Russian Visa Requirements

Russian Business Visas

These visas are the most popular ones among business people. These visas can be obtained for a longer term that tourist ones and the Consulate processing period is usually shorter.

General Information

Officially business visas are intended for foreign citizens who travel to Russia to meet their business partners, take part in negotiations, sign a contract, visit an exhibition, etc. You do not need to prepare hotel reservation or an itinerary to get a business visa.

These visas do not imply official employment in Russia (for this purpose a work visa should be obtained).

Applying for an Invitation

In order to get a business visa you first need to get an official invitation from a Russian firm. Business visas allow stay in Russia up to 12 months and can be single-, double- or multiple-entry. Since November 1, 2002, business invitations are issued by the Passport and Visa Department (PVU) at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. To apply for an invitation, your inviting company should be officially registered with the PVU. In some cases the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can send a special telex instead of the paper invitation letter to the Russian Consulate chosen by you.

The Invitation letter for the Russian business visa looks like this:



Important: Please make sure to choose the agency that can provide registration of your visa in Russia and advice and/or help in exceptional cases.
Your sponsoring company will be the party to whom you trust your wellbeing and safety in Russia for a term up to 1 year! We recommend using the services of recognized agents only, listed in our Section Useful Links.


Apply for Business Visa Support Online


Getting Your Visa from the Consulate

Terms and price for issuing the actual visa will depend on the Consulate, and sometimes on the applicant’s citizenship. Usually the amount is higher for quicker processing and for longer visas.

To find out more detailed information please contact your nearest Russian Consulate/Embassy or apply for professional advice and/or help to an authorized Russian travel agent in your country.

Visa Manual

» What is a Russian Visa?

» How to Get a Russian Visa?

» How to Read Your Visa?

Links for your trip to Russia

Apply for Russian Visa Online www.visatorussia.com

Local Visa Agencies www.russianvisa.net

Russian Embassies Worldwide www.russianembassy.net

Hotels in Russia and CIS www.allrussiahotels.com

Apartments for Short Rent www.apartmentsmoscow.com

Russian Passport Service russianpassportservice.com

Tours to Russia www.allrussiantours.com

Events and Conferences www.eventrussia.com