If you need to stay for an extended visit or to look for a job, for example, the 90-day business visa is your best option. This visas can be either single- or double-entry. It doesn’t permits employment, although it is often used by expatriates waiting for a work visa to be processed. Thirty-day business visas are also available, however, these are used rarely as they provide the same benefits as a tourist visa, but are more difficult and expensive to obtain. More restricted business visas are also available for six months or one year. See: You have a job and need to relocate > Temporarily.
All nationalities except certain CIS countries require a visa to enter Russia. However, regulation changes are not uncommon so check with your embassy before starting the application process.
To get a business visa you must submit to the Russian Consulate in your home country:
- a visa application form
- your original passport, valid at least 6 months beyond the end of the planned trip
- 1 recent passport photo
- either an original invitation letter issued by an authorized organization, or the telex number for an invitation telexed to the Consulate directly by the authorized organization (this is also known as a tourist voucher for tourist visas) See: Types of Visas for more information on invitations.
- an introductory letter issued by the company or organization you are visiting or by yourself if you are self-employed.
Spouses and children require separate invitations and visas. The business visa takes 14-21 days to process and costs $150 however it is possible to have rush processing through a travel agency. This is more expensive at up to $700. Once in Russia the business visa cannot be extended or changed. You must leave and reapply if you wish to return on different terms.
