For foreign scientists

I.       Why Russia?

1. Rich scientific legacy

Russia is known for its great scientists, including Mikhail Lomonosov, Dmitry Mendeleev, Zhores Alferov, Yuri Oganesyan and many others. Taking part in research and educational projects in Russia, scientists enjoy the opportunity to contribute to the continuation of this rich scientific tradition and to collaborate with the best international and Russian specialists.

2. International cooperation and knowledge sharing

Cooperation of foreign scientists with Russian scientific and educational organizations will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices, which can lead to the creation of new ideas and research projects. Russian research organizations and universities are committed to international cooperation aimed at scientific discoveries and innovation, which enriches the professional experience of foreign scientists as well.

3. Global research

Russia has a huge potential for research in natural sciences, technology and engineering. Specialists from other countries can join research in the spheres of space exploration, nuclear energy, information technology, medicine, and more. Russia provides access to unique research facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, as well as the findings of studies conducted with their help. This gives scientists the opportunity to participate in large-scale world-class research projects.

4. Career opportunities

Foreign scientists working in Russia have access to a wide range of career opportunities. Russia offers special programs for qualified foreign specialists in science and education, which makes the country attractive for those seeking employment or wishing to develop their academic careers.

5. Educational programs

Russia offers a variety of educational programs and grants to foreign scientists. They include opportunities to teach at prestigious universities or receive higher education at master's and doctoral levels, as well as promote the sharing of knowledge and best practices.

6. Innovation and technology

Russia is actively developing technological innovation in various fields, including information technology, medicine and energy. Foreign scientists can contribute to the research and participate in the development of new technologies.

7. Cultural enrichment

Russia is a multinational country with rich culture and history. Participation in projects in Russia allows foreign scientists to immerse themselves in a variety of cultural, historical and linguistic activities and enrich their personal and professional experience.

8. Financial support and grants

Russia provides a variety of options to finance foreign scientists, including through scholarships and research grants. These resources can help researchers realize their projects and develop their scientific skills.

Summary

Foreign scientists are given a unique opportunity to participate in scientific and educational projects in the Russian Federation. The wealth of scientific legacy, innovative research, international cooperation, career opportunities and educational programs make Russia an attractive place to work and build a scientific career.

It is also good chance for foreign scientists to contribute to global science and education, and to enrich their scientific experience and cultural awareness.

Russia welcomes and supports such scientists in their research and educational aspirations.

II.      Key steps for a foreign scientist to get a job at a scientific or educational organization in the Russian Federation

1.       Search the Internet for a suitable project in a scientific or educational organization and apply to the selected organization for membership.

Attach the following to your application:

·       A copy of your passport or other identity document;

·       A copy of the certificate of education;

·       A filled-in application form;

·       Your Photo.

Mind that all documents should be translated into Russian. Having received a notification that your application is received, check the list of required documents, as additional documents may be required.

2.       Get an interview at the selected scientific or educational organization.

3.       Follow up for the results through contact with the scientific or educational organization.

4.       Have your documents translated and certified/legalized (at the consulate).

5.       Submit the final package of documents for consideration, including:

·       A copy of the certificate of education (a copy of the document of education issued by a foreign state or the document of education and qualification in case the education level certified by the said document is recognized in the Russian Federation at the level of the relevant education in accordance with Article 107 of the Federal Law No. 273-FZ dated December 29, 2012);

·       Duly certified Russian translation of a standard certificate of education or a document of education or the document of education and qualification issued by the foreign state, and its annex (if the latter is provided for by the laws of the state in which such document was issued);

·       Documents confirming the candidate's individual achievements, which are taken into account during pre-employment assessment in accordance with the recruitments set by the university/scientific organization;

·       A copy of the medical report certifying the absence of contraindications for work in the Russian Federation and the absence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS;

·       4 photos 3×4.

6.       Sing a contract/agreement with the scientific or educational organization.

7.       Receive an invitation from the scientific or educational organization.

8.       Submit documents for a visa (at the consulate).

Regardless of the visa category, the applicant must submit the following documents to the Russian consular office:

1.              Passport.

A valid foreign (diplomatic, official, ordinary) passport or other identity document recognized as such by the Russian Federation.

