Russia will allow the extension of work visas for installation work without leaving the country from July 2025

From July 21, 2025, changes to the migration legislation will come into force in Russia, concerning the extension of work visas for foreign specialists performing installation, commissioning, service, warranty and post-warranty works on the supplied equipment.. 

The main innovation — foreign specialists will now be able to extend their work visas without leaving the territory of Russia.

What changes:

• Work visas for the purpose of «installation works» can now be issued as both single and double entry.
• The validity of such a visa will be up to 3 months with the possibility of subsequent extension in Russia for a period of up to 90 days.
• Previously, the extension of such a visa required leaving Russia and obtaining a new one.

Who can get a visa:

• Employees of foreign legal entities supplying equipment to Russia.
• Specialists sent for its installation and maintenance.

Conditions for registration:

• An invitation will require providing a supply contract for the equipment.
• No work permit is required.

Mandatory requirements after entry:

• Within 30 calendar days after arriving in Russia, foreign specialists must undergo a medical examination, fingerprint registration, and photography.

Important details:

• The visa can only be extended once.
• Extension must be processed through the Main Directorate for Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.
• The standard processing time for the application is up to 15 working days.
• Medical insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros is mandatory.