Visa Types
Russia Work Visa Essentials
Apply to work in Russia, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
Key Points for Russia Work Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Russia?
Yes, Indians need visas to travel to Russia
Russia visa application is made online or offline?
There are two ways to apply for a Russia visa: you can either submit your application online or in person/by post to the Russian visa application center, Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required for obtaining a Russian visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
Yes, an interview is required for Indian nationals to obtain a Russian visa.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a work visa?
Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Russia?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
| Entries | Visa Processing Time | Consular fee | Service fee | Total fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry | 4-20 days | ₹ 6,560 | ₹ 2,200 | ₹ 8,760 |
| Single entry | 1-3 days | ₹ 13,120 | ₹ 2,200 | ₹ 15,320 |
| Double entry | 4-20 days | ₹ 10,496 | ₹ 2,200 | ₹ 12,696 |
| Double entry | 1-3 days | ₹ 20,992 | ₹ 2,200 | ₹ 23,192 |
| Multiple entry | 4-20 days | ₹ 19,680 | ₹ 2,200 | ₹ 21,880 |
| Multiple entry | 1-3 days | ₹ 39,360 | ₹ 2,200 | ₹ 41,560 |
Note:
- Each visa application has a corresponding visa fee, and the amount varies based on the applicant's citizenship, the number of entries, and visa processing time.
- Additionally, there is a Russia Visa Centre fee of 2200 INR (including GST) for each visa application. The Russia Visa Application Centre accepts payments for visa fees, the mandatory centre charge, and optional Value Added Services.
- Payments can be made in cash or by debit/credit card at the centre. It's important to note that all payments made are non-refundable.
Step-by-step guide(In Person)
Let us walk you through the process
-
Identify Visa Type:
- The first step is to identify the type of visa you need. There are different types of Russian visas for different purposes, such as tourism, business, study, and work.
- You can find more information about the different types of visas on the website of the Russian embassy in India.
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Fill Online Visa Application Form:
- Once you have identified the type of visa you need, you will need to fill out an online visa application form. The form can be found on the website of the Russian embassy in India. You will need to provide information such as your personal details, travel plans, and financial means.
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Book an Appointment:
- Schedule an appointment at the Russian Visa Application Centre. Some visa types may require you to book an appointment at the Russian Embassy or Consulate.
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Visit a Visa Application Centre:
- Attend the scheduled appointment at the Visa Application Centre or the designated Russian diplomatic mission.
- Submit the required documents, including the application form, passport, photographs, and any supporting documents.
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Track Your Application:
- Utilize the tracking system provided by the Visa Application Centre to monitor the status of your visa application. This helps you stay informed about the progress of your application.
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Collect Your Passport:
- Once the visa processing is complete, collect your passport with the stamped visa from the Visa Application Centre or the Russian Embassy/Consulate, have it delivered by courier.
Step-by-step guide(Apply by post)
Let us walk you through the process
Fill in the online visa application on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid delays.
Collect the required documents listed on our website for your specific visa type (Tourist, Business, Private, Humanitarian, Student, Work, or Transit).
Head to our payment portal to cover the visa fees. Provide accurate details, including your mobile number, email ID, and address for passport return. Don't forget to attach the payment confirmation to your documents.
Mail your documents to the Russia Visa Centre using a post/courier service. Once processed, your passport will be sent back to the specified address via courier.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for a work visa to Russia from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
- Passport:
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Russia.
- Provide a photocopy of the main page of your passport.
- Visa Application Form:
- Complete the Russia work visa application form accurately and legibly.
- Include a recent passport-sized photo adhering to the specified requirements.
- Invitation Letter:
- Obtain an official invitation letter from a Russian employer or a legal entity accredited by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.
- The invitation should contain your personal details, purpose of visit, and the intended duration of stay.
- Work Contract:
- Provide a copy of the work contract or letter of employment from the Russian employer.
- Ensure that the contract includes details such as job position, salary, working conditions, and the duration of employment.
- Educational Qualifications:
- Include copies of your educational certificates and diplomas.
- Medical Certificate:
- Obtain a medical certificate confirming that you do not have any contagious diseases and are in good health. This certificate should be issued by an authorized medical institution.
- HIV/AIDS Test Certificate:
- Provide a certificate proving that you are not infected with HIV/AIDS. This test should be conducted at an officially recognized medical facility.
- Proof of Accommodation:
- Submit a document confirming your accommodation arrangements in Russia. This can be a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from the person you will be staying with.
- Travel Insurance:
- Acquire travel insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Russia. The insurance should be valid for the Schengen area and provide coverage for at least 30,000 euros.
- Passport Photos:
- Provide additional passport-sized photos as per the specified requirements.
- Visa Fee Payment:
- Pay the required visa application fee. Check the current fee and payment methods with the Russian consulate or embassy.
- Consular Fee Payment Receipt:
- Include the receipt confirming the payment of the consular fee.
- Power of Attorney (if applicable):
- If you are using an agent or representative, provide a notarized power of attorney authorizing them to submit and collect documents on your behalf.
