Business Opportunities

Business & Investment in Russia

Establish your company in one of Europe's most dynamic markets. Tax advantages, skilled workforce, and direct access to growth markets.

Why Russia 2026

Your advantage in the Russian market

Russia offers foreign investors stable framework conditions, competitive cost structures, and a vast domestic market with over 140 million consumers.

🏭

Resource Wealth

Direct access to energy, raw materials, and production capacities at competitive prices.

🎓

Skilled Workforce

Highly qualified professionals in IT, engineering, and natural sciences – at significantly lower labor costs than in Western Europe.

📈

Growth

Stable economy with a growing middle class and increasing demand for European goods and services.

Legal Structures

Choose the right structure

Choosing the right legal structure is crucial for tax burden, liability, and business operations. Here are the most important options for foreign entrepreneurs.

LLC (OOO - Общество с ограниченной ответственностью)

The Russian equivalent of a GmbH – the most popular legal structure for foreign investors. Simple formation, flexible management, limited liability.

  • ✓ Minimum capital: 10,000 RUB (~100 EUR)
  • ✓ 1-50 shareholders possible
  • ✓ Limited liability to company assets
  • ✓ Easy shareholder changes

JSC (AO - Акционерное общество)

The joint-stock company for larger investments and stock exchange listings. Two variants: Public (PAO) or Non-Public (NAO).

  • ✓ Minimum capital: 100,000 RUB (NAO) / 1,000 RUB (PAO)
  • ✓ Unlimited number of shareholders (PAO)
  • ✓ Shares tradable (for PAO)
  • ✓ More complex corporate governance

Representative Office / Branch

For foreign companies wanting to explore the Russian market without establishing a full subsidiary.

  • ✓ No separate legal entity
  • ✓ No profit generation (Representative Office)
  • ✓ Limited business activity
  • ✓ Simpler tax regime

Sole Proprietor (ИП - Individual Entrepreneur)

For small business owners and freelancers. Simplest form with personal liability but minimal bureaucracy.

  • ✓ No minimum capital
  • ✓ Simple tax filing
  • ✓ Personal liability with private assets
  • ✓ Not suitable for all industries
Taxation

Tax Rates 2026

Russia offers a competitive tax system with low rates by international comparison.

Corporate Tax

20%

Standard rate for profits

3% Federal, 17% Regional

VAT

20%

Standard tax rate

10% for food, medicine

Social Contributions

30%

On employee wages

Reduced for IT companies

Dividend Tax

15%

For foreign recipients

Double taxation treaties apply

💡 Special Tax Regimes

Significant tax advantages are available for certain industries and regions:

  • IT Companies: 0% corporate tax, reduced social contributions (7.6% instead of 30%)
  • Special Economic Zones: 0-13.5% corporate tax, import tax exemptions
  • Free Port Vladivostok: 5% corporate tax, no VAT on imports
  • Skolkovo (Innovation Center): 10-year tax exemption
Step by Step

The Formation Process

With proper preparation and our support, your Russian company will be operational within 4-6 weeks.

1

Preparation & Documents

Certified translations of formation documents, apostille/legalization, selection of business address. For an LLC, you need at least one shareholder (individual or legal entity).

2

Notarization

The charter (Ustav) and formation protocols are notarized before a Russian notary. If absent, this can be done by power of attorney.

3

State Registration (ФНС)

Submission to the Federal Tax Service (ФНС). Processing time: 3 business days. You receive OGRN (main registration number) and INN (tax number).

4

Bank Account & Deposit

Opening a business account with a Russian bank (or foreign bank with Russia license). Deposit of charter capital.

5

Licenses & Permits

Depending on the industry, additional licenses are required (financial services, pharmaceuticals, construction, etc.). We review your individual needs.

Top Locations

Special Economic Zones 2026

Russia offers over 30 special economic zones with significant tax and administrative benefits for investors.

🌊 Vladivostok (Free Port)

Gateway to the Asia-Pacific region

  • 5% corporate tax (instead of 20%)
  • 0% VAT on imports
  • No duties on equipment
  • Visa facilitations

🏭 Togliatti (Industry)

Automotive and mechanical engineering

  • 0% corporate tax (5 years)
  • 0% property tax (10 years)
  • Ready infrastructure
  • Qualified workforce

💻 Skolkovo (Innovation)

Russia's Silicon Valley

  • 10-year tax exemption
  • No VAT on imports
  • Simplified visas
  • Proximity to top universities
Residence

Visa & Residence for Business Owners

As an investor or business owner, you have several options for long-term residence in Russia.

Business Visa (МДВ)

For short-term business trips, meetings, and negotiations.

  • ✓ Validity: up to 12 months
  • ✓ Multiple entry possible
  • ✓ No work rights, business activity only
  • ✓ Invitation from Russian company required

Highly Qualified Specialist (HKS)

For senior employees and highly qualified professionals in Russian companies.

  • ✓ 3-year residence permit (RVP)
  • ✓ No quotas, no waiting lists
  • ✓ Family members included
  • ✓ Minimum salary: approx. 167,000 RUB/month (2026)

Investor Visa (from 2026)

New program for investors starting April 2026.

  • ✓ Online application
  • ✓ Decision within 30 days
  • ✓ No language test required
  • ✓ Valid for 1-3 years

Returnee Program (Decree 702)

For businesspeople with traditional Russian values.

  • ✓ No mandatory exams (language, history)
  • ✓ Simplified procedure
  • ✓ No quotas
  • ✓ 54 eligible countries
Preparation

Your Checklist

These documents are required for company formation.

📋 Personal Documents

  • Passport (certified copy)
  • Apostilled marriage/birth certificate
  • Proof of residence in home country
  • Police clearance certificate (apostille)
  • Passport photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm)

🏢 Company Documents

  • Formation resolution (protocol)
  • Charter (Ustav)
  • Address proof (letterhead or lease agreement)
  • Information about the managing director
  • Tax office registration (form)

⏱️ Timeline & Costs (Estimate)

Preparation
1-2 weeks
Documents, translations
Registration
3-5 days
At ФНС
LLC Costs
From 50,000 RUB
Plus notary, state fees
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to travel to Russia in person for company formation?

No, personal presence is not strictly required. You can issue a power of attorney authorizing a Russian lawyer or our team to carry out the formation on your behalf. However, for bank account opening, you usually need to be personally present (or grant a special power of attorney with notarized signature).

Which banks are suitable for foreigners?

Leading Russian banks such as Sberbank, VTB and T-Bank (formerly Tinkoff) offer business accounts for foreign companies. Important: You need a Russian bank account for business operations, as international transfers are heavily restricted. We support you in selection and account opening.

What are the ongoing costs for a Russian LLC?

Ongoing costs are comparatively low:

  • Accounting: from 5,000 RUB/month
  • Tax advisor: from 10,000 RUB/month
  • Registered address (with Virtual Office): from 3,000 RUB/month
  • Bank fees: depending on turnover
Can I be 100% owner as a foreigner?

Yes, foreign individuals and legal entities can be 100% owners of a Russian LLC. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership in most industries. Restrictions apply only in strategically sensitive sectors (defense, natural resources in certain cases).

How does payment processing abroad work?

Payments to the EU/USA are heavily restricted due to sanctions. Solutions include: using payment systems from friendly countries (China, UAE, Turkey), cryptocurrencies for certain transactions, or physical cash transport (for smaller amounts). We advise you on legally compliant alternatives for your business model.

Ready for the Russian market?

Let us plan your company formation together. We accompany you from the initial consultation to successful registration.