Russian Federation
General visa requirements for travelling to Russian Federation. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa - General)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 10-20 business days
- Fee
- $150-$250 USD
- Validity
- Up to 1 year (renewable)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Requires work invitation from Russian employer and work permit. Can be renewed throughout employment period.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
For employment with Russian companies or organizations.
-
Employment
Must have confirmed employment offer from Russian employer.
Required status: Employment contract or job offer from Russian company
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Passport-size color photo
-
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Valid for Russian Federation; Minimum coverage: $30,000 EUR
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Work invitation from Russian employer registered with Migration Police
-
Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.
Required tests: General health examination, may include HIV test; Validity months: 3
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Russian Work Visa Application Form; Form url: https://visa.kdmid.ru/
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
-
Work permit notification
Provide work permit approval, notification or authorisation evidence from the relevant authority.
Issuing authority: As required by issuing authority; Permit number: Required in invitation
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Employer obtains work permit from Russian Migration Service.
-
Online application
Complete work visa application.
-
Appointment booking
Book consulate appointment.
-
Document submission
Submit passport, work invitation, medical certificate, and other documents.
-
Fee payment
Pay work visa fee.
-
Processing wait
Wait for processing.
-
Visa collection
Collect work visa.
Work / Immigration visa (Highly Qualified Specialist Work Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- Faster than standard work visa
- Fee
- $150-$250 USD
- Validity
- Up to 3 years
- Entry
- Multiple entry
New Skilled Visa Programme effective April 15, 2026. For professionals in science, business, industry, education, culture, and sports. Salary threshold of RUB 1 million required. No Russian language test or immigration quota. Pathway to 3-year temporary residency or permanent residency. Family members can obtain visas.
Eligibility
-
Employment
Must have job offer in high-value sector with minimum annual salary of RUB 1 million.
Required status: Employment in science, business, industry, education, culture, or sports with salary ≥ RUB 1,000,000/year
-
Purpose of visit
For highly skilled professionals in designated sectors.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Passport-size color photo
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Work invitation from Russian employer for highly qualified position
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Highly Qualified Specialist Visa Application; Form url: https://visa.kdmid.ru/
-
Professional license
Accepted licenses: Professional qualifications and credentials for specialized field; Must be translated: Yes
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
How to apply
-
Online application
Submit qualifications and documents digitally through authorized agency from home country.
-
Processing wait
Agency reviews application and qualifications.
-
Document submission
If approved, submit documents at Russian embassy/consulate for business visa.
-
Fee payment
Pay visa fee.
-
Visa collection
Receive one-year business visa with immediate work rights.