Business Visas

A Business Visa or Commercial Visa is designed for those traveling to Russia on business, and can be valid for three, six or twelve months. Business Visas may be valid for three months, six months, or one year, and may be single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry (six months or more). However, travelers on a Russian Business Visa are entitled to stay in the country for no more than 90 days out of each six month period. This means that those wishing to work full-time in Russia will have to ensure that their employers are licensed to provide them with a work visa.

To obtain a business visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

1. A passport with at least one blank page, valid for at least six months after the end of your proposed visit to Russia
2. A completed and signed visa application form
3. One recent passport sized photo
4. An official invitation from an authorized organization
5. An introductory letter from you (if self-employed) or your company explaining the purpose and itinerary of your trip
6. Your bank statements for the last 3 months (if self-employed or unemployed)

Invitations for Business Visas are issued through the Russian Foreign Ministry or its regional representatives, or an appropriate branch of the Russian Federation Migration Service. Saint-Petersburg.Com does not issue invitations for Russian Business Visas, but you can find information about companies that do in our catalogue of Visa Service Providers.

In most cases, you will need to present the original hard copy of the invitation to apply for a Russian Business Visa. Sometimes, the invitation must be telexed to the consular department where you are applying. Check your nearest Russian Consulate or Embassy for details.

If you are travelling on a Russian Business Visa, you must be registered with the local authorities within seven working days of your arrival within Russia. This process should be organized by the company or organization which issues you with an Invitation.