Europe
Russia offers a unified e-visa system for citizens of 64 countries, allowing 30-day stays with 120-day validity since August 2025. The country has no dedicated digital nomad visa, but remote workers typically use tourist e-visas for short stays or work visas through the Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) program for long-term residence. Many CIS and Latin American countries enjoy visa-free access. Since June 2025, visa-free travelers must register via the RuID app (currently voluntary). Russia and Belarus share a common visa regime since 2025.
Visa requirements vary by nationality
Single-entry electronic visa available to citizens of 64 countries for tourism, business, or private visits. Valid for 120 days with 30-day maximum stay (extended from 16 days in August 2025). Not available to US, UK, Canadian, or Australian citizens.
Remote work for foreign employers is technically not authorized on an e-visa but widely tolerated. Russia has no digital nomad visa. E-visas are NOT covered by the Russia-Belarus mutual visa recognition agreement (effective January 11, 2025) — holders cannot use e-visa to enter Belarus.
E-visa holders staying under 183 days are non-residents, taxed at 30% flat on Russian-sourced income only. If staying 183+ days (unlikely on 30-day e-visa), progressive PIT applies: 13% up to 2.4M RUB, 15% on 2.4-5M RUB, 18% on 5-20M RUB, 20% on 20-50M RUB, 22% above 50M RUB (new rates from 2025). Russia suspended double-taxation treaties with 38 "unfriendly" countries (US, UK, Canada, most EU) in August 2023.
Premium work visa for foreign professionals earning at least 750,000 RUB per quarter (~$8,000/month). Issued for up to 3 years with simplified procedures, 13% flat tax from day one, and family visa options. Salary threshold increase under review in 2026.
Minimum $750,000/per_year
Alternative: Lower salary thresholds apply for researchers, educators at state universities, and medical researchers. Standard threshold is 750,000 RUB per quarter (2,500,000 RUB annually, effective March 2024).
HQS holders are authorized to work for their sponsoring Russian employer. Can work in multiple regions with a single permit. Work permit valid up to 3 years. Must secure new HQS contract within 30 business days of termination or depart within 30 calendar days.
Extension: 1095 days (max x)
Cost: 4,200 RUB
Process: Work permit and visa can be extended for additional 3-year periods without leaving Russia. Apply 30 days before expiration through employer.
Renewal: Renewable indefinitely as long as employment continues and salary requirements are met. Each renewal is for up to 3 years.
HQS holders taxed at 13% on salary from day one regardless of tax residency status (special exemption). Other income (rental, investments, property sales) taxed at 30% until 183-day residency threshold is met, then progressive PIT applies: 13% up to 2.4M RUB, 15% on 2.4-5M, 18% on 5-20M, 20% on 20-50M, 22% above 50M RUB (2025 rates). Employers must report withheld taxes — failure to report within 6 months of tax period can result in 2-year HQS hiring ban. Russia suspended double-taxation treaties with 38 "unfriendly" countries.
Traditional paper visa for tourism requiring invitation letter from registered Russian travel agency. Available to all nationalities including US, UK, Canada. US citizens can obtain 3-year multiple entry visas. Also valid for entry to Belarus since January 2025.
Remote work for foreign employers is technically not authorized on a tourist visa but widely tolerated in practice. Russia has no digital nomad visa.
Non-residents (under 183 days) pay 30% flat tax on Russian-sourced income only. After 183 days, progressive PIT applies: 13% up to 2.4M RUB, 15% on 2.4-5M, 18% on 5-20M, 20% on 20-50M, 22% above 50M RUB (new 2025 rates). Russia suspended double-taxation treaties with 38 "unfriendly" countries in August 2023.
For business meetings, negotiations, conferences, and commercial activities. Requires invitation from Russian company or government authority. Available as single, double, or multiple entry for up to 1 year. Also valid for entry to Belarus since 2025.
Business visa does not authorize employment in Russia — only business meetings, negotiations, and conferences. Remote work for foreign employers is a grey area — tolerated but not explicitly legal.
Business visa does not authorize employment. Non-residents pay 30% flat on Russian-sourced income. Residents (183+ days) subject to progressive PIT: 13-22% (2025 rates). Maximum stay is 90 days within any 180-day period regardless of visa validity. Russia suspended double-taxation treaties with 38 "unfriendly" countries in August 2023.
Work visa for foreign employees who do not meet HQS salary threshold. Requires employer to obtain quota allocation and work permit. Subject to 30% income tax for first 183 days.
Standard work visa holders are authorized to work for their sponsoring Russian employer. Work permit is region-specific. Initial single-entry visa issued for 90 days, then converted to multiple-entry visa up to 1 year tied to work permit duration.
Non-residents (under 183 days) taxed at 30% flat rate on Russian-sourced employment income. After 183 days, progressive PIT applies retroactively for full year: 13% up to 2.4M RUB, 15% on 2.4-5M, 18% on 5-20M, 20% on 20-50M, 22% above 50M RUB (2025 rates). Tax is retroactively recalculated once residency threshold is reached. Russia suspended double-taxation treaties with 38 "unfriendly" countries in August 2023.
For visiting family or friends in Russia. Requires invitation from Russian citizen or foreign resident. Valid for up to 90 days per entry.
Private visa does not authorize employment. Remote work for foreign employers is a grey area — tolerated but not explicitly legal. Two categories: (1) Close family of Russian citizens — up to 1 year, multiple entry. (2) Friends/other relatives — up to 90 days. Since September 2024, a simplified 3-month private entry visa is available without invitation letter.
Private visa does not authorize employment. Non-residents pay 30% on Russian-sourced income. Residents (183+ days) subject to progressive PIT: 13-22% (2025 rates). Russia suspended double-taxation treaties with 38 "unfriendly" countries in August 2023.
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025