Business visa to Russia: registration, documents, terms
In 2024–2025, the rules for obtaining a business visa to Russia were adjusted in accordance with new migration norms and bilateral agreements with a number of countries. In this material, we will tell you how to apply for a business visa, what documents are needed, how much the visa fee costs, and what features should be considered when planning a trip.
Basic information about a business visa to Russia:
- Purposes of obtaining: Business meeting, Commercial business meetings, Crew members, Bus/truck driver, Technical maintenance, Family member (accompanying)
- Number of entries: single, double, multiple (for 6 or 12 months)
- Visa cost: from 204 €, depending on the speed of processing, type of visa and the need for an invitation. You can find the current cost on the page “Cost”.
- Processing time: from 3 working days (expedited) to 15 working days
- Grounds: an invitation from a Russian organization, processed through the Ministry of Internal Affairs or in a free form (depending on the type of visa)
The information is prepared based on the official data of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consular Department and is current as of the date of publication.
We carefully monitor changes in visa legislation, however, to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend contacting our managers.
Types of visas for business trips to Russia
Business Russia distinguishes several types of business trips and issues business visas for the following travel purposes:
Business visa to Russia
What are the requirements for a business visa to Russia
If you are planning a trip to Russia for professional reasons, you will need a business invitation (also known as a visa support letter or business voucher). This document confirms the purpose of your trip and serves as a basis for visa processing.
Who can issue a business invitation:
- Inviting Russian company (in free form)
- Federal Migration Service (FMS)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation (MFA)
What should be specified in an invitation from a Russian company:
The invitation (business voucher) should contain the following information:
- Tax number (INN) of the inviting company
- Date of issue
- Full details of the traveler:
- Last name and first name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number and validity period
- Term of trip: dates of entry and exit
- Exact route of proposed stay
- Desired type of visa (single, double, multiple)
- Signature and seal of the company's CEO
For consultation on the preparation of a business invitation and submission of documents, you can contact our managers — we will help prepare everything necessary considering the current requirements.
Invitation for a business visa to Russia - what does it mean?
- Invitation from a company (via Buch-dein-Visum.de). This invitation is issued in cooperation with a Russian partner company and can be used to obtain a business visa with the following parameters: Duration of stay up to 30 or 90 days or a multiple-entry visa valid for 1, 2, 3, or 5 years
- Invitation from FMS
- Format: DIN A6
- Issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia (former FMS)
- Maximum duration of stay: up to 1 year
- Telex invitation
- An electronic form of invitation sent directly to the consulate
- Available for up to 1 year
- When applying, you and the consulate receive a telex number as confirmation
- Does not require preliminary trips to Russia
To obtain a visa including FMS invitation/Telegram, no preliminary visits to Russia are required.
Business visa to Russia quickly and without problems
How to obtain a multiple-entry business visa to Russia
Additional requirements apply for obtaining a multiple-entry business visa (for 6 or 12 months):
- Having previous visas to Russia
- Confirmation of regular business trips
- Strict checking of routes and purpose of visit
Important: It is not possible to stay in Russia for more than 90 days in any 180-day period on a multiple-entry business visa.
To obtain a business visa to Russia, you need:
- 1-year visa. At least one entry into Russia is required in the last 12 months on a single or double entry visa.
- 2-year visa. It is necessary to have two consecutive annual visas and at least one entry into Russia in the last 12 months.
- 3-year visa. One entry into Russia on a 2-year visa within the last 12 months is required.
- 5-year visa. It is necessary to make one entry into Russia on a 3- or 5-year visa within the last 12 months.
What is the duration of a business visa and the permitted stay?
Single and double entry business visa:
- Maximum validity: up to 90 days
- Duration of stay: no more than 90 days within the visa validity period
- Used for short-term trips
Multiple entry business visa:
- Validity period: from 3 months to 1, 2, 3, or 5 years
- Maximum stay: no more than 90 days during each 180-day period
- Total per year: no more than 180 days in total
- Continuous stay in the Russian Federation is not allowed
Important:
- The actual validity period of the visa is determined by the Russian embassy individually based on the data in the invitation.
- Violation of the rules of stay may lead to a refusal of entry in the future.
- Before traveling, it is recommended to accurately calculate the permissible number of days in the territory of the Russian Federation within the framework of your visa.
- A business visa cannot be extended within Russia. After its expiration, it is necessary to arrange a new invitation and reapply at the Russian consulate abroad.
Submit an application for a business visa to Russia
How much does a business visa to Russia cost?
The cost of a business visa starts from 204 euros. The final amount depends on several factors:
- Visa type (single, double, multiple)
- Validity period and duration of stay
- Urgency of processing
- Availability or need for an invitation
- Nationality of the applicant and country of document submission
You can find out the exact and current cost of a business visa for your situation on the "Cost" page or by contacting our managers for consultation.
