An inviting party in Russia has statutory responsibilities that differ from the foreign national’s own migration obligations. Before issuing an invitation, a citizen, company or other eligible party should identify the purpose of entry, the applicable visa and migration rules, and the guarantees it will be required to provide.
Who may act as an inviting party?
Under Article 16 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ, invitations may be issued by the competent federal authorities. Territorial migration authorities issue invitations on applications from, among others, legal entities, Russian citizens and foreign nationals permanently residing in Russia. The permitted applicant and procedure depend on the purpose of entry and the person being invited.
Guarantees for the invited person
When applying for an invitation, the inviting party provides guarantees of material, medical and housing support for the foreign national during the period of stay in Russia. The inviting party must take measures to implement those guarantees. The exact supporting documents and their form should be checked against the current government procedure and the authority’s requirements.
Compliance with the purpose and period of stay
The inviting party must take measures to ensure that the invited person observes the rules of stay or residence in Russia, including consistency between the declared purpose of entry and the activity actually carried out. It must also take measures to ensure the person’s timely departure at the end of the permitted stay.
What the inviting party should not assume
- An invitation does not replace the foreign national’s own obligation to comply with migration, registration and visa rules.
- The required guarantees and notifications may differ for private visits, employment, study and other purposes.
- Issuing an invitation does not guarantee a visa, entry or a particular migration status.
- Changes in the visitor’s purpose, address, employment or period of stay can require separate procedural action.
Practical checklist
- Confirm the visitor’s actual purpose of entry before applying.
- Use current official forms and check the required guarantees.
- Keep copies of the invitation, applications, guarantees and migration documents.
- Maintain contact with the invited person and address any change of circumstances promptly.
- Obtain individual migration advice before relying on a special rule or exception.
Legal framework: Article 16 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ on the Legal Status of Foreign Nationals in the Russian Federation and applicable migration-accounting rules. The applicable duties depend on the invitation category and factual circumstances.