Freelancer Visa In Russia: The Ultimate Guide

Embarking on a freelance journey in Russia is like navigating the vast Siberian landscapes – full of potential yet requiring careful planning, Right? Worry not! We’ve got you covered!

This guide is your personal Trans-Siberian Railway, smoothly taking you through the complexities of obtaining a Freelancer Visa in Russia. From Moscow’s vibrant urban beats to the serene shores of Lake Baikal, let’s start your journey towards merging freelance flexibility with Russian intrigue.

Let’s dive in!

How To Apply For A Freelancer Visa In Russia?

You can apply for a Russian work permit and visa to work as self-employed in Russia using the same system as employed workers. You’ll need to apply to the GUVM for the permit yourself.

You will need a letter of support from an individual or organization in Russia justifying the benefit of your self-employment in Russia.

When applying for the Russian work visa, you must provide the introductory letter that would otherwise come from the employer. This applies to the Russian work visa for Indian citizens.

Entrepreneurs seeking to start a business in Russia can use a Russian Business Visa instead of a Russian Work Visa to generate revenue and create jobs for the country.

You may be eligible for a residence permit by investing a specific amount of money in the economy.

Processing Times And Visa Validity

The Russian work visa processing time is around 20 days. However, the total time from enquiring about obtaining a Russian work permit to receiving your Russian work visa can take 3-6 months.

Once you have received your Russian work visa, you can travel to Russia. All foreign entrants to Russia must register their arrival with the local GUVM office within 7 days.

Your employer will often do this, but it’s worth checking to ensure this is done. Failure to register with the GUVM can result in a fine and, in some cases, expulsion from Russia.

The Russian work visa is usually valid for 90 days but can be extended to a year and renewed annually. This must be done through your local GUVM branch in your region.

Suppose you are staying in Russia for longer than 90 days.

In that case, you must apply for a temporary residence permit through the GUVM (other than Highly Qualified Professionals who get a three-year residence permit automatically).

Russian Work Visa Fee

The Russian work visa costs vary for countries, whether the visa is single or multiple entries, and whether you opt for a standard or express service.

Russian work visa costs for UK citizens start at RUB 19,859(£165.)

There is also a charge for the Russian work permit, payable in Russian roubles after arrival, but the employer often picks this up. The cost is around RUB1,000.

Who Can Get A Russian Work Visa And Permit?

If you’re a foreign national coming to work in Russia, you’ll need a work permit and a work visa.

However, you can only apply for a Russian work permit and visa if you have a job offer from a Russian employer who has secured an employment permit that allows them to employ foreign nationals for specific jobs.

The number of employment permits available for overseas workers is decided yearly by government quotas, depending on Russia’s economic climate and government policies.

Within the overall quota are specific quotas for regions of Russia, occupational sectors, and foreign nationalities. The overall quota for 2017 has been set at 177,043, which is 17% down from the quota for 2016.

Foreign nationals who need a visa to enter Russia will need a work permit and work visa to work in Russia.

Nationals from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), who don’t need a visa to enter Russia, are the only nationals that don’t require a Russian work permit and visa or a guaranteed job offer from a Russian employer.

As of 2015, CIS nationals are no longer bound by Russian work permit quotas. Instead, they have to apply for a work patent within 30 days of arriving in Russia and then find employment within 60 days of receiving the work patent.

You cannot enter Russia on a visa other than a Russian work visa (e.g., business visa or tourist visa) and start working. You must exit the country and re-enter on a Russian work visa.

Work Visa Exemptions In Russia

The following groups of foreign nationals are exempt from requiring a Russian work visa or permit:

Foreign nationals living in Russia who have already acquired a Russian permanent residence permit.
Foreign nationals working temporarily for an overseas company can apply for a Business Visa, which enables workers to stay in Russia for business for up to a year.
Employees of diplomatic missions or consular institutions of overseas countries in Russia, along with any private domestic employees.
Employees of foreign countries installing, servicing, or repairing installed equipment.
Journalists accredited in Russia.
Students with a valid Russian Study Visa working on holiday or at their place of study.
Those invited to Russia for teaching positions in educational institutions.

Those working in highly skilled fields can apply for an exceptional Russian work permit for highly-skilled migrants, which grants them specific concessions.

Applying For A Russian Work Permit And Visa

Your employer will take care of acquiring the Russian work permit by applying to the GUVM. You will need to supply documents, including

A colored passport photograph.
Valid passport or valid ID.
Copy of the necessary qualification certificates.
Medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases.
Receipt for payment of fees.

Once the permit has been obtained, you will receive a Russian work visa invitation from the GUVM.

It would help if you did this at your home country’s Russian embassy or consulate. A list of Russian embassies and consulates worldwide is available here.

You must provide the following documents and the completed Russian work visa application form:

Passport.
One passport photograph.
Letter of invitation from the GUVM.
Letter from the employer with job details, work location, and contract dates.
Medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases.

Employees from some countries might need to provide additional documentation.

Some countries now require applicants to attend the Russian embassy or consulate in person for biometric scanning procedures.

You must check with your country’s Russian embassy or consulate to see if this is true.

How Much Tax Will A Russian Freelancer Have To Pay?

It is unclear how much tax Russian freelancers should pay.

This depends on:

Whether he has registered an IP.
Which tax system did he choose to apply?

The most significant advantage for freelancers who register as an IP is that they can apply for the Simplified Taxation System.

Just like for the OOO, the simplified system for an IP comes in two variants.

This variant is almost always more advantageous for providing services, making it easier to keep the accounts.

Deductions Under Variant 1

Even though the turnover is taxed for variant taxes, the IP applying variant 1 of the simplified system may deduct the contributions he/she has paid to the funds from the tax due.

The contributions paid to the funds may be deducted 100% from the tax to be paid if the IP doesn’t have any employees.

If he has employees, 50% of the contributions to the funds may be deducted from the tax payable.

This covers:

Contributions to the Pension Fund.
Contributions to the Social Security Fund.
Contributions to the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund.

Does A Russian Freelancer Need To Be Registered As An Entrepreneur?

If one systematically derives income from entrepreneurial activities, it is mandatory to register as an entrepreneur in Russia.

However, it should be noted that if a person not registered as an entrepreneur receives income, files his tax declarations on time, and pays 13% income tax, it is unlikely that they will get into trouble with this.

This is because, in such cases, he pays more than he would pay as an IP under the simplified system.

How To Work As A Freelancer In Russia?

Many people in Russia do freelance work without registering as an entrepreneur.

The Russian fiscal authorities take a pragmatic approach towards such people in that, so long as they pay Personal Income Tax on their income as a freelancer, they aren’t too bothered.

If a Russian individual does choose to register as an entrepreneur, the most logical choice for him/her would be to become an “Individual Entrepreneur” индивидуальный предприниматель in Russian.

Often called IP (ИП).

Foreigners holding temporary or permanent residence permits can register as IP in Russia with the same rights as Russian citizens.

The term IP may need clarification as it does not necessarily refer to individuals working alone.

According to the law, an IP may have up to 300 employees (in case he applies the unitary agricultural tax). However, in most cases, you will find that those working under Russian IPs are indeed operating alone.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our exploration of the Freelancer Visa in Russia, remember that this is just the beginning of a remarkable adventure.

Armed with the right visa and a dash of daring, you’re all set to immerse yourself in Russia’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and uncharted professional territories. Here’s to your success in the land of the Tsars and endless opportunities!

Opportunity Awaits!

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