Study in Russia: Student Visas & Permits

Student visas in Russia are required for students from most foreign countries. Russia is not a member state of the EU/EFTA, so the EU visa-free entry privilege does not apply for European students. Exceptions to this rule are made for members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) which includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Abkhazia, Moldova, Southern Ossetia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. 

You can begin your visa application once you’ve been accepted into your Russian university, up to 45 days before your planned arrival to Russia. Visa processing typically takes two to three weeks and can be done at your local Russian embassy or visa center.

A Russian student visa is initially valid for 90 days, with the option to extend the visa for a year, and then can be continuously renewed throughout the duration of your studies.

Required Documents for Study Visas in Russia

• An official invitation letter from your chosen university or from the GUVM (Main Directorate for Migration Affairs);
• A valid passport which will be valid for at least 18 months from the issue date of the visa. and with at least two unmarked pages;
• A certificate showing your HIV-negative status no older than 90 days;
• A printed application form (this can be done online) for submission to the embassy, consulate or visa center;
• A letter of consent from your parents and certified by a notary (if you’re under 18).

Make sure to register your arrival in Russia at the local GUVM office within seven days of arrival. Failing to do so can result in a fine, or at times, expulsion from Russia. When it comes time to extend your 90-day visa to a one-year visa, contact your university’s international office to make sure you have all the tools, information and documents to complete the process successfully. 

Working While Studying

Student visas in Russia allows international students to combine your work with your studies. You will need to acquire a work permit from the Federal Migration Service (FMS) – unless you’ll be working during the holidays or at your academic institution.

The permit requires you to be studying full-time at a state-accredited university and at least 18 years old. The permit costs RUB 3,500 (USD 63), is valid for 1 year, and generally takes 10 days to acquire from the regional Federal Migration Service.