What documents are required for obtaining a work visa in Russia
1. Completed visa application form
2. Foreign passport
- Must contain at least 2 blank pages for visa
- Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of visa expiry
3. Medical insurance
- Must cover the entire period of stay in Russia
- Mandatory information in the policy:
- Full name of the insured person
- Policy number
- Validity period
- Coverage region (must be indicated Russia or worldwide)
4. Photograph
- Color
- Size: 35 × 45 mm
- On a light background
5. Invitation
Before submitting the documents, we recommend thoroughly checking all the data and consulting with our managers — this will help avoid refusal and delays in visa processing.
A detailed list of documents to be presented will be sent to you by email after the order is completed. Please follow the list sent.
Business visa for Russia is now online
FAQ on business visa to Russia
What documents are needed to apply for a business visa to Russia?
Main documents: invitation from a Russian company, foreign passport, application form, photo, medical insurance. A work certificate and proof of financial support may also be required. Check the list with our managers as requirements may vary.
Who can be the inviting party for a business visa to Russia?
The invitation is issued by the host company registered in Russia, or the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia at the request of the organization. An invitation can also be issued by a legal entity accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. Private individuals cannot be the inviting party for a business visa.
Visa agency Buch-dein-visum.de, if necessary, makes visas with an invitation. More details on the cost of the service can be found on the page “Cost”
How long is a business visa issued for?
The term depends on the type of visa: single-entry (up to 90 days), double-entry (up to 1 year) or multiple-entry (up to 1 year or 3–5 years for frequent trips). The specific term is determined by the invitation and the decision of the consulate.
Is it necessary to submit documents personally for a visa?
Submission through an accredited agency, such as Buch-dein-visum.de, is possible. We quickly and without any problems will help you get a business visa to Russia
How much does a business visa to Russia cost?
The cost depends on the country of application, the type of visa and the urgency of processing. At the time of writing the article, it starts from 204 euros. More details on the cost of the service can be found on the page “Cost”
How long does it take to process a business visa?
Standard term – 15–10 working days, but expedited processing is possible in 1–3 days for an additional fee. During the high season, processing times may increase.
Can a business visa be extended in Russia?
No, only in exceptional cases (illness, force majeure) through the Main Directorate for Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. Usually, it's easier to leave and apply for a new visa.
Is a translation of documents into Russian required?
Yes, all foreign documents (certificates, invitations) must be translated into Russian and notarially certified. Exception – documents originally issued in Russian or English. You can have the documents translated and find out about its necessity by contacting us on the page “Translations”
Is it possible to work with a business visa?
No, a business visa does not grant the right to employment. Employment requires a work visa and permission. A business visa is intended for negotiations, meetings, and other business purposes without labor activity.
What are the grounds for refusal of a business visa?
Main reasons: errors in documents, problems with the invitation, criminal history, past visa regime violations. Also, refusal is possible due to sanction lists or political restrictions. To avoid all these problems, we recommend contacting our managers and clarifying all necessary information.
Is it possible to enter different regions of Russia with a business visa?
Yes, if the visa is multiple-entry, you can visit any regions. However, some border areas require additional permits.
Is it necessary to provide tickets and hotel reservations when applying?
Usually this is not mandatory, but the consulate may request confirmation of the itinerary. It is recommended to have a reservation in case of inspection.
Is it possible to get a business visa to Russia without an invitation?
No, an invitation is mandatory. Exception – visas for participants of official events, but then a letter from the organizers is required.
Does a business visa to Russia become valid from the date of issue or from the date of entry?
The term starts from the date of entry indicated in the visa. It is important not to violate the permitted stay period.
Is it possible to obtain a business visa to Russia at the airport upon arrival?
No, a business visa is processed in advance. Entry visas on arrival are issued only in exceptional cases (for example, for citizens of some countries in Kaliningrad).
Does the sanction status of a company affect obtaining a visa to Russia?
Yes, if the company or its representative is under sanctions, the visa is likely not to be issued.
Is it necessary to provide fingerprints for a business visa to Russia?
Yes, since 2014, citizens of most countries undergo fingerprinting. Exception – children under 12 years old and persons with physical disabilities.
Is it possible to bring family with a business visa to Russia?
Yes, however, each family member needs to obtain their own visa with the purpose of entry “Accompaniment”.
What to do if you lose your passport with a business visa to Russia?
Immediately contact the police and consulate. Restoring the visa will be difficult – most likely, you will have to apply again.
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Additional visa services to Russia
To make the process of applying for a visa as convenient for you as possible and to relieve you of stress, we offer a number of additional services. We will fill out your form, confirm your desire to return, or arrange your insurance policy. You will have time to prepare for your business trip, and we will take care of your visa.
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Your Buch-dein-Visum.de team
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Regards,
Your Buch-dein-Visum.de team
Please try again later.
Regards,
Your Buch-dein-Visum.de team