How to Apply for a Multi-Entry Annual Visa to Russia

A visa valid for 12 months can be obtained for various purposes, including business trips, work, study, and cultural visits. However, a year-long visa is not available for tourists. It is essential that the complete application documents are fully submitted by 09:00 AM at our office in London.

Purpose of Travel:	Business, cultural or humanitarian reasons, work, study
Duration of Stay:	Maximum of 90 days within 180 days
Number of Entries:	Multiple
Validity Period:	12 months

There are two different types of invitations required to apply for a Russian visa, differing primarily in how quickly the visa application can be processed:

1. Company Invitation (Original Required): This must explicitly express the desire for the visa to be issued for multiple entries over a year.
2. FMS or Telex Invitation: Issued by the General Directorate for Migration of the Russian Ministry of the Interior (a copy is sufficient).

For the annual visa, you must also demonstrate that you have received at least one Russian visa in the past 12 months (regardless of the type). Accuracy in the applicant's details, such as name, date of birth, and passport information, is crucial; any discrepancies can lead to the rejection of the visa application.

The annual visa will be issued exactly for the period specified in the invitation. If the invitation states a shorter duration, the visa will not automatically cover 12 months but will be valid for the specified shorter period.

Please note that currently, only invitations stating the purpose of the trip as "Meeting," "Negotiation," or "Discussion" etc., are accepted for business visas (NOT "technical support" or "installation" etc.).

Keep in mind that the issuance of a multiple-entry visa is at the sole discretion of the Russian consulate and is not guaranteed. Higher fees for a registered multiple-entry invitation are still applicable even if the consulate decides otherwise.

With a Company Invitation (Original): 10 – 14 embassy days. With an FMS or Telex Invitation (Copy Sufficient): Express processing is possible (4 embassy days).

Apply For a Conventional Visa to Russia

Please note: Processing time only includes business days (Monday to Friday) when the respective visa office / embassy is open (i.e., not when closed due to holidays or public holidays).

Important Note: The completed visa application will only be accepted by Russian visa offices if signed in blue ink.