Russia: Relatives of Russian citizens may apply for private visa to Russia from any country
Please be informed that amendments to the procedure of issuing a private visa for foreign nationals – family members of citizens of the Russian Federation were introduced.
Which document introduces the changes?
- the Government Decree No. 421 dated March 18, 2023 (source in Russian)
A foreign national who is a close relative of a Russian citizen can now apply for a private visa in any country that is not his country of citizenship, without observing the condition of having the right to stay in this country for more than 90 days.
Who is affected?
Foreign nationals who plan to visit Russia for a private purpose.
Intermark comment
As a general rule, to obtain a Russian visa outside the country of citizenship, it is necessary to have a permit to stay in the country of application for a period of more than 90 days.
Please note that close relatives of citizens of the Russian Federation can get a private visa for a period of 12 months with the right to stay in Russia for the entire period of validity. Close relatives include spouses, parents, children and their spouses, brothers, sisters, grandfathers, grandmothers and grandchildren. A visa is granted upon the application of a Russian citizen issued directly at a consulate abroad or certified by a notary in the territory of the Russian Federation.
In general, a private visa is issued for a period of up to 3 months to any foreigner by the invitation from a Russian citizen or a foreigner who has received a permanent residence permit in Russia. Such an invitation is issued in the territorial department of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs on migration issues.
In some cases, the issuance of private visas based on notarized applications (invitations) is also provided for citizens of the USA, EU countries, Japan in accordance with international treaties. In particular, US citizens have the right to receive on the basis of such an invitation a multiple-entry private visa for a period of 3 years with the right to stay up to 6 months per trip (without a total limit).
We will be glad to support with these visas or any other immigration services required.