"Visa support" covers everything that helps you get the right Russian visa — from invitations and document prep to professional agencies — plus the longer-term routes to residence. This guide explains the main visa types, when a visa-support service helps, and the pathways for staying long-term. For whether you need a visa at all, see who needs a visa for Russia.
The main Russian visa types
- Tourist — the unified e-visa (single entry, up to 30 days) or a consular tourist visa.
- Business — needs an invitation from a Russian company; can be multiple-entry.
- Work / study — sponsored by an employer or institution.
- Private / humanitarian — family visits and cultural or religious purposes.
What a visa-support service does
Visa-support agencies provide the invitation (visa support letter) that consular visas require, check your documents against the rules, and book consulate appointments. They don't change the requirements, but they cut the most common cause of delay — paperwork errors. For simple cases like the e-visa, you can apply yourself.
Staying long-term: residence and investor routes
For those moving beyond a visit:
- Temporary Residence Permit (RVP) — three years, region-bound; quota-based with some exemptions.
- Permanent Residence Permit (VNZh) — after the RVP, allowing work anywhere.
- Investor / business routes — significant investment or business activity can support a residence application; thresholds and timelines change, so verify current rules with a consulate or licensed adviser.
For the practical side of moving, see our expat's guide to relocating to Russia.
Do I need a visa-support agency for a Russian visa?
Not always. For the e-visa you apply yourself online. For consular visas that require an invitation (business, private, some tourist), an agency or your host provides that invitation — that's the main thing "visa support" refers to.
How long does Russian visa processing take?
The e-visa is usually about four days. Consular visas vary by type and nationality, typically a few days to a few weeks, plus time to obtain the invitation. Apply well ahead of travel.
