Russian Business Visa Invitation. How much it cost in 2020?

Invitation for a business visa to Russia: rules and prices

How does a Russian Business Visa Invitation look like?

Appearance of the business invitation differs depending on the type of invitation.
There are 3 invitation types:

How does an invitation letter from an organization look like?

Invitation from an organization is written in the free manner. Your personal data and a period of planned staying are indicated there.
Remember. Such invitation can be obtained only in that Consulate which you have indicated in your invitation.

Advantages:

• Online in 5 minutes;
• Valid for up to 5 years(!);
• Doesn’t require delivery.

Disadvantages:

• Doesn’t available for all countries. Only for the EU countries, USA, China, India.

Get an invitation

How does an invitation on the MIA letterhead look like?

Invitation on the letterhead of the MIA is printed on a special paper protected from a counterfeit. Such an invitation is required to be sent by post to a country where you want to obtain a visa.

Advantages:

• Available for all countries.

Disadvantages:

• Require delivery;
• Waiting for up to 21 days.

Get an invitation

How does electronic invitation from the MFA look like?

Electronic invitation with all personal data is sent through the internal communication system (Telex) directly to a Consulate. You receive a voucher which you can forward via email or print and submit it to a Consulate.
Remember. Such an invitation you can obtain only in that Consulate which is indicated in your invitation.

Advantages:

• Doesn’t require delivery;
• Available for all countries.

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than on the letterhead of the MIA;
• Waiting for up to 21 days.

Get an invitation

I have told above that there are several types of business invitations. Now let’s go to the review of companies where you can buy an invitation. At the beginning of the list are those, which have automated system for working with clients. Companies with automated systems allows to serve customers better and cheaper. If that list of companies isn’t accurate, tell about it in the «Q&A» section.

So, what do you want to buy?

• Invitation letter from an organization – (I recommend online in 5 minutes)
• Invitation on the letterhead of the MIA
• Electronic invitation from the MFA

Where to buy an invitation letter from an organization?

You can buy an invitation from several companies. I have overviewed companies providing such service and I recommend invitations from the Online Service in the 2019 and 2020 because this service is the most convenient and the cheapest. Also you can get acquainted with the list of all companies providing such a service.

Invitation on the letterhead of the MIA

You need to wait for up to 21 days in order to get these invitations. There is a list of companies with the most convenient order forms, online payment and optimal prices below:

Electronic invitation from the MFA

You need always wait for 21 days for these invitations. There is a list of companies with the most convenient order forms, online payment and optimal prices below:

After you obtain your invitation, it’s easy. There is a short list of actions.

1. Bear a valid passport
2. Get invitation to Russia
3. Get medical insurance
4. Complete a visa application form on visa.kdmid.ru and print it
5. Glue a picture 3,5х4,5 cm of you on a form
6. Pay a consular (visa) fee
7. Submit or send documents to the Russian diplomatic authority (passport, invitation, insurance, application form, receipt)
8. Wait from 1 to 10 calendar days * and get a passport with a visa inside

Step-by-step guide to get a Russian Visa

* — Only for the EU citizens. It is from 3 to 20 business days for others

• Visit purposes of business invitations to Russia
• Legislation
• Q&A

Quick review video:

Visit purposes of business invitations to Russia

The following visit purposes may be indicated in the invitations:

• business: if you are going to perform business negotiations, visit an exhibition or a conference
• commercial: if you are going to Russia to meet suppliers or to conclude a contract with a Russian company
• technical maintenance: if you are going to visit Russia to install, to make adjustment or to repair the equipment purchased from foreign manufacturer
• crew member:: if you a member of a crew of sea or river vessel, railway train, scheduled or Charter aircraft
• accompanied family member: if you are going to visit Russia as a family member of a person who bears a business visa

Legislation

The following legal acts were used to write this article:

1. Federal law N 114-ФЗ от 15.08.1996 – О порядке выезда из Российской Федерации и въезда в Российскую Федерацию
2. Russian government decree N 335 от 09.06.2003 – Положение об установлении формы визы, порядка и условий ее оформления и выдачи, продления срока ее действия, восстановления ее в случае утраты, а также порядка аннулирования визы

Q&A

If you have any questions ask them in the comments to this article. I will try to answer them all.

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