The passport must not raise doubts as to its authenticity and belonging to its owner, nor should it have any marks, reservations, entries, erasures or corrections that have not been certified by the appropriate authorities of the respective foreign state, or any torn or ripped out pages, and must have at least two blank pages for visas; its validity must not expire earlier than six months from the date of expiry of the visa, as a rule.

In the case of a study or work visa, the passport must not expire earlier than one and a half years from the visa start date.

2.       A filled-in visa application form. The visa application form shall be filled in electronically. If it is not technically possible, it is allowed to fill in the visa application in handwritten or printed form.

Visit the specialized website of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia for filling out the visa application form electronically at visa.kdmid.ru.

3. One 3.5 x 4.5 cm photo.

A 3.5 x 4.5 cm photograph (either black-and-white or color) must be a clearly depicted full-face image with no tinted glasses and no headgear (with the exception of foreign citizens who are required to wear a headgear as a mandatory attribute of their nationality or religion, provided that the foreign citizen is depicted in the same kind of headgear in the passport photo).

4.       Reciprocity fee is charged for visa issuance.

For details on the consular fees charged for visa processing, be advised to visit the website of the relevant Russian consular office abroad.

5.       Documents depending on the visa category.

The visa is only issued after the full package of documents has been submitted to the consular office.

The complete visa application package must be submitted in person by the applicant or his/her legal representative.

After the documents are accepted and the fee is paid, the applicant will be given a receipt stating the date when the visa is due. This receipt shall be presented in order to receive the visa.

When receiving the visa, the applicant must check that the relevant fields in the visa are filled in correctly: name, travel dates, passport number, date of birth, etc. and, if necessary, return the visa immediately for amendments to be made.

Regardless of the multiplicity of visas received, the total period of stay of a foreign citizen on the territory of the Russian Federation may not exceed 90 days during each 180-day period. This requirement does not apply to foreigners entering on work and student visas.

The consulate reserves the right to deny a visa if there are serious reasons.

In case of the denial, the paid fee is not refunded.

Student Visas:

To apply for a student visa, the applicant shall submit to the consulate the following:

- a passport, a filled-in visa application form, two photos, the fee payment receipt;

- the original invitation to enter the Russian Federation (the received invitation letter or a printout of the electronic invitation), issued by the territorial office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia;

- a HIV-free certificate (valid for 3 months).

The passport validity period for a student visa must be at least one and a half years.

Work visas:

To apply for a work visa, the applicant shall submit to the consulate the following:

- a passport, a filled-in visa application form, two photos, the fee payment receipt;

- the original invitation to enter the Russian Federation (the received invitation letter or a printout of the electronic invitation), issued by the territorial office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia;

- a HIV-free certificate (valid for 3 months).

The passport validity period for a work visa must be at least one and a half years.

9.       Receive your Visa (offline) (at the consulate).

10.     Travel to Russia.

11.     Get an accommodation (as agreed with the scientific or educational organization).

12.     Register on the public services portal Gosuslugi

How a foreigner can register on Gosuslugi?

Registering on Gosuslugi involves three steps. Already at Step 1 you will be able to use the portal, but the set of available services will be limited. To get a full access to services, you shall confirm your identity.

Step 1: Enter your name and contacts

1. Select “Other registration method” on the registration page.

2. Enter your surname, first name, patronymic if applicable, and e-mail. Enter your Russian mobile phone number if any.

3. Check your e-mail and click the link in the e-mail by Gosuslugi. If you had specified your phone number, you will receive an SMS with a code, then enter it on Gosuslugi.

4. Create a password.

Step 2: Receive and enter your SNILS number, and your passport details.

At Step 2 you shall confirm your personal details. To do this, enter additional information such as passport details and the number of your pension insurance certificate (SNILS).

1. Get your SNILS if you do not have one yet. You will need a passport of a foreign citizen or a residence permit, translated into Russian and notarized. Apply for a SNILS at the Pension Fund office.

2. Fill in the passport details and specify SNILS in the personal cabinet on Gosuslugi. The information will then be submitted for automatic verification.

Step 3: Confirm your identity

1. Get a Russian phone number.

2. Confirm your identity online through your bank, if you have a Russian bank card, or in person at a service center.

Once you have confirmed your identity, registration on Gosuslugi will be complete, and you will be able to use all services.

Details