- Additional Supporting Documents:
- Depending on your specific situation, you may be required to provide additional documents. Check with the Russian consulate or embassy for any specific requirements.
Important Notice:
- Handwritten HIV certificates and those printed on plain A4 paper (without the clinic’s letterhead) will not be accepted for visa processing.
- When applying for a study visa transfer, make sure to submit a recent HIV test report (original) issued within the last 3 months before document submission.
To obtain the HIV certificate in the Embassy-approved format, please
Before sending your documents by post or visiting the visa center, make sure to have them pre-checked. Click here to take advantage of this service.
Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) Visa:
- Passport with at least six months of validity.
- Completed visa application form.
- Invitation letter from the Russian employer.
- Employment contract with a Russian company.
- Proof of specialized skills, expertise, and experience (educational certificates, professional licenses, etc.).
- Medical certificate confirming good health.
- HIV/AIDS test certificate.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation in Russia.
- Travel insurance.
General Work Visa:
- Passport with at least six months of validity.
- Completed visa application form.
- Employment contract with a Russian company.
- Company registration documents of the Russian employer.
- Proof of specialized skills or qualifications.
- Medical certificate confirming good health.
- HIV/AIDS test certificate.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation in Russia.
- Travel insurance.
Temporary Work Visa:
- Passport with at least six months of validity.
- Completed visa application form.
- Short-term employment contract or project agreement.
- Company registration documents of the Russian employer.
- Proof of specialized skills or qualifications.
- Medical certificate confirming good health.
- HIV/AIDS test certificate.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation in Russia.
- Travel insurance.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa:
- Passport with at least six months of validity.
- Completed visa application form.
- Employment contract and transfer agreement between the international and Russian companies.
- Company registration documents of both the international and Russian companies.
- Proof of specialized skills or qualifications.
- Medical certificate confirming good health.
- HIV/AIDS test certificate.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation in Russia.
- Travel insurance.
Seasonal Work Visa:
- Passport with at least six months of validity.
- Completed visa application form.
- Seasonal employment contract.
- Company registration documents of the Russian employer.
- Proof of specialized skills or qualifications.
- Medical certificate confirming good health.
- HIV/AIDS test certificate.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation in Russia.
- Travel insurance.
Work and Holiday Visa:
- Passport with at least six months of validity.
- Completed visa application form.
- Proof of eligibility based on bilateral agreements.
- Proof of employment and holiday plans.
- Company registration documents of the Russian employer (if applicable).
- Medical certificate confirming good health.
- HIV/AIDS test certificate.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation in Russia.
- Travel insurance.
Crew Visa:
- Passport with at least six months of validity.
- Completed visa application form.
- Letter from the employer or crewing agency.
- Employment contract or letter of assignment.
- Company registration documents of the employer or crewing agency.
- Proof of specialized skills or qualifications.
- Medical certificate confirming good health.
- HIV/AIDS test certificate.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation in Russia.
- Travel insurance.
Religious Worker Visa:
- Passport with at least six months of validity.
- Completed visa application form.
- Invitation from the religious organization.
- Letter of appointment or confirmation of engagement.
- Company registration documents of the religious organization.
- Proof of specialized skills or qualifications.
- Medical certificate confirming good health.
- HIV/AIDS test certificate.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation in Russia.
- Travel insurance.
Media Representative Visa:
- Passport with at least six months of validity.
- Completed visa application form.
- Invitation or accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Employment contract or letter of assignment from the media organization.
- Company registration documents of the media organization.
- Proof of specialized skills or qualifications.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation in Russia.
- Travel insurance.
Volunteer Work Visa:
- Passport with at least six months of validity.
- Completed visa application form.
- Letter of invitation or confirmation from the volunteering organization.
- Volunteer agreement or contract.
- Company registration documents of the volunteering organization.
- Proof of specialized skills or qualifications.
- Medical certificate confirming good health.
- HIV/AIDS test certificate.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation in Russia.
- Travel insurance.
Note: Please note that this checklist is a general guide, and specific requirements may vary based on the consulate or embassy where you apply. It's crucial to check the latest requirements and guidelines from the Russian authorities or the consulate/embassy handling your application.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.
Russia Visa Application Form
Before filling out the form, make sure you have:
- An internet browser with 128-bit encryption and JavaScript. Use Internet Explorer 7.0 or above, or Mozilla Firefox 3.6 and above for our site.
- A PDF viewer like Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- An inkjet or laser printer for the visa form.
- Your valid national passport.
- Any additional documents based on your trip's purpose and duration.
IMPORTANT: If you pause for over 20 minutes while filling the form, your session will expire. Save your application number or draft to avoid restarting from the beginning.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Russian Work Visa (Employment visa) from India typically involves the following steps:
- Job Offer and Work Permit: Secure a job offer from a Russian employer. Your employer will need to obtain a work permit for you from the Russian authorities.
- Receive Work Invitation: After obtaining the work permit, your employer will provide you with an official work invitation. This invitation is crucial for your visa application.
- Complete the Online Visa Application: Determine the appropriate visa category and fill out the online visa application form on the Russian embassy's website in India. Provide necessary details such as personal information, travel itinerary, and financial information.
