Russian immigration regulations are subject to frequent changes, and it is reported that there are often inconsistencies in the application of immigration law. It is important to obtain up to date guidance from the Russian embassy or consulate in your home country when planning to visit Russia or to accept an offer of employment there.
Entry visas
All foreign nationals entering Russia require must hold an entry visa and a valid 10-year passport. In order to obtain an entry visa it is first necessary to secure a letter of invitation from the Ministry of Interior of the Russian Federation. This is issued on application to the Ministry by the company, individual or travel agency in Russia that is sponsoring your visit. Various on-line agencies can arrange this on behalf of short-term visitors. It normally takes 2-3 weeks for the consulate to issue a visa, and the current fee is US$100, with higher fees payable for faster processing. An exit visa is normally included with the entry visa. If you only require an entry visa you will be required to submit an HIV test certificate. Once in Russia, you are required by law to carry identification in the form of your passport and visa, or copies of them, at all times.
People who are visiting Russia for short-term business purposes, for example to attend meetings, should apply for a Business Visa, which can issued on a single entry, double entry (valid for three months) or multiple entry (valid for one year) basis.
People who are going to work for a Russian company or a foreign company based in Russia must obtain a work permit and a work visa.
Expatriate residence statuses
Under Russian Immigration Law there are three expatriate residence statuses, as follows:
1. Temporarily Located - this applies to most expatriates, who are working and living in Russia for a specified length of time. People in this category require a work permit and work visa.
2. Temporary Resident - Holders of three-year temporary residence permits, who intend to settle in Russia permanently. People in this category require a visa to enter Russia but do not require a work permit to take employment there. There are restrictions on their movement within Russia unless permission is obtained. After three years they must apply for a permanent residency permit or leave the country. Temporary residence permits are normally only issued to people born in the USSR, those who have a close family connection to Russia or is married to a Russian citizen or permanent resident, or who are investing a significant sum of money in the country.
3. Permanent Residents - Permanent residency permits are issued to people who have held a temporary residence permit for at least one year, and own a permanent home in Russia. People in this category do not require an entry visa or work permit. Permits are issued for five years and are renewable.
Work Permits and Work Visas
The majority of expatriates who wish to work in Russia must obtain a work permit via the employer offering them a post there, although it is possible to apply as an individual for an entry visa in order to seek employment in Russia. Certain small categories of foreign workers including diplomatic personnel and people employed by international organizations are not required to obtain work permits. The procedure for obtaining visas and work permits can be difficult and time-consuming, typically taking up several months from start to finish.
In order to recruit a foreign worker, Russian employers must be registered with the Ministry of Ethnic and Migration Policy, and are required to apply direct to the regional office of this Department for the work permit, including copies of the employee's passport and visa; HIV test certificate; employment contract; and the employer's tax registration certificate and statutory incorporation documents.
Foreign companies based in Russia must obtain accredited status to recruit a specific number of foreign employees. These employees are not required to obtain a personal work permit from the Ministry of Ethnic and Migration Policy for the duration of their employment with the accredited company, but are still required to obtain a business visa to enter Russia. The regulations also allow for personal accreditation of the immediate family members of the foreign employees.
Important official documents such as birth, marriage and qualification certificates which are submitted in support of visa and work permit applications must be the originals, which should be notarized by a licensed notary, and contain an Apostille (an international recognized notary seal). All documents will have to be translated into Russian and notarized by a Russian notary once submitted.
Registration and Medical Tests
Within three days of arrival in Russia all foreign employees of Russian companies or foreign companies based in Russia are required by law to register at the police station in their area of residence. If they subsequently move to a different area they are required to register within three days of arrival at the new location.
Anyone planning to stay in Russia for three months or more is required to undergo medical tests including an AIDS/HIV, TB, VD and drugs tests. The results have to be taken to the police station where they are registered.
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