RUSSIA
This profile has been created as an introductory guide to the common corporate immigration procedures for Russia. The intent is to provide a general outline of immigration processes only, since rules and requirements in every country are constantly changing and each case must be assessed on its own merits. For in depth advice relating to your specific queries, and details of other visas not listed here, please contact us.
Which Immigration Category?
The most common visa category for temporary employment in Russia is the Personal Work Permit, which enables employers to sponsor approved skilled migrants to work in Russia on temporary assignments.
Business visitors can be granted a Business Visa with single, double or multiple entry, which is for a foreign national seeking to enter Russia temporarily for permitted business activities.
It must be noted that in Russia the requirements for work permit application can vary in the outlying regions, and processing times can also differ accordingly.
A) Overview of Work Permit Applications
- Initially, a Labour Forecast detailing how many foreign assignees they wish to hire must be submitted by the sponsoring Russian company.
- The company will then be allocated employee places by the end of that year, under the appropriate regional quota (unless the role for which the application is being made is quota exempt).
1. Work Force Demand
The sponsoring company must conduct a local labour market search to demonstrate there are no available resident workers.
2. Employment Permit Application
An application listing job titles and nationalities of approved employee places must be submitted by the sponsoring company to the Federal Migration Service (FMS), for authorisation to employ foreign nationals. If approved, this can be used for more than one case.
Processing time is 1 month.
3. Personal Work Permit Application
The employer must apply for a Personal Work Permit on behalf of the intended foreign assignee. Note that the assignee must undergo a medical examination for diseases including HIV and tuberculosis upon arrival in Russia, before his/her work permit will be released.
Processing time is 1 month.
4. Visa Invitation Letter
When the Personal Work Permit has been approved, the sponsoring employer will receive a visa invitation letter, which must be sent to the foreign assignee (and any accompanying dependants) to use when applying for an entry visa.
5. Visa Application
The foreign assignee must apply for an entry work visa at the Russian Embassy or Consulate in his/her country of residence or nationality.
Upon entry into Russia and following a successful medical examination, the foreign national will be given his/her Personal Work Permit. Registration with the FMS must be completed within 3 days of arrival.
Several of the steps outlined above are waived in the case of highly skilled employees over a certain salary threshold.
What is the duration of a Personal Work Permit?
The Personal Work Permit is generally valid for up to 12 months for the initial permit and renewals are possible.
Dependants
In respect of family members of a foreign national who is granted a Personal Work Permit, spouses and children aged up to 18 can accompany the principal applicant. However, requirements vary on a case by case basis and additional authorisation is necessary to enable dependants to seek employment. For more details on whether your family members are eligible for a dependant visa, please contact us.
B) Overview of Business Visa Applications
Permitted Business activities include:
1) Business meetings / discussions
2) Negotiations / contract work
3) Visits to install, service or repair equipment or software supplied by a foreign national’s overseas employer (on a post-sales, contractual basis)
4) Entering as a crew member or transportation driver
What is the duration of a Business Visa?
A Business Visa are often granted for 30 days, but can be awarded for a maximum period of 90 days within a 180 day period and they cannot usually be extended.
Non-compliance
Non-compliance with Russian immigration rules could incur penalties such as fines, deportation or even imprisonment. It is therefore of the utmost importance that your company is always up-to-date on the latest immigration requirements, and Newland Chase can take care of all your compliance needs. For details, please contact us.
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