Work Visa for Russia

Russia is a vast and culturally rich country with much to offer prospective workers and their families from around the world looking for a new place to live and work. Operating competitively in a wide range of sectors including oil and gas, mining, aircraft manufacturing, aerospace, electrical engineering, automotive, transport, road and agriculture machinery production, in addition to its developing service sector, including finance and technology, means that there is a wide range of jobs available for foreign workers with suitable skills. It should be understood that applying for a Work Visa for Russia can be a lengthy and complex process for both employee and employer, which requires a robust understanding of the process. It is also important to ensure that you are always within the terms and conditions of your visa to ensure you are not liable to a penalty from the Russian authorities.

In this article, we will explain who can apply for a Work Visa for Russia, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Who can apply for a Work Visa for Russia?

The Russian Work Visa is intended for foreign workers who have been offered short-term employment in Russia. Work Visas in Russia are typically only granted for a short period of up to 90 days, however, it is possible to secure a Visa for multiple entries lasting between one and three years.

The Standard Work Visa in Russia uses a quota system that determines how many people can be hired from overseas by Russian businesses, their nationality, and the types of roles they can apply for.

Am I eligible for a Work Visa for Russia?

Applicants for a Work Visa must:

• Have a valid passport
• Have an offer of a job from an employer based in Russia who is authorised by the Russian Directorate of Migratory Affairs (GUVM) to employ overseas workers.
• Have a letter of invitation from their Russian employer

• Have the skills or experience needed for the job being offered

How do I apply for a Work Visa for Russia?

It is down to the employer to initiate the application process for a standard Work Visa in Russia. In order to apply for a Work Visa for Russia, employers need to:

• Apply for permission to hire overseas workers from the Russian Directorate of Migratory Affairs (GUVM) if they do not already have this – this includes a foreign labour Visa and a formal visa invitation letter.
• Submit the work invitation to the foreign employee

• 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

• Original invitation issued by General Directorate for Migration for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
• Introductory letter from your company/organization (or from yourself if you are self-employed) giving full details of the traveller, destinations, dates and purpose of the visit as well as stating the name of inviting organization, contact details of the responsible person in Russia and explaining who will take financial responsibility for the trip.
• Self-employed and company directors need to provide bank statements for the last three months, which have a current balance of a minimum of £100 per day for the duration of the visit.
• 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 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 20 business days. If your application is urgent, it may be possible to receive a decision within three working days.

How long is the Standard Work Visa for Russia granted for, and can it be extended?

Standard Work Visas for Russia are typically only valid for 90 days, although this can be extended for up to three years.

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. The Russian government states, “This registration is mandatory and required by the Russian Law that regulates entry/exit and stays of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation. The registration process is varied from registering in a hotel to registering at the Passport and Visa Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia or Russian Federal Immigration Service depending on which type of visas you have in your passport”. If you are staying in Russia for more than 90 days, you will also need to apply for a temporary residence Visa through the GUVM.

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