- Schedule a Visa Appointment: Depending on the visa type, book an appointment at either the Russian Visa Application Centre or the Russian Embassy/Consulate. Check the specific requirements for your chosen visa category.
- Visit the Visa Application Centre: Attend the scheduled appointment at the designated Visa Application Centre or the relevant Russian diplomatic mission. Submit all required documents, including the completed application form, passport, photographs, and any supporting documentation.
- Track Your Application: Stay informed about the progress of your visa application by using the tracking system provided by the Visa Application Centre. This tool allows you to monitor the status of your application and receive any updates.
- Retrieve Your Passport: Once the visa processing is complete, collect your passport containing the stamped visa. This can be done either at the Visa Application Centre or through delivery, depending on the options provided by the Russian Embassy/Consulate.
Note:
- A work visa is given to foreigners coming to Russia for employment, including employees, teachers, accredited reporters, and equipment assembly specialists. Family members can get a work visa only in two cases: if the person is a highly qualified specialist or if they work in the Far Eastern Federal District or the free port of Vladivostok under an investment project.
- The work visa can be single (lasting up to 90 days) when issued in India. Once the foreigner arrives in Russia, the visa can be extended for up to one year with multiple entries for each year of contract extension. Highly skilled specialists can, as an exception, get a multiple-entry visa with a validity of up to 3 years.
Processing time:
- When you apply for a visa at the Russian Embassy or Consulate General, they usually decide within 10 working days after receiving all your documents and fees.
- Sometimes, they might ask for more documents, invite you for an interview, or take longer to process the visa.
- If you really need your visa quickly, they can speed up the process in urgent situations, and you might get your visa in just 3 working days.
- But in some cases, especially if they need more time to check your application thoroughly, it could take up to 30 days.
Important notes:
- When you fill out the visa application form, make sure to choose the right Russia Visa Application Centre where you plan to apply. If you don't, they might ask you to fill out a new form.
- If a company, like a travel agency, wants to get visas for customers or employees going to Russia, they have to use Visa Centers.
- But if you're an individual from another country, you can go to the Russian Embassy or Consulate to get your visa.
- If you have a multiple-entry tourist visa, you can stay in Russia for up to 90 days in every 180 days. Each visit should be no longer than 30 days. Breaking this rule could stop you from entering Russia again.
- Getting a visa comes with a fee, and it depends on your citizenship, the number of times you'll enter Russia, and how quickly you want your visa.
- You can pay this fee in cash or by card at the Russian Visa Application Centre. Just remember, once you pay, you can't get your money back.
To obtain more information about Russian visas, please click here
Buy the best travel medical insurance for your family's security in Russia online. Click here to make your purchase.
Before sending your documents by post or visiting the visa center, get them pre-checked. Click here to use this service
Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) Visa: This visa is designed for individuals with exceptional skills and qualifications in various fields, such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, arts, and education. It offers a streamlined application process, a longer validity period (up to three years), and the possibility of obtaining a temporary residence permit without leaving Russia.
General Work Visa: The general work visa is the standard visa for foreign citizens seeking employment in Russia. It is issued to individuals with various professions and qualifications, covering a wide range of industries and occupations. The duration of the visa typically corresponds to the employment contract period, with a maximum validity of one year.
Temporary Work Visa: This visa is specifically for foreign citizens engaged in temporary work assignments in Russia. It is typically issued for short-term projects or seasonal employment and has a limited duration, usually aligned with the project's timeline or seasonal work period.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa: This visa facilitates the transfer of employees within the same international company to work in a branch or office in Russia. It is intended to streamline the process of relocating employees across international locations for the company's operations.
Seasonal Work Visa: The seasonal work visa is designed for individuals working in Russia temporarily during specific seasons or for short-term projects. It is typically issued for seasonal agricultural work, tourism-related jobs, or other seasonal employment opportunities.
Work and Holiday Visa: This visa is intended for young people from countries with a bilateral agreement with Russia. It allows them to work and travel in Russia for a limited period, typically up to one year. The visa aims to promote cultural exchange and provide opportunities for young people to experience life in Russia.
Crew Visa: This visa is specifically issued to individuals working as crew members on international airlines or shipping companies operating in Russia. It is necessary for crew members to reside and work on Russian territory while performing their duties.
Religious Worker Visa: This visa is granted to individuals entering Russia for religious activities, such as missionaries, priests, or members of religious organizations. It allows them to engage in religious activities and contribute to religious communities in Russia.
Media Representative Visa: The media representative visa is issued to foreign journalists, reporters, and media representatives working in Russia. It facilitates their professional activities and reporting on events and developments within the country.
Volunteer Work Visa: This visa is specifically designed for individuals participating in volunteer programs in Russia. It allows them to contribute their time and skills to charitable or social projects, promoting international cooperation and community engagement.
Note: Each type of work visa has specific eligibility criteria and requirements. It's important to carefully review the details and ensure compliance with the regulations set by the Russian authorities. Additionally, visa policies and types may be subject to change, so it's advisable to check the latest information from the official sources.