A licence is not required for every business activity in Russia. It is required only where the activity is expressly listed in legislation or sector-specific regulation. Before starting a project, distinguish a licence from SRO membership, accreditation, a start-of-activity notification, admission or another regulatory regime.
Short answer. Article 12 of Federal Law No. 99-FZ contains the list of licensed activities. The exact work categories, requirements and licensing authority are determined by federal legislation and the licensing regulations for the relevant field. Historic “construction licensing” should not be treated as an automatic description of current rules.
What to check before applying
- The exact activity. Compare the intended work and services with the law and the relevant licensing regulation.
- The correct regulatory route. Confirm whether a licence is actually required rather than a notification, SRO membership, accreditation or another procedure.
- The competent authority and filing route. Authority depends on the sector; some services are available electronically.
- Licence requirements. They may cover premises, equipment, personnel, qualifications, control systems and other conditions specific to the activity.
- The register and changes. After a licence is granted, verify the register entry and check the applicable rules before changing material information.
Licence, SRO membership and other documents
| Instrument | General purpose |
|---|---|
| Licence | A state authorisation for a licensed activity, subject to compliance with licensing requirements |
| SRO membership | A special professional or sectoral regime; it is not the same as a licence |
| Notification or accreditation | Other legal mechanisms that apply only where legislation provides for them |
Why a universal document bundle is risky
The exhaustive work categories, evidence and verification process depend on the particular licence. Extra documents do not replace mandatory ones, and choosing the wrong regime can result in refusal or a new application. First identify the activity’s legal regime, then consult the current licensing regulation.