This English version of the guide is designed for international students and highly qualified specialists who aim to work and live in Moscow, Russia.

You can obtain RVPO (РВПО), which has many advantages:

+ Receive a visa for the entire study period.

+ Allows additional 180 calendar days.

+ Simplified employment.

+ You may apply for a permanent residence permit (Вид на Жительство) after graduation.

+ Free medical services.

• How to obtain RVPO?

  Effective from January 1, 2023, under Federal Law No. 357-FZ dated July 14, 2022, RVPO can be applied for by students of Russian state educational or scientific organizations who are enrolled in full-time degree programs, including bachelor's, specialist, master's, internship, assistantship, or postgraduate programs.

  • How to submit documents?

    Step 1. Register on the portal https://mc.mos.ru/ru and select the RVPO service.

    Step 2. Gather and upload all necessary documents to your personal account.

    Step 3. Receive confirmation of upload via email and wait for a message about the possibility of personal document submission.

    Step 4. Submit all documents in person at the MMC Sakharovo (address in Moscow: Варшавское шоссе, 64-й километр, домовладение 1).

    Step 5. Wait up to 38 working days for a decision on the issuance of the RVPO - track the application status through your personal account on the portal. After notification of readiness, visit MMC Sakharovo again to receive the RVPO stamp (and visa, if applicable).

    Step 6. After receiving the RVPO stamp, within 7 working days, you need to re-register your migration record at your place of stay (through the dormitory passport office or the owner of rented housing).

    Step 7. Be sure to inform your university about obtaining the RVPO.

  • List of documents for RVPO application:

    1. Application for RVPO issuance in two copies.

    2. Identity document (passport or other recognized document) with a notarized translation.

    3. Migration card and its copy.

    4. Registration at the place of stay (notification of arrival).

    5. Copies of the university's license and certificate of state accreditation of the educational program.

    6. Education contract or reference letter (if through scholarship).

    7. University admission letter.

    8. Certificate of absence of criminal record for visa nationals (must be issued no earlier than 3 months before the application).

    9. Medical certificates (psychiatrist-narcologist conclusion, HIV-free certificate, medical conclusion of no infectious diseases).

    10. Certificate of Russian language proficiency or a copy of a higher education diploma obtained in Russia.

    11. Three photographs (35x45 mm).

    12. Receipt of state duty payment (1600 rubles).

• If you’re an international student.

  If you study a full-time degree at professional educational institution or a university in the Russian Federation, you have two options:

  • Option 1. Apply for RVPO for a simplified employment process.

    For more information on RVPO, please refer to the guide above.

    RVPO also allows you to pursue your career after your graduation with a possibility of obtaining a Permanent Residence Permit (вид на жительство) .

  • Option 2. Find work as an international student without RVPO.

    Students don’t need to obtain a work permit in Russia.

    However, they need to provide a list of documents to the employer.

    • List of documents for the employers:

      1. A reference letter from the university. The letter must confirm that the student is studying full-time in an accredited educational program at a Russian university and other documents, which are usually held by international students, including:
         1. Valid passport and student visa.
         2. A migration card indicating the purpose of entry as study.
         3. Migration registration, which must be valid and cover the duration of the semester.
         4. Medical insurance policy.
         5. A medical certificate.

    • How long can I work?

      You are allowed to work during free time from your studies.

      If your studies are finished or terminated, your employment contract must also be terminated.

• If you’re a highly qualified specialist (HQS).

  Steps to take:

  • 1. Employer Prepares Invitation.

    Your employer in Russia must apply for an invitation for you to enter Russia as an HQS.

    The employer submits a written application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) along with necessary documents such as a copy of your passport and a draft of your employment contract.

  • 2. Receive Invitation.

    Once the invitation is approved, you will receive an invitation letter which you will need to apply for a visa.

  • 3. Apply for an HQS Visa.

    Apply for an HQS visa at the Russian consulate or embassy in your home country using the invitation letter, your passport, a completed visa application form, and any other required documents.

  • 4. Arrive in Russia and Register Your Address.

    Use your HQS visa to enter Russia.

    Upon entry, you will be given a migration card which you must keep safe throughout your stay.

    After your arrival, you must register your address with the local migration authorities (this is usually done by your employer or landlord).

  • 5. Mandatory medical examination procedures, fingerprinting and photography.

    After arriving in Russia, you must urgently pass all the medical and fingerprinting procedures as you cannot obtain a work permit without passing them.

    This is important because you’re given strictly 30 calendar days to collect your work permit, otherwise you will have to exit Russia and start the process again. Please consult and prepare with your employer on this.

  • 6. Obtain a Work Permit.

    Once approved, you will receive your work permit which allows you to legally work in Russia as an HQS. You must receive your work permit within 30 days, therefore, it is important to plan all the steps beforehand.

    If you can’t obtain your work permit within the given time, you may have to exit Russia and re-apply again.

  • 7. Sign Employment Contract.

    Sign the finalized employment contract, which includes your work permit details, with your employer.

  • 8. Family Members.

    If you have family members accompanying you, they can apply for dependant visas. Your employer can assist with the invitation letters for your dependants.