Immigrate to Russia - Visas, Permits and Main Legal Steps

If you want to immigrate to Russia, you can get in touch with our local lawyers, who can also help you before, during, and after relocation.

Quick Facts
Entry visa requirement	Yes
Types of visas available	– tourist, – business, – student, – work, – personal, – transit
Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.)	Around 20 days
Validity of temporary residence permit	3 years
Temporary residence permit renewal requirements	– knowledge of Russian language, – valid passport, – proof of address
Documents for obtaining a residence permit	– clear criminal record, – valid passport, – proof of domicile, – negative HIV test
Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.)	Around 6 months
Investor Visa availability (YES/NO)	Yes
Start-up Visa Scheme availability	Russian work visa
Sponsorship requirement (YES/NO)	Yes
Time frame for obtaining citizenship	After living 5 years in Russia
Citizenship/Residency by investment scheme availability (YES/NO)	Yes
Taxation of foreign citizens	13%–22% for tax residents (progressive scale since 2025), 30% for most income of non-residents
Tax benefits for expats	They can claim foreign tax credit

What are my visa options for Russia?

Tourist visa: it is a single-entry visa, valid for 30 days;
Business visa: it is also a single-entry visa, valid up to three months;
Private visa: if you are ready to migrate to Russia for higher studies, then this visa is for you. It is based on a private invitation from friends or relatives in Russia, and it is valid for up to three months;
Student visa: this kind of visa is based on a student invitation from a college or university in Russia, valid up to three months;
Work visa: if you want to immigrate to Russia for work, then please keep in mind this visa is based on a work invitation from a Russian company and is valid for up to three months.

You can also get information about transit and humanitarian visas from our immigration lawyers in Russia. Talk to us for more details about how to move to Russia.

What are the main options to immigrate to Russia in 2026?

if you are interested in short-term relocation, you can apply for a temporary residence permit issued on various grounds;
if you are interested in long-term immigration, you need to meet the eligibility criteria and then apply for permanent residency followed by Russian citizenship.

Here is an infographic with information on this topic:

Do I need a visa to enter Russia?

Generally speaking, yes. Most immigrants need visas to enter Russia; however, for many countries, e-visas are available, and they are easy to obtain. They allow for short-term visits for tourism and business.

What are the most common ways to immigrate to Russia in 2026?

the employment visa for highly skilled professionals;
the Shared Values Visa;
the Golden Visa.

What steps should I follow to successfully relocate to Russia?

carefully research each option: if you can immigrate under more than one program, you can consult a professional, such as one of our Russian immigration lawyers, for details;
prepare the necessary documents: make sure all papers to file are valid;
apply for the entry visa, if necessary;
search for accommodation before moving to Russia;
apply for a temporary residence permit right after arrival.

What are the documents I need to prepare when immigrating to Russia?

the valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months;
valid visa;
recent photographs;
proof of income;
proof of accommodation.

What are the documents required to obtain a temporary residence permit in Russia?

Apart from the valid passport, you will need:

a clean criminal record;
a medical certificate;
documents evidencing the reason for relocation.

How long does it take for a temporary residence permit to be issued in Russia?

If you apply for the permit while in the country, the document is issued in about 60 days. If you apply from abroad, the timeframe can reach 4 months.

Is there any investment program enabling immigration to Russia?

Yes, according to a program created by the Ministry of Economy, investors have the chance to acquire permanent residency in Russia by making a investment of at least 30 million rubles in a Russian company or 15 million rubles in regional social projects (Government Decree No. 2573).

There are other investment options that can be chosen at a higher cost, one of which is a real estate option that requires a minimum purchase of 25 million rubles (50 million in Moscow, 20 million in the Far East). There are plenty of locations where you can start your business in Russia, including the Russian capital of Moscow.

Below you can find a video presentation we have prepared:

What are the conditions to obtain permanent residency in Russia?

Permanent residency in Russia (vid nazhitelstvo) can be obtained without a temporary residence permit by persons who have Russian children, are legally married to a Russian citizen, are native Russian speakers and citizens, or are pensioners/disabled persons who need care from a Russian-born citizen. Additionally, citizens of Belarus and workers in specialized Russian work fields can move to Russia permanently as well.

The process of obtaining permanent residency is similar to that of a temporary permit. However, there are some differences and details our attorneys in Russia can guide you with.

If you want to know about Russia’s immigration policy, you can contact our lawyers for details about their services and fees. They will also help you to immigrate to Russia.