What is a 90 days out of 180 days limit?
Multiple entry visas to Russia imply a restriction, where any foreign national holder of this visa is allowed to remain in Russia for no longer than 90 days over any 180 day period. This restriction applies to all multiple entry visa types, except for work visas.
Read more: Types of Russian visas
In the past, there were no restrictions to as to how long a foreign national can remain in Russia during the validity of their multiple entry visa. But as of October 4th, 2007, the government of the Russian Federation had carried out a new regulation №635, which implied the aforementioned restriction. Thus from then on, it is illegal for any foreign national to reside in Russia for over 90 days per any 180 day period, whether those were consecutive days or a total amount of days over several visits within 180 days.
That is to say, since 2008 all foreign visitors must closely monitor the length of their stays in Russia to avoid breaking any laws of the Russian Federation. This restriction complicates matters for those travelling to Russia for expanding their business, since they must leave the country after only 90 days and wait for an additional 180 days from their initial entry date to return. However, this limitation is rather convenient for short-term multiple visits to the Russian Federation.
If a foreign national is in need of an extended stay in Russia, such as a year or anything over the allowed 90 days per 180 day period, they must obtain a work visa, which does not have this restriction.
Read more: Visa policy of Russia
As per global standards, all visas for stays under 3 months are part of the country’s foreign policy, while all those over 3 months relate to the domestic policy. Thus, visa applications are processed and handled by different authorities, depending on applicant’s desired length of stay.
Issuances of work visas to Russia is subject to discretion of competent migration authorities of the Russian Federation and are regulated by terms of Russia’s migration policy, based on best interests of the Russian population. Visa policy is subject to change due to constantly changing international circumstances.
Acquire a business invitation to Russia
Frequently Asked Questions
- Tourist Visa - e.g.: tourism, sightseeing;
- Business Visa - e.g.: conferences, business negotiations;
- E-Visa - e.g.: short-term visits;
- Work Visa - e.g.: employment in a Russian company;
- Private Visa - e.g.: visiting friends in Russia (though a tourist visa is cheaper and more effecient??).
To obtain a Russian visa you need:
- Fill in our online order form and get a Visa invitation to Russia
- Refer to our Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Russian Visa Application, use your personal data and information from the Invitation to Russia
