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Updated August 2024
Key takeaways:
Russian work visas allow single, double, or multiple entries with validity up to 3 years
Key documents: invitation letter, passport, visa application form, and HIV test certificate
Processing fees vary by entry type and urgency, ranging from USD 80 to 480
Table of Contents
Russia work visa types and validity
A Russian work visa is mandatory for foreign nationals seeking employment opportunities in the country. It permits individuals to legally work and reside in Russia for a specified duration, often tied to a job contract. Work visas are issued for single, double and multiple entries.
To work in the Russian Federation, you must obtain a work visa. Here are the types of Russian work visas and their respective validity periods:
- Single-entry visa: valid for up to 90 days
- Double-entry visa: valid for up to 90 days
- Multiple-entry visa: valid for up to 3 years
The validity of each visa will correspond with the dates specified in your invitation letter issued by the Russian Federal Migration Service. Ensure that you review the terms of your visa carefully to comply with the entry and stay conditions during your employment.
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How to apply for a Russia work visa?
Navigating the process of obtaining a Russia e-Visa can seem daunting, but it becomes straightforward and manageable with the proper guidance. Let’s walk you through every step of the application process, from gathering the necessary documents to understanding the time it takes to process your application.
Required documents
To apply for a Russia work visa, you need to prepare the following requirements:
- Letter of Invitation: An official invitation from the Russian Federal Migration Service, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), or its regional offices, or a six-digit reference number (MFA telex) sent directly to the Consulate. The invitation must include the official seal, legal address, document registration number, date, signature, travel itinerary, stay dates, and names of invitees. Only original invitations are accepted
- Original passport: The passport must have at least two blank “visa” pages and be valid for at least 1.5 years beyond the visa’s expiration date. The passport will be held by the Consulate during the visa processing period
- Visa application form: Complete the online form and print it. Attach a passport-sized photo in the designated space. Ensure the form is accurately filled, using European date format (day, month, year), and is signed and legible. Incomplete or incorrectly filled forms, or those not from the official website, will be returned.
- HIV (AIDS) test certificate: Provide an official HIV test certificate, valid for three months, with the test taken no earlier than three months before applying for the visa. Use an approved medical organization for the test.
Application steps
After completing your application form, you must download, print, sign and personally submit it to your country’s respective Russian embassy/consulate or visa processing center, together with all the support documents, payment and passport.
Processing times and fees
Visa fees are payable in USD. For standard processing, a single-entry visa costs USD 80 and takes 4-20 days, while a multiple-entry visa costs USD 240. For expedited processing, a single-entry visa costs USD 160 with a 1-3 day turnaround, and a multiple-entry visa costs USD 480.
