Immigration to Russia – World Immigration Hub

Russia’s immigration policy is considered one of the world’s most liberal. Under current law, individuals who have lived in Russia for five years and passed the Russian language exam are eligible to apply for citizenship. The Russian immigration policy highlights that immigration is a positive phenomenon and crucial for the development of the country. It also aims to repopulate areas of Russia with lower population density.

At World Immigration Hub, we guide clients through the immigration process to Russia. Our local legal experts can answer any questions you have and help you take full advantage of this policy, which is effective from 2019 to 2025.

Visas Offered by the Russian Government

In Russia, a visa is an official document allowing an individual to stay and work in the country for a specific period. The visa includes entry/exit dates, name, passport details, and purpose of travel. If you are planning to immigrate to Russia, World Immigration Hub can advise you on the right visa type depending on your purpose of entry.

Tourist Visa: Single-entry, valid for 30 days.
Business Visa: Single-entry, valid up to three months.
Private Visa: Suitable for higher studies or relocation through a private invitation from friends or relatives; valid up to three months.
Student Visa: Based on a student invitation from a Russian university or college; valid up to three months.
Work Visa: Requires a work invitation from a Russian company; valid for up to three months.

Additionally, World Immigration Hub can provide guidance on transit and humanitarian visas and assist you throughout the application process.

Key Information About Russian Visas

Obtaining a Russian visa can be complex. Legal assistance ensures a smooth process, saves time, and minimizes errors. Our experienced team at World Immigration Hub provides step-by-step guidance on visa procedures for first-time and experienced applicants.

Temporary vs. Permanent Residence in Russia

Temporary Residence Permit (TRP):

Submit approval for the correct visa based on your purpose of stay.
Our Russian immigration lawyers at World Immigration Hub assist with document preparation and legal guidance.
Processing times vary; plan ahead for your temporary stay.

TRPs allow foreigners to live and work in Russia for up to three years. They can open an individual entrepreneur (IE) or a limited liability company (LLC). Registration with the Federal Tax Service is required. TRPs cannot be extended beyond three years, but applicants can apply for permanent residency afterward. Regulations may vary depending on the Russian region of residence.

Permanent Residence (PR):

Available for individuals with Russian children, married to a Russian citizen, native Russian speakers, or certain workers from Belarus or specialized fields.
Can be applied for 8 months after receiving a TRP or after its expiration.
Our legal experts at World Immigration Hub guide clients through all specific requirements and differences between TRP and PR applications.

Invitation Letters

Many first-time travelers assume that every visa requires an invitation letter. In reality, it shows the Russian authorities your travel plans, whether for leisure, business, or other purposes.

Business invitations specify single, double, or multiple entries for conferences, research, meetings, or professional purposes.
Tourist invitations are usually issued by a licensed Russian tourism agency. Processing can range from 1 day (for tourist visas) to 18 business days (for business visas), typically costing around $300.

World Immigration Hub provides support in obtaining the correct invitation letter efficiently.

Required Documents for a Russian Visa

Ensure all documents are prepared correctly to avoid rejection. Requirements may vary by embassy:

Passport valid for at least six months
Two blank pages in the passport
Two recent passport-sized photos
Completed Russian visa application form
Proof of employment (for work visas)
Travel insurance (for longer stays)
Medical certificate confirming absence of HIV (for business visas)

Our team at World Immigration Hub offers full legal support for document preparation, translations, and visa submission.

Tourist Visas

Tourist visas allow travelers to explore Russia and experience its culture for up to 30 days. Travel can include visits to friends, participation in cultural events, and sightseeing. Business and work activities are not permitted on a tourist visa.

Special tourist visas are also available for short-term business trips or medical purposes. World Immigration Hub can guide you through the application and documentation process for all types of tourist visas.

Family (Private) Visas

Introduced in 2020, the Private visa allows family members of Russian citizens to relocate to Russia.

Requirements include:

Written sponsorship form from a Russian relative
Valid passport with personal income information
Travel insurance covering the entire stay

The Private visa is valid for one year and can be granted to children, parents, grandparents, and other relatives. World Immigration Hub assists with paperwork, translations, and overall legal support for family visas.

Student Visas

Foreign students must secure an unconditional acceptance from a Russian university to apply for a student visa.

Student visas allow relocation to Russia for study purposes and can lead to permanent residency after graduation.
Apply early to ensure visa issuance before the academic term begins.

World Immigration Hub provides legal assistance to streamline the student visa process.

Work Visas

Foreign citizens accepting employment in Russia must obtain a work visa:

Complete visa application form
Valid passport with two blank pages
Passport-size photo
Employment letter and contract from Russian company
Medical certificate
Visa application fee
Biometric data may be required

Processing typically takes about 20 days. Registration with local authorities is mandatory upon arrival. World Immigration Hub ensures compliance and smooth processing of work visas.

Opening a Business in Russia

Foreign residents can start a business in Russia with temporary or permanent residency. Steps include:

Determine business type
Register with the Federal Tax Service
Open a bank account and obtain permits
Register employees and follow labor regulations

Investment visas also allow relocation to Russia through investment. Options include:

Minimum investment of 10 million rubles to create a business with at least 10 jobs
Real estate investment of at least 30 million rubles

World Immigration Hub assists investors with obtaining the right visa, residency, and business registration.

Russia Immigration Statistics

2000: 11,900,297 immigrants (-0.24% from 1995)

2005: 11,667,588 immigrants (-1.96% from 2000)

2010: 11,194,710 immigrants (-4.05% from 2005)

2015: 11,643,276 immigrants (+4.01% from 2010)

Net migration rate in 2022: 0.748 per 1,000 people

For detailed guidance on immigration policies, visas, and residency in Russia, contact World Immigration Hub. Our experienced lawyers provide personalized support for every step of your move to Russia.