Russian Business Visa - Everything You Need To Know - (Indian Passport Holders)

When a business person has plans to visit Russia for business purposes, a business visa to Russia is issued for that individual. There is much more to this permit. The business activities that can be carried out on this permit include attending business conferences and exhibitions, a business meeting for a branch of your own organization or a sister company, or attend client meetings and other business errands.

There are multiple ways to apply for this permit. It can be applied online or offline, or the application can be made by the traveller themselves or through a visa application centre (VAC). An online Russia business visa from India is available to visitors who are travelling to Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad Region. The validity of this permit is 30 days and the duration of stay is 8 days. If you opt for an offline process, the validity and the duration of the stay will differ as per the case. As per the Russia business e-visa news, the online permit has been made available to Indian passport holders from October 1st, 2019.

Before moving on to the application process, you need to make sure that you are an eligible candidate for obtaining a business visa to Russia. The application can be made individually online or through a VAC. The processes differ accordingly. It can even be obtained offline. The processes are given as follows:

• Applying Online

1. You can start by filling out the Russia visa application form.
2. Confirm your email address.
3. Submit the form and attach all the required documents.
4. Attach recent photograph.
5. Pay the required visa fees.
6. Get the permit verified.
7. You will then receive your e-visa.

• Applying through VAC

1. Fill out the Russia visa application form online.
2. Submit the application form and the required documents to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) personally.
3. Pay the required visa fees.
4. Get the permit verified.
5. You will then receive your e-visa.

At the time of filling out these applications, there are a few things that need to be taken care of. The internet browser that is being used to fill out the application form, must have the Javascript enabled - Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, etc. You also need to have a PDF file reader in the computer, preferably Adobe Acrobat Reader. It is also essential that you print or note the statement number on the top right corner of the page.

Normally, the email will be verified and the e-visa is processed within 4 days. If you are not reverted back with any status of the permit, you can get a business visa to Russia following the standard offline procedure. This application is made directly to the Embassy of Russian Federation. The offline process to get this permit is given as follows:

1. Fill out the online Russia visa application form.
2. Print the application form/fill out in block letters once printed.
3. Attach a recent photograph.
4. Attach all the required supporting documents.
5. Submit the application form to the Embassy of Russian Federation.
6. Pay the required visa fee.
7. You will receive the permit after processing.

At the time of filling out the application form, there are certain precautions to be taken. You need to make sure that the information being provided is correct and that it matches with the details in the travel documents. The information needs to be verifiable and traceable. If there are any kind of issues found with the application form, there are chances that the application may become inadmissible and even get rejected. There are other reasons for a visa rejection as well. These chances can be minimised by hiring a professional visa agency to carry out the application process.

The process of application is performed only after knowing that the applicant is eligible for procuring a business visa to Russia. There is a list of parameters that are to be met in order to pass as an eligible applicant. Some of the important eligibility criteria are listed as follows:

• You must have proof of business ownership and purpose of visit

• • • You must have proper proof of your business enterprise to show it to the authorities.
    • If you have been invited to a business conference or to attend a business or client meeting, an invitation letter from the company must be provided to the embassy.
• You must meet the health requirements
  • • You must be healthy enough to travel to Russia.
    • You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
• You must meet the character requirements
  • • You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Russia.
    • You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds
  • • You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Russia.
    • Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are different kinds of documents required for the issuance of a business visa to Russia based on the process that is being followed. The Russia Business Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens are listed below:

• E Visa Requirements

• • • Passport valid for at least 6 months ahead of travel.
    • Photo as per the photo specifications.
    • Confirmed flight tickets.
    • Proof of purpose of visit - exhibition pass, invitation letter, etc.
• Stamp Visa Requirements
  • • Passport valid for at least 6 months ahead of travel.
    • Completely filled and duly signed application form.
    • Covering Letter.
    • Photo as per the photo specifications.
    • Confirmed flight tickets.
    • Travel Insurance.
    • Proof of purpose of visit - exhibition pass, invitation letter, etc.
    • Proof of sufficient funds - bank statement for the last three months, etc.

Note: Scanned copies of the documents must be submitted for e visa. Also, you may be asked to submit some of the documents in Russian language.

• One copy must be provided
• Photo size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• It must be a JPEG image for E visa.
• Should not be older than 6 months.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame.
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white.
• Neutral expressions.
• Hair should not hide eyes.
• Both the ears must be visible.
• Teeth should not be visible.
• Glasses are not permitted, except for prescription glasses.
• Eyes must be clearly visible through glasses.
• Must be taken in clear light.
• There should be no red eyes or flashes messing the image.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The processing time required to get Russia business visa from India will depend on the application process that is being followed. The e-visa can be issued within 4 days, on the other hand, if applied offline, the processing may take longer, about a week to even more at times. There are certain factors that can affect the processing time. These include the day the application was made, lagging of the server, or even the workload and staff availability in the case of an offline permit.

The fees for the application of a business visa to Russia is paid online for an e-visa. It can be done by using any kind of standard electronic payment option. Also, for an offline permit, the fee can be paid using cash or DD as well. If you are applying through a VAC, the fee can be paid to the VAC. The Russia business visa fees can differ as per the duration of the stay and validity of the permit. There may be other factors as well, for instance, extra fee is to be paid if you need the visa issued within 24 hours.

The documents are to be submitted after the application form is filled out. There are a few things that need to be noted. Some of the pointers are given as follows:

• For E-visa
  • • You can check the status of your permit online and the respective PDF file can be downloaded.
    • There are detailed instructions in the file that provides guidelines for when you have the visa and what is the further procedure.
    • After the submission of the documents and the application form, if you are not reverted back, you can then make an offline application for Russia visa to the Embassy of Russian Federation following the standard procedure.
• For Stamp Visa
  • • The documents provided must be in good condition.
    • If there are any known issues with the application, the Embassy must be known accordingly.
    • If there are any updates to be made in the application, the Embassy must be informed in time.
    • If there is a change of plans, the application can be withdrawn within the processing time.
    • The visa fee is generally not refundable.

The status of your permit can be checked online by visiting the Russia e visa portal. To check the status, you just need to enter your reference number and you can know the processing status of your online business visa to Russia. To check the status offline, you can contact the VAC if you have applied through one, or you can contact the Consulate for the same.

After the submission of the documents, the visa will be processed and the e-visa will be emailed on the registered email ID of the applicant. The offline visa, however, needs to be collected from the Embassy. When you have the permit, there are certain things that need to be noted:

• Before you travel

• Print your e-visa for Russia.
• Note what port you are supposed to enter the country through.
• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Russia within the validity of your visa.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border

• • • Enter the respective port as per the specification on your permit.
    • Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
    • Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
    • Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
    • Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Russia
  • • Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
    • The business visa does not permit you to employ the residents or reside in the country.
    • It is a permit that allows you to only perform business and business-related operations in the country. You are still permitted tourism.
    • The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
    • Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for the visa extension in time.