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Allows attending meetings, conferences, and negotiations but not paid employment. Single or multiple entry; some nationalities face restrictions due to diplomatic relations.
Requires employer sponsorship from an accredited Russian company. High-skilled specialist status available for senior roles with expedited processing.
Non-renewable — intended as a stepping stone to permanent residency. Annual quotas apply (except for certain categories like spouses of Russian citizens).
Requires 1 year of RVP (Temporary Residence Permit) before applying. Renewable indefinitely; high-skilled specialists may apply directly without holding RVP first.
Russia's visa and residency system is complex, and the geopolitical situation since 2022 has significantly affected expat presence and international mobility. Long-term residency is available through a Temporary Residence Permit (RVP) followed by a Permanent Residence Permit (VNZh), typically requiring sponsorship or familial ties. Many Western countries advise their nationals to reconsider travel and residency in Russia given current geopolitical conditions.
Foreign nationals working in Russia generally require a work permit (razresheniye na rabotu) issued to their employer, along with a work visa. Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS) with salaries above a threshold (~2 million RUB/year) receive a simplified process with fewer restrictions. Post-2022 sanctions have drastically reduced the presence of multinational employers in Russia.
Spouses and children of Russian citizens or residence permit holders can apply for a dependent visa or temporary residence permit. Family reunification with Russian citizens is a common pathway for obtaining RVP status.
Russia uses a flat income tax rate of 13% (15% for income above 5 million RUB/year) for tax residents who spend 183+ days per year in Russia. Non-residents pay a flat 30% on Russian-source income. Russia has around 85 double tax treaties, though many are under review or suspended due to sanctions.
Russia has a public healthcare system that is free in theory for registered residents, but quality varies significantly by region. Expats in Moscow and St. Petersburg typically use private clinics with English-speaking staff; comprehensive international health insurance is essential.
Due to international sanctions imposed after 2022, most major international banks have exited Russia, and many Russian banks are excluded from SWIFT. Opening accounts is possible at remaining domestic banks for registered residents, but international transfers are severely restricted. Expats face significant financial access challenges.
Russia previously had an Investor Visa pathway for those investing at least 30 million RUB in the Russian economy; however, due to international sanctions and geopolitical factors since 2022, this program is largely inaccessible to citizens of many Western countries. The regulatory environment for foreign investment has become significantly more restricted.