Essential Information on the Russian Visa Invitation Process

When planning a trip to Russia, obtaining the correct visa invitation is crucial. The main types of invitations include business, tourist, and invitations issued by the Russian Ministry of the Interior. The type you require depends on your visa type and processing time preferences.

Key Types of Russian Visa Invitations:

• Business Invitation: Essential for business visas, this can be issued by a company or a relevant chamber of commerce. Note that for a multi-entry visa valid for up to 12 months, an original invitation is necessary, and a prior visa issued within the last year must be presented.
• Tourist Invitation: Generally provided via email from a registered Russian travel agency. This document is indispensable for applying for a tourist visa.
• Ministry of the Interior Invitation: Required for an expedited visa (processed within one working day). This must be either directly from the Ministry of the Interior's General Directorate for Migration or a fax from the Directorate to the Russian Consulate.

Important Application Details:

Die Daten aus dem Reisepass müssen zu 100% stimmen! Sollten Fehler auftreten, wird das Visum nicht ausgestellt oder ist ungültig.

• Accuracy of Passport Details: Ensure that your passport information is 100% accurate on the invitation. Common errors include mistaking '0' (zero) for 'O' (the letter), which is critical as letters are not used in passport numbers.
• Exact Name Match: Your full name, including all given names as listed in your passport, must appear precisely on the invitation.
• Correct Dates: Your date of birth must be accurately represented without any transpositions of the digits.
• Travel Dates: Specify the date of entry for your first trip and the exit date of your last planned exit. This ensures your visa covers the entire period intended, avoiding the need to reapply.

When applying for a Russian visa, it's essential to carefully plan your travel dates. Russian visas are issued based on the exact dates specified in your application. If you plan multiple entries, you must include the entry date of your first trip and the exit date of your final trip. Providing only the dates for the first trip means the visa will only cover that period, requiring a new application for subsequent entries.

Important Considerations for Russian Visa Applications:

• Calendar Days Count: Russian visas count the number of calendar days. For instance, a 30-day visa from the 15th of one month doesn't extend to the 15th of the next but ends precisely 30 days after the start date.

Business Visa Invitations:

Requirements: A formal, officially registered invitation is required for a business visa. This can be issued by a company, an organization, or a relevant commercial chamber.

• Short-Term Business Visa: For a single-entry business visa valid for up to 90 days, an invitation can be sent via email from Russia.
• Long-Term Business Visa: For a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 12 months, an original invitation is necessary, and applicants must show a visa from the last 12 months.
• One Visa at a Time: It's not possible to hold two Russian visas simultaneously. If you have two passports, the second must not contain a valid Russian visa.

Key Details Required in a Business Invitation:

1. Issuer’s Details: Name, logo, full address, and phone number of the inviting company.
2. Recipient: General Consulate of the Russian Federation in Frankfurt am Main.
3. Date of Issue.
4. Invitee’s Information: Full name, nationality, date of birth, passport number, and validity.
5. Visa Type: Business.
6. Travel Dates: Specify both entry and exit dates. For a yearly visa, the entire period desired should be mentioned.
7. Commitment to Return and Financial Responsibility: The invitation must state that the invitee will return to their home country after their visit and that all costs will be covered by the issuer.

Tourist Visa Invitations:

Requirements: A written invitation from a registered Russian travel operator is essential and is usually sent via email.

Apply For a Conventional Visa to Russia

Expedited Visa from the Ministry of the Interior:

Urgent Processing: For a visa processed within one working day, an invitation from the General Directorate for Migration of the Ministry of the Interior or a fax to the Russian Consulate is necessary.

This document can be arranged by your Russian business partner, or we can handle it, though we require a 7 to 10 working day notice. In urgent cases, a standard business invitation with express processing might expedite your visa application.

For more information or to request a template for a business invitation, please contact us. Our fee structure is available upon request.

By strategically planning your visit and ensuring all required documents are in order, you can streamline your Russian visa application process. This guide helps you understand the requirements, improving your chances of a successful application.