Russian Business Visa Procedures and Required Document List
Russian Business Visa Procedures and Required Document List
Russian business visa is a type of visa that can be issued as a single or multiple entry for those who want to travel to the Russian Federation for commercial purposes. Russian business visa is given to businessmen who want to have business meetings or agreements in Russia, attend business meetings, receive business training, attend seminars or conferences, and engage in business-related activities. Russian business visa, which is issued for 90 days as a single or multiple entry, can be issued as a 1-year multiple entry visa when necessary.
Citizens of the Republic of Turkey who hold ordinary passports are subject to a visa when visiting Russia, and therefore must apply for a Russian commercial visa for business travel. Special and service passport holders are exempt from visas for 30 days, not exceeding 90 days in every 180 days, while Turkish citizens who hold diplomatic passports are exempt from visas for 90 days.
Vizem.net, an accredited agency that has approved 542 out of 553 Russian visa applications in the last 5 years, provides consultancy services covering the entire process from the preparation of the necessary documents to visa follow-up procedures for business people who will apply for a Russian commercial visa from Turkey.
In what cases is a Russian business visa obtained?
Foreign business people need to obtain a Russian business visa to conduct business activities in the Russian Federation, to attend seminars, conferences or meetings with business partners.
Who is Exempt from Russian Business Visa?
Citizens of many countries, such as Brazil, the UK and Japan, are exempt from visas for visits to Russia for up to 90 days and do not need to obtain a Russian business visa.
Ordinary citizens of the Republic of Turkey are required to obtain a Russian business visa for their travels to the Russian Federation, as they are subject to a visa. Holders of special, service and diplomatic passports are exempt from visas for their travels to Russia and do not need to obtain a Russian business visa.
Business people with multiple citizenship or an APEC Business Travel Card who are planning to travel to the Russian Federation for business purposes are exempt from a Russian business visa.
How to Get a Russian Business Visa?
Russian business visas can be obtained by applying in person to the Russian Embassy, Russian consulates general or Russian visa application centers or through accredited agencies, or by applying online for an e-visa.
How to Apply for a Russian Business Visa at the Consulates?
Citizens of the Republic of Turkey who will apply for a Russian business visa through a consulate must apply to the Russian Embassy in Ankara, the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul, the Russian Consulate General in Trabzon or the Russian Consulate General in Antalya. Those who wish to apply for a Russian business visa through a consulate are required to request a visa appointment through the consulate's online appointment system prior to application.
Those who want to apply for a Russian business visa must fill out the Russian visa application form and questionnaire, prepare the necessary documents, pay the visa fee through contracted banks and go to the relevant consulate on the appointment day and submit the necessary documents. In Russian business visa applications, if deemed necessary by the consulate, the applicant is invited to a visa interview on the appointment day and the application process is completed after the interview.
How to Apply for a Business Visa at the Russian Visa Center?
Citizens of the Republic of Turkey who will apply for a Russian business visa through the Russian visa center must apply to the visa application centers located in Istanbul, Ankara, Trabzon and Antalya. Before applying for a Russian business visa at the Russian Visa Center, a visa appointment must be requested through the online appointment system.
Russian business visa procedures are completed by filling out the Russian visa application form online, preparing the necessary documents, paying the visa fee before or during the appointment according to the procedure of the visa center where the application is made, and personally going to the visa application center on the appointment date and submitting the documents.
If the Russian business visa application is made through the visa application center in Istanbul, an invitation (TELEX) must be sent from the Consulate General for verification one day before the visa application.
The Russian visa center accepts visa applications made by mail. To apply for a Russian business visa by mail, the online application form is filled out, the application documents are prepared, the visa fee is paid and all supporting documents are sent to the visa application center address by mail.
How to Get a Russia E-Commerce Visa?
The Russian e-business visa is a free electronic permit that approves travel to Russia for citizens of certain countries. If citizens of the Republic of Turkey apply for a Russian business visa online with an e-business visa, a visa invitation (voucher document) is not required.
According to the Russian Federation online business visa policy, citizens of the Republic of Turkey apply for online visas through the evisa.kdmid.ru portal. For the Russian e-business visa, the evisa.kdmid.ru portal is visited; e-mail address, name, surname and date of birth information are entered, the requested information is filled in and the application form is completed after uploading a digital photo in jpeg format.
