There is important news for Indians planning to visit Russia for business purposes. After the United States tightened several immigration
and green card rules, Russia has now updated its visa policy for foreign nationals, including Indians.
The Russian Embassy in India has announced that Indian citizens and their family members can now apply for a one-year multiple-entry business visa.
Interestingly, this facility will also be available to stateless persons, meaning people who do not officially belong to any country. Russia has described such people as “persons of interest.”
What Benefits Will the New Visa Offer?
Under the new rules, travellers can enter and leave Russia multiple times during the visa validity period. This will make business travel easier for people who need to visit the country frequently.
However, Russia has clearly stated that this visa is not a residence permit. In simple words, visa holders cannot stay in Russia continuously for a long period.
According to Russian migration laws, a person can stay in Russia for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.
Russia also explained the validity of different business visas:
Single-entry and double-entry business visas are valid for up to 90 days
Multiple-entry business visas can be issued for up to one year or even five years, depending on the invitation and supporting documents
Documents Needed for the Visa
Applicants must submit several important documents while applying for the business visa.
The most important requirement is an official invitation letter. This invitation must be issued by:
The Russian Federal Migration Service
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Or their regional offices
A six-digit visa support reference number sent directly to the embassy will also be accepted.
The invitation letter must include:
Official seal of the issuing authority
Legal address and registration number
Date and signature of the official
Complete travel itinerary
Details of the applicant
Apart from this, applicants must also have:
A valid passport
At least two blank passport pages
Passport validity of at least six months after the visa expires
Where and How to Apply
Applicants need to download the visa application form from the official Russian visa portal. The form must be filled carefully and a passport-size photo should be attached.
Russia has warned applicants not to leave any section incomplete. If any detail does not apply, it should be marked as “N/A.”
Dates should be written in the European format — day, month, and year.
The form must also contain the applicant’s original signature. If the application is incomplete, incorrect, or unsigned, it will be returned without processing.
Another important point is that the applicant’s passport will remain with the embassy until the visa process is completed.
