Russia Work Visa Requirements

A work visa is where an individual obtains authorization for the right to take up full time employment in a country where would not normally not be eligible to work in. The authorization must come from the relevant authority in the country he/she intends to work in. A typical work visa will be in the form a standard document or more commonly a stamp in your passport and it will stipulate the validity period of the permit. It must be noted that depending on your nationality you may not be required to apply for a work visa. Generally all jurisdictions with reciprocal treaty agreements (for example, the European Union) do not stipulate that an EU citizen must obtain a work visa for undertaking employment in EU countries. Generally each jurisdiction will lay down conditions which need to be satisfied in order to be approved a work visa, the nature of employment the applicant intends to partake in will be a deciding factor as to the type of work permit required and the validity of it.

Who Requires a Russian Work Permit?

All foreign nationals who wish to work and live in Russia have a legally obligation to obtain a valid work permit. Russia has stringent entry provisions in place and provides that all citizens of Georgia and Turkmenistan are required to obtain a visa to enter Russia.

To obtain a Russia work permit you need a letter of invitation from either a Russian citizen of Russian registered sponsor company. The application of a work permit must be submitted to the Russian Embassy by the applicants sponsor company on the behalf of the candidate.

Exemptions to obtaining a Work Permit

Some categories of work in Russia are exempt from the requirement of a work visa. Such categories of workers include; journalists, lecturers, professors, student workers and employees of foreign companies who have moved their operations to Russia.

Russia Work Permits

Obtaining a Russian Work Visa can be a complex and expensive experience for most foreign nationals.

There are two types of Russia Work Permits:

1) Single Entrée visa

2) Multiple Entrée Visa

Another option available to foreign nationals in obtaining a work permit in Russia is registering as a private entrepreneur in Russia. Eventually the holder of a work permit under Entrepreneur registration can apply for a permanent residence visa.

Russia Business Visa

This type of visa is most suited to business individuals seeking to engage in a range of business activities in Russia. A business visa can be obtained for a long term basis and the application process is relatively quicker than that of obtaining a tourist visa. Business visas can be valid for a period of up to 12 consecutive months. In order to acquire a business visa you must first be invited by a Russian company. Business activities applicable under this visa are;

- individuals meeting Russian business partners

- meetings for negotiations

- signing of contracts

- exhibition and conference attendance

- training

- presentations and speeches

Required Documents for Application of a Russia Work Permit

- Valid passport

- 2 x recent passport photos

- Medical certificate of applicant

- Completed visa application form

- Submission of the relevant visa application fee

- Contract of employment

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