With the Russian e-business visa, entry into the Russian Federation is only possible through airports, ports and railways in the Vladivostok region. If a response is not received within 4 days for Russian e-business visa applications, a normal visa application must be made.
What are the Required Documents for a Russian Business Visa?
The documents required for a Russian business visa are listed below.
- Invitation: A signed invitation letter approved by the Russian Federation Migration Service and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Passport: Passport with a validity period of 6 months from the visa expiry date and at least 2 blank pages.
- Photo: 2 color biometric photos with a white background
- Russian visa application form: Application form filled online, printed and signed by the applicant
How to Get a Russian Commercial Voucher Certificate?
According to the visa policy of the Russian Federation, a voucher document is required for all visa applications except e-visa applications. The Russian commercial voucher document ensures that the applicant records where he/she will visit and where he/she will stay during his/her visit to Russia.
For Russian visa applications, the Russian visa invitation approved by the Russian Immigration Office and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be obtained in electronic format, while for applications made from the Istanbul Consulate, a certified printout must be obtained.
How to Fill Out the Russian Business Visa Application Form?
The Russian business visa application form is filled out online by visiting the visa.kdmid.ru portal and first the country and language of application are selected. There is no Turkish language option in online Russian business visa applications, the form filling process is started after the necessary conditions are read and approved and the password is determined. After the Russian business visa application form is filled out online, a printout of the form is required.
When filling out the Russian commercial visa application form online, if any option other than Russian is selected, all answers are required to be given in English using the Latin alphabet. If the Russian commercial visa application form is to be filled out for the first time, the “Complete New Application Form” option should be selected, and if an application form that was left incomplete for other reasons is to be edited, the “Open Previously Completed Application Form” option should be selected. The requested information in the Russian commercial visa application online form must be filled in completely and accurately. When filling out Russian commercial visa applications online, it is not recommended to use environments such as internet cafes that are accessible by everyone in order to eliminate the risk of personal information being stolen. In Russian commercial visa applications made online, the Russian visa application center to be applied to must be selected.
Is Health Insurance Required for a Russian Business Visa?
The Russian Federation does not require citizens of all countries except those of the European Union, China, Ireland, Israel and Iran to have health insurance when applying for a Russian business visa. Citizens of countries where health insurance is not required for a Russian business visa are advised to have health insurance covering the dates of their travel to Russia. In order to cover the high cost of health expenses in case of sudden health problems, accidents and injuries during their travel to the Russian Federation, it is recommended that all visitors have travel health insurance.
Where to Make an Appointment for a Russian Business Visa Application?
Russian work visa applications are made through the visa center's online appointment request system if they are to be made through the application center; and through the consulate's online appointment request system if they are to be made through the consulate.
New applications, editing of previous applications or cancellations can be made on the websites of consulates and visa centres. When applying for a Russian work visa online, the information requested on the relevant platform must be provided completely and accurately, and the consulate or visa centre to be present on the appointment date must be marked.
The screenshot of how to make an appointment at the consulate for a Russian work visa is given below.
The screen shot for making an appointment for the Russian Visa Center for a Russian work visa is given below.
Can a Russian Business Visa Appointment Be Postponed to Another Day?
Russian business visa appointments can be postponed or cancelled via the official consulate website or the Russian visa center website.
In Russian commercial visa applications made by receiving Vizem.net consultancy service, it is sufficient for those who want to change the visa appointment date to inform the relevant visa consultant by sending an e-mail or calling them by phone.
The appointment cancellation image of the Russian Visa Center is given below.
The appointment cancellation image of the Russian consulate is given below.
How Much Does a Russian Business Visa Cost?
Russian business visa fees are given in the table below.
| Number of inputs and outputs | Processing time | Visa fee |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry visa | 4-10 days | $80 |
| Single entry visa | 1-3 days | $160 |
| Double entry visa | 4-10 days | $128 |
| Double entry visa | 1-3 days | $256 |
| Multiple entry visa | 4-10 days | $240 |
| Multiple entry visa | 1-3 days | $480 |
The Russian business visa fee can be paid in cash or in dollars to predetermined banks, depending on where the visa application is made. If the Russian business visa application is made as an e-visa, no fee is charged.
For single-entry Russian business visa applications for 2022, the total cost, including visa fee, filling out the application form, hotel and flight reservations, travel health insurance, sworn translation and consultancy fees when deemed necessary, is an average of 180 dollars.
How to Track Russian Business Visa Application?
