Requirements of Russian Highly Qualified Specialist Visa

What is a Russian Highly Qualified Specialist Visa?

The Russian Federation provides work visas for highly qualified specialists (HQS) from abroad. Russia issues such visas at the invitation of the Interior Ministry. Family members of an HQS operating in Russia can also request this visa.

HQS can work in Russia for up to three years. This visa is a multiple entry work visa, and it can never be a single or double entry visa.

Do I Qualify for a Russian Highly Qualified Specialist Visa?

You and your Russian employer must meet some criteria to apply for a Russian highly skilled specialist Visa. Listed below are the requirements while applying for this visa.

Required Qualifications:

If you want to move to Russia as a highly qualified specialist, you must have the necessary qualifications. The Russian authorities have defined the capabilities you should have as per the position offered to you in Russia. These qualifications involve education and work experience as follows:

Director (Managing Director, General Manager)

• Higher education.
• Minimum five years of working experience in senior/management positions.

Deputy Finance Manager (Finance Director)

• Higher education.
• Minimum five years of professional experience in accounting and finance and senior/management positions.

Deputy Commercial Manager

• Higher education
• Minimum five years of professional experience in managerial positions.

Deputy Head of Human Resources

• Higher education
• Minimum five years of professional experience in senior/management or other HR positions.

Head of Department (Commerce)

• Higher education
• Minimum five years of professional experience in the trade.

How to apply for a Russian Highly Qualified Specialists Visa?

If you are applying for a highly qualified specialist Russian work visa, follow these easy and quick steps:

1. Ensure that you meet this visa's working experience and education requirements.

2. Obtain a job in the Russian Federation that fulfills the salary and position requirements.

3. Ask your company/employer for an invitation letter to work in Russia as a highly qualified specialist.

4. Fill out the online application form at the Russian website.

5. Gather the documents required for a highly skilled specialist visa.

6. You must apply in person at the Visa Processing Center or Russian Consulate.

7. Wait for a decision on your application after completing all of these procedures. The embassy can ask you to submit additional documents if they deem it necessary. They might even invite you for an interview.

Documents Required for Highly Qualified Specialists Visa in Russia:

If you are applying for a work visa to Russia as a highly qualified specialist, you should compile several documents for your visa application. These documents are very similar to those for a regular work visa. However, there are some other requirements and specifications.

The documents required for the Russian Highly Qualified Specialist Visa are:

1. Visa invitation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation:  Only the Ministry of Interior invitations are accepted for this type of Russian work visa. Submit the original invitation in paper or electronic form. Your company/employer in Russia is responsible for obtaining this invitation for you.

2. Cover Letter from the Employer: You must submit a letter signed by your company/employer in Russia. It should include full details about the company and your professional position.

3. HIV Test (AIDS) Certificate: This test should be taken within 90 days before application. It should be valid for 15-30 days from the day you submit your application.

4. Health Insurance Policy Document: This requirement only applies to EU countries Iceland, Israel, Iran, Liechtenstein, Norway, Monaco, and Switzerland. The document should be issued by a foreign or a Russian insurance company and contain the following:

• Your complete name.
• The date on which the agreement was signed.
• Policy number and complete information of the insurer.
• The validity dates.
• The list of medical services covered by the insurance, including deportation in the event of death.
• The geographic scope of the insurance. It must include Russia.

Cost of Russian Highly Qualified Specialist Visa:

The cost of a Russian work visa as HQS depends upon your nationality, and the time you want your visa to be processed.

What is the Processing Time for a Russian HQS Visa?

The average processing time for a Russian visa is ten days. However, it may take seven to 20 business days to process. Expedited processing is accessible for foreigners who want a visa within three business days. Applicants wishing to take advantage of expedited processing will pay a higher fee.