IS THERE A DIGITAL NOMADS IN RUSSIA ?
Certainly! It is indeed feasible to acquire a digital nomad visa in Russia. The process involves applying for a tourist visa tailored explicitly for digital nomads who wish to work remotely while residing in the country.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A DIGITAL NOMAD VISA?
A digital nomad is an individual who conducts their work remotely from any location, utilizing technology to perform their job. They can travel and frequently change their work environment, whether coffee shops, libraries, coworking spaces, or other places with an available Wi-Fi connection. Some digital nomads opt to stay in one location briefly before moving to new destinations, while others constantly switch cities or countries to experience different places while working.
REMOTE WORK VISA OVERVIEW IN RUSSIA
Following the outbreak of COVID-19, remote work, also called telework or telecommuting, gained significant significance in Russia. As a result of the lockdown measures enforced from the end of March to mid-May 2020, most companies mandated their employees to work from home. As a consequence, over two-thirds of the Russian workforce engaged in telecommuting during that specific timeframe. Overall, Russians perceived the opportunity to work remotely as convenient and advantageous.
FORMALITIES TO OBTAIN A DIGITAL NOMAD IN RUSSIA
There are several procedures and requirements to consider when planning to work remotely from Russia. Our team of attorneys in Russia can effectively handle all the legal aspects related to documentation in Russia. Here are some key points:
- To obtain a digital nomad visa in Russia, the initial step is to apply for a tourist visa.
- You must provide an invitation letter from a Russian citizen or an officially authorized travel company. The Russian authorities must approve this document to proceed with the application for a digital nomad visa.
- A valid passport is essential at the time of application.
- Once the necessary documents are accepted and the visa for Russia is issued, you must register with the local police station nearest your residence.
- It is also necessary to demonstrate a stable source of income to support your stay in Russia.
Considering these formalities, we emphasize that our experienced lawyers in Russia can handle these procedures efficiently if you choose to utilize our legal services. We are well-equipped to assist you in obtaining a digital nomad visa in Russia.
BENEFITS FOR DIGITAL NOMADS IN RUSSIA
- Average broadband internet speed in Russia: around 65 Mb/s
- Mobile internet speed in Russia: exceeds 20 Mb/s
- Income to live in Moscow: approximately USD 2,414 per month
- Monthly rent in Moscow: around USD 826 (including most utilities)
- National currency: Ruble (Exchange rate: 1 Euro ≈ 62 Rubles, 1 Dollar ≈ 64.62 Rubles)
- Cost of the internet: around USD 6 per month
- English proficiency: English can be used in Moscow and other major cities in Russia, in addition to Russian.
VISA EXEMPTION IN RUSSIA
Nationals of Belarus and South Ossetia can enter Russia and remain there unlimitedly.
Up to 90-Days Visa-Free Stay- Abkhazia
- Argentina*
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bolivia*
- Brazil*
- Chile*
- Colombia*
- Cuba*
- Dominica*
- Ecuador*
- El Salvador*
- Estonia (holders of an alien passport)
- Fiji*
- Grenada*
- Guatemala*
- Guyana*
- Honduras*
- Israel*
- Jamaica*
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia (holders of a non-citizen passport)
- Moldova
- Nicaragua*
- Panama*
- Paraguay*
- Peru*
- Saint Kitts and Nevis*
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines*
- South Africa*
- Tajikistan
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- Uruguay*
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu*
- Venezuela*
- Mauritius
- Samoa
- South Korea
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Laos
- Macao (Persons holding a Macau Special Administrative Region passport)
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia*
- Palau
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Thailand
- Brunei
- Hong Kong (Persons holding a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport)
- Nauru
TYPES OF VISA IN RUSSIA
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- Russia Diplomatic VisaThis type of visa is granted explicitly to foreign individuals who possess a diplomatic passports, such as heads of state, heads of government, and members of official delegations, among others.
- Russia Service Visa This visa is granted to individuals who hold a service passport (consular, official, unique) and includes members of official delegations, administrative and technical staff, and service personnel of diplomatic missions, among others.
Russia Ordinary Visas
- Russian Private Visa – This visa is provided to individuals who are visiting Russia for a brief period and have obtained an invitation letter as the basis for their visit.
- Russian Business Visa – This visa is granted to individuals traveling to Russia for business purposes.
- Russian Tourist Visa – Travelers with an invitation letter from a Russian tour operator can receive this visa.
- Russian Student Visa – This visa is granted to individuals traveling to Russia intending to pursue studies or educational purposes.
- Work Visa – This visa is provided to foreign individuals who desire to travel to Russia for a specific duration for employment.
- Russian Humanitarian Visa – This visa is issued to foreign nationals visiting Russia for scientific, cultural, political, or sports activities. It is also applicable for religious interactions, pilgrimage, charity work, or the delivery of humanitarian aid.
- Russian Transit Visa – This visa is provided to individuals who require transit through Russia’s territory to reach their final destination country.
- Russia Exit Visa – Foreign individuals in Russia whose visa is set to expire before their departure must obtain an Exit Visa to facilitate their release. Russia eVisa – Nationals of Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei, China, India, Iran, Japan, North Korea, Kuwait, Mexico, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Tunisia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates have the opportunity to obtain this visa. However, it is exclusively applicable for visits to the regions in the Russian Far East, with a maximum duration of less than eight days.
Where to Stay in Russia
Conclusion :
In conclusion, Russia offers various visa options for different travel purposes, including the popular digital nomad visa. The country provides benefits such as fast internet, affordable living costs, and English proficiency in significant cities. Visa exemptions are available for nationals of certain countries. It’s important to note the different types of visas, ranging from diplomatic and service passports to ordinary visas for business, tourism, study, and employment. The Russia eVisa is also available for shorter visits to the Russian Far East region.