There is no tracking system for Russian commercial visa applications made through consulates; visa tracking procedures can be followed by contacting the consulate by phone or e-mail.
Business visa applications made through the Russian Visa Center can be tracked by entering passport number or reference number and date of birth information into the online application tracking system.
Visa tracking process of Russia is carried out online through Vizem.net which provides accredited consultancy service and also it is offered to the applicant as 5-stage SMS information service.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Business Russian Visa?
The Russian business visa process takes 6-10 business days for standard visa applications, 4 business days for e-visa applications and 3 business days for express visa applications.
In case of submitting complete documents and paying the visa fee for Russian business visa applications, the Embassy and Consulate General of the Russian Federation evaluate the visa applications within 10 working days as standard. The Embassy and Consulate General of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Turkey reserve the right to request additional documents, invite the applicant for an interview or extend the visa approval process for other reasons.
For Russian express visa applications where a Russian business visa is urgently requested, the visa approval process is accelerated and the visa processing period can be completed in 3 business days or less. The Russian business visa approval process may be subject to special review in individual cases and the visa approval period can be extended up to 30 days.
How Long Is a Russian Business Visa Valid?
To extend a Russian business visa, the applicant applies to the Russian Immigration Service in person, and if the visa extension is accepted by the Russian Immigration Service, the Russian business visa can be extended for a maximum of 10 days. Applicants who wish to extend their Russian business visa must apply with their ID, residence, 2 biometric photographs, visa extension fee payment receipt and invitation document before the expiration of their Russian business visa validity period.
Russian business visas are issued for 90 days as single or double entry or for 1 year as multiple entries and exits. When a Russian business visa is issued as a multiple entry standard visa, the right to stay in the Russian Federation for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days is granted.
What are the Reasons for Rejection of a Russian Business Visa Application?
Russian business visa applications are rejected if the purpose of the visit to the Russian Federation is not declared correctly, or if the documents declared are inconsistent with the purpose of the visit. If the visit to Russia is made with a non-commercial visa application, it is prohibited to engage in commercial activities in Russia and penalties are imposed on those who engage in activities other than the purpose of the visit during the period in Russia.
Incomplete or incorrect information provided during the Russian business visa application process will result in the visa application being rejected. If the invitation letter, which is among the mandatory documents required for the Russian business visa application, is fake or the information provided in the invitation letter is incomplete or incorrect, the visa application will be rejected.
Can a Russian Business Visa Rejection Be Appealed?
In case of rejection of a Russian business visa, an objection petition is written stating a valid reason and if the objection petition is found justified by the competent authorities, the right to re-apply for the visa is granted.
What are the Procedures to Follow After Going to Russia with a Business Visa?
The right to travel to the Russian Federation is gained immediately after the Russian business visa is approved. After entering the Russian Federation, the same two-page migration card with personal information must be filled in. After entering with a Russian business visa, a copy of the filled migration card is taken by the border police, while the other copy must be kept by the applicant.
Visitors who will stay in the Russian Federation for more than 1 week with a Russian business visa are required to register their business visa. When visiting the Russian Federation, the Russian business visa is registered by the hotel management or the host, depending on the place of stay. In the Russian visa registration process; a copy of the personal information page of the passport, visa and immigration card is requested.
Where is the Russian Commercial Attaché?
There are four Russian trade attachés that play a role in regulating, monitoring and preparing agreements on trade relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Turkey: St. Petersburg, Novorossiysk, Kazan and Moscow.
The Russian trade attachés in Moscow, Kazan, St. Petersburg and Novorossiysk are listed in the table below.
| Commercial attaché | City | Address | Communication |
|---|---|---|---|
| TC MOSCOW TRADE CONSULTANCY | Moscow | 7. Rostovskiy Pereulok 12, 115127 Moscow / Russian Federation | +7 499 246 29 89 |
| TC KAZAN TRADE ATTACHED | Boiler | Gorkova Ulitsa 23/27 PO BOX:141 420015 Kazan, Tatarstan / Russian Federation | + 7 843 238 24 27 |
| TC ST. PETERSBURG TRADE ATTACHED | St. Petersburg | 191124, Smolny Pr., 6A/1N, St. Petersburg - Russian Federation | +7 812 336 23 57 |
| TC NOVOROSSISK TRADE ATTACHED | Novorossiysk | Ulitsa Svabodi 73 PO Box:68 353907 Novorossiysk- Russian Federation | +7 861 764 44 23 |