15.10.07

Visa Update
Changes Made to Visa Processes and Invitation Processes
From Combined Reports

Changes were introduced by the Decree of the Russian Government from 04.10.2007 N 635 entitled "On the Introduction of Changes in the Conditions of the Status of Forms of Visas, the Method and Conditions of Their Formulation and Delivery, Prolongation of Their Valid Periods, Their Restoration in the Case of Loss, and also in the Method of the Annulment of Visas." Also by a new resolution, invitations are to be issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with the Federal Migration Service and its regional offices.

While official interpretations are yet to be hammered out,  it should be noted that most expect these new regulations will apply only to multiple-entry visas -- and particularly to multiple-entry business visas. These changes have been expected for some time as a response to the many foreigners who are still working in Russia on the basis of these easy-to-get visas which are generally intended for use by those businessmen who may be coming to Russia for negotiations, to check up on investments, etc. It is legally prohibited to work in Russia on the basis of these visas.

I. Changes to Processing and Issuing Visas

Foreign citizens may be issued a multiple-entry Russian visa for a minimum of 90 days. However, the following exceptions are allowed:

1. If the head of a Russian diplomatic mission or Russian consulate rules that an applicant needs to enter Russia:

• in order to participate in international or domestic political, official, economic, socio-political, scientific, cultural, sport, or religious events and/or activities; 
• due to extreme cases, such as those arising from the severe illness or death of a close relative who lives in the Russian Federation.

2. If the visa applicant is from a country which has a separate agreement with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

II. How Long Can You Stay in Russia on a Multi-Entry Visa?

Those with multi-entry visas may stay in Russia only 90 days out of every period of 180 days. Out of each 365 day period, foreigners are allowed only "about 180," according to the official document.  

Business visas may be issued via an invitation for entry into the Russian Federation (from a business registered to issue such invitations). However, this invitation may be bypassed if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decides the applicant has a special need to enter the Russian federation to participate in international or domestic political, official, economic, socio-political, and/or scientific measures as described by an official letter from a foreign citizen.

III. When Can a Visa Be Extended? 

A visa may be extended:

1. When changes are made to the staffing of a diplomatic mission of a foreign state or international organization or their representatives. The extension may be granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in consultation with the FSB for a period determined necessary for the foreign citizen to fulfill his/her functions with that state or international organization;

2. If the foreigner needs extra time in order to leave Russia. In this case, the visa may be extended for a period of not more than three days by a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs located near the border of the Russian Federation (including entry points at the border), or by an FSB border office;

3. By the Federal Migration Service or by its territorial organs:

• when there is evident need. The extension may not exceeded 10 days and may only be performed on the basis of documents which confirm this apparent need and when the total period the foreigner will be in the Russian Federation will not exceed 90 days;
• when extreme circumstances prevent the foreign citizen from leaving the Russian Federation – such as the severe illness or death of a close relative in the Russian Federation, for periods necessary for adoption, or caused by extraordinary circumstances surrounding the departure of the foreign citizen from the Russian Federation (this must be accompanied by documentation confirming these circumstances);

Extension of visa registration will be carried out at the regular offices or at specialized points on the Russian boarder.

IV. Changes Made to Invitation Processes

Changes to the invitation processes will only affect those business and organizations within Russia who are registered to request invitations from the Russian government. Visa applicants will not be directly affected.

The processing time for invitations must not exceed 30 days from the government's receipt of the application, which must be filed in Russian. The paperwork must include a copy of the identification document of the inviting party, letter of guarantee from the inviting party accepting full responsibility for the material, medical, and housing needs for the foreign citizen, and a receipt of the state duty for invitation issuance has been paid.

If the invitation is refused, the issuing office must mail a written notification to the inviting party within 10 days detailing the reasons for the rejection. 

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