Russian staff going to India need the right visa for the work. A business visa or e-visa suits meetings and short visits, not employment. An employment visa is for skilled work for an Indian entity, with a salary floor of USD 25,000 a year, and a foreign national staying over 180 days must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office within 14 days. Russia is not a land-border country, so the extra security clearance for land-border nationals does not apply by nationality. Allow time for processing and for the Indian bank's KYC of any Russian-passport director, and check the current visa rules with the Indian mission.
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Key facts
| Employment visa | For skilled work with an Indian company; minimum salary USD 25,000 a year, with exceptions |
|---|---|
| Business visa or e-visa | Meetings, negotiations, audits; not for productive work |
| Registration | FRRO registration within 14 days for stays over 180 days |
| Dependants | Dependant visa linked to the employment visa |
| Security clearance | Not required by nationality, since Russia does not share a land border with India |
| Tax | See the employees guide for the day-count test, EPF and Russian contributions |
| Proof | Appointment letter, company documents, qualifications and tax proof of the sponsor |
| Exit | Plan the exit with the Indian subsidiary, including tax and provident fund |
Choosing the visa
| Purpose | Visa category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Attend meetings, negotiate, tour a plant | Business visa or e-visa where eligible | No productive work; stays limited by the visa |
| Install or commission machinery for a short period | Business or employment, depending on work | Check the categories and limits; the specialist purpose matters |
| Work for the Indian subsidiary | Employment visa | Salary floor USD 25,000 a year; letter of appointment |
| Family joining | Dependant visa | Linked to the main visa; proof of relationship |
| Short project assignment | Project visa where the rules permit | Applies to specified project sectors |
Process
- Decide the real purpose and tax plan. See Russian employees in India.
- Prepare the Indian sponsor's documents: appointment letter, incorporation papers, tax proof.
- Apply through the Indian mission or the online route for the relevant category.
- On arrival, register with the FRRO within 14 days if staying more than 180 days.
- Open payroll, EPF and tax deduction on arrival. See hiring in India.
Banking and payments for relocated staff
Personal remittances back to Russia and salary payments into Russian accounts are affected by the same banking constraints as company payments. Plan salary arrangements, local accounts and remittance routes before the move. See sanctions and payments.
Families and practicalities
- Dependant visas follow the main visa.
- Plan housing, schools and healthcare before arrival; Indian cities vary widely.
- Keep Russian tax residence and contribution positions in mind with your Russian adviser.
Leaving India
When the assignment ends, close the FRRO record, settle provident fund and tax, and cancel local registrations. Equity incentives and bonuses can create tax in both places, so check the timing.
Official sources
Check the rules at the primary sources: Income Tax Department (India), Reserve Bank of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Federal Tax Service (Russia), Bank of Russia and the Ministry of External Affairs (India).
Frequently asked questions
What visa does a Russian employee need to work in an Indian subsidiary?
An employment visa, with a minimum salary of USD 25,000 a year and an appointment letter from the Indian company. A business visa or e-visa does not allow productive work.
Do Russian staff need to register in India?
A foreign national staying more than 180 days must register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival.
Can I use a business visa to run the Indian subsidiary?
No. A business visa covers meetings and negotiations, not employment or management work.
Do dependants get a visa?
Yes. Dependant visas follow the employment visa with proof of relationship.
Do Russian nationals need security clearance?
Not by reason of nationality, because Russia does not share a land border with India. Other visa checks still apply.
How do relocated staff send money home?
Through banks and routes acceptable on both sides. Plan this before the move.
Do I need tax clearance on exit?
Not in every case, but long stays and large equity payouts should be planned with a tax adviser.
Related guides
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Read the guide →Sources
Last updated 26 October 2026. General information only, not legal or tax advice. Indian and Russian rules change often; confirm current requirements before acting.