Russian Working Visa. Requirements, Cost

Work visa for foreigners to visit Russia - Overview

Features of Work Visa

Work visas are not subject to limitation under which a foreign citizen can only stay in Russia for 3 months within every 6 months. Regular work has a 1 year validity, while the visas for highly skilled foreign professionals may be valid for up to 3 years . The number of entries and exits is not limited for the holder of a work visa for the whole period of its validity.

How to renew a business visa?

Extending a work visa is possible, without leaving the country.

Learn more: Benefits of applying for a business visa instead of work visa

If the validity of this type of visa does not suit you for some reason, please consider other types of visas.

Learn more: Types of visa invitations to visit Russia.


Required Documents for Work Visa

In each individual case, at every stage of work visa application process a different package of documents is required. To receive an invitation, necessary for obtaining a work visa, you need:

  • copy of the foreign citizen's passport with a Russian translation certified by a Notary Public
  • copy of the diploma, certifying the foreign citizen's qualification (with a Russian translation certified by a Notary Public)
  • two 3×4 cm photos
  • completed application form .

Read more: Work visa Invitation for Foreign Citizens

To obtain this type of visa, you will need to present to present the following documents to the Russian Consulate:


How to get Russian Working Visa

The following steps must be taken by a foreign citizen in order to obtain a work visa:

  1. To attract workers who are nationals of a foreign country, the employer must obtain a quota. To do this, the employer must submit company information to the State Employment Service and in due time apply to the FMS requesting a permission to attract foreign professionals.
  2. The employer must apply to the authorized state body for registration of individual work permits for a particular foreign national. 
  3. Thereafter, the employer must submit the required documents requesting an invitation in support of a work visa.
  4. After that, the letter of invitation and work permit should be sent by mail to the foreign worker, who is expected to submit these papers to the consular office as part of a package of documents required to apply for a work visa.

The foreign person can also arrange a work visa for the members of his/her family. Their visas will have a "Accompanying family member" indication under the column labeled "Purpose of the visit".

Learn more: How to do without a work visa and have the right to stay in Russia continuously


Work Visa Fees

The process of preparing the documents and applying for visa requires a great deal of time and effort. Our company provides assistance in preparation of the documents required for obtaining a work visa.  We  also help submit and take out your documents. Don't hesitate to ask us any questions you may have regarding the work visa application process.

Need help in obtaining a work visa invitation?

See the Help Section

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:

  1. Fill in our online order form and get a Visa invitation to Russia
  2. Refer to our Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Russian Visa Application, use your personal data and information from the Invitation to Russia
Work visa is a document which allows a foreign person to stay on the territory of Russia for a long time (1 year or 3 years) continuously. This type of visa is issued to a citizen who got a job in a Russian company.
Regular work visa has a 1 year validity, while the visas for highly skilled foreign professionals may be valid for up to 3 years . The number of entries and exits is not limited for the holder of a work visa for the whole period of its validity.
Extending a work visa is possible, without leaving the country.
To obtain this type of visa, you will need to present to present the following documents to the Russian Consulate: