (including mechanics, engineers, and technicians) of an overseas manufacturer or supplier needs to travel to Russia to undertake tasks such as installation, servicing, maintenance, or repair of technology or technical equipment, a business visa for “technical service” is sufficient from the perspective of immigration control.

A Technical Service Visa is typically granted for one to three months for single or double entry, or for six to twelve months when multiple entries are required (i.e., where the employee will need to make several trips in and out of Russia). That said, restrictions do apply; technical service workers are not permitted to stay in Russia for any longer than 90 calendar days within any 180-day period.

Am I eligible for a Technical Service Visa for Russia?

In order to acquire a Technical Service business visa, a valid contract must exist between a foreign supplier and an entity based in Russia. The employee must work directly for the foreign supplier and must intend to come to Russia to undertake installation, repair, servicing, or maintenance of technology or machinery in accordance with the contract. The duration of the work should not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.

Permission must also be sought from a migration office in Russia, and a letter of invitation is received to allow the foreign worker to come to Russia to carry out their work.

How do I apply for a Russian Business Visa for Technical Service?

The first stage in the process is to apply for and acquire a ‘Letter of Invitation’ for the purposes of a technical service business visa from the Russian migration office. To apply for a letter of invitation, a copy of the maintenance contract between the overseas supplier and the Russian customer should be provided to the migration office. To be granted a business visa for technical service, the Russian customer must be accredited with the migration office and, hence, have the permission needed for a letter of invitation. If the Russian entity is not accredited, it is advisable to engage the services of an immigration lawyer to handle the process of gaining this.

Once the letter of invitation is acquired, the overseas employee will then be able to collect a technical service visa from the Russian consulate in their home country.

Applications for a letter of invitation for a technical service visa typically take around three to four weeks.

What happens after my Technical Service Visa application is submitted?

Your application for a letter of invitation for a technical service business visa will be processed by the migration office in Russia. 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 three to four weeks. Once approved, authorisation is sent to the Russian consulate in the foreign worker’s home country to issue a Technical Service business visa.

How long is the Technical Service Visa for Russia granted for?

Technical Service Visas for Russia are granted as follows:

For a single/double entry visa: the technical service business visa is typically granted for one to three months.
For a multiple entry visa: the technical service business visa is typically granted for six to twelve months, with a maximum length of stay of 90 days in any 180-day period.

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 Technical Service Visa for Russia or any other immigration matter, contact immigration solicitors on 020 3744 2797 or by email at info@reissedwards.co.uk