Our Services

Russia Family Visa

The Russia Family Visa is a long-term private visa category reserved for close relatives of Russian citizens — spouses, children (including adopted children), spouses of children, parents (including adoptive parents), siblings and half-siblings, and grandparents or grandchildren. Unlike the standard Private (Visitor) Visa, which is capped at 90 days, the Family Visa can be issued as a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 12 months, allowing the holder to remain in Russia for the entire duration of the visa without the usual 90-day-per-180-day restriction that applies to tourist and business visas. It is issued on the basis of a written visa request form submitted by the Russian citizen relative, rather than a standard invitation letter. As with every Russia Visa category, the final decision on approval rests solely with the Russian diplomatic mission or consular post.

Eligibility

You may apply for a Russia Family Visa if:

  • You are a close relative of a Russian citizen — spouse, child, spouse of a child, parent, sibling or half-sibling, or grandparent/grandchild.
  • Your Russian relative is willing to submit and personally sign a written visa request form at the consulate or visa centre on your behalf.
  • You can provide original or certified documents proving the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption certificate, etc.), legalised or apostilled if issued outside Russia.
  • You hold a valid passport with at least two blank visa pages and sufficient remaining validity.

Government Visa Fees

CategoryFee
Single/double-entry family visa (up to 90 days)Consular fee varies by nationality and processing speed
Multiple-entry family visa (up to 12 months)Higher consular fee, varying by nationality — confirm current rates with the relevant consulate

 

All visa fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome.

Russian Visa Processing Time

Single or double-entry family visa applications are typically processed in around 5 business days, while multiple-entry visa applications valid for up to 12 months generally take around 10 business days, though this can vary between consulates. Since the Russian citizen relative must appear in person to sign the visa request form, applicants should coordinate this step early, as it can affect the overall timeline.

Required Documents Checklist

Valid passport (with at least two blank visa pages, sufficient remaining validity)
Completed and signed visa application form
Recent passport-sized photograph
Written visa request form, signed in person by the Russian citizen relative at the consulate or visa centre
Original or certified copy of the Russian relative's passport (bio-data page)
Original documents proving the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth/adoption certificate), legalised or apostilled if issued abroad, with certified Russian translation where required
HIV test certificate, for multiple-entry visas exceeding 3 months, except for spouses, children, and parents of Russian nationals, who are exempt
Travel medical insurance valid for the entire stay in Russia

Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Confirm your relationship falls within the recognised "close relative" categories.
Have your Russian relative prepare the written visa request form and gather proof of the family relationship.
Complete the online application form at visa.kdmid.ru, then print and sign it.
Book a joint appointment, if required, so your Russian relative can sign the request form in person at the consulate or visa centre.
Submit your documents, pay the applicable fee, and provide biometrics if required.
Collect your passport with the visa once processed.
Complete any required migration registration within the specified period after arrival in Russia.

Important Notes

The Family Visa allows a stay in Russia for the entire duration of the visa, without the standard 90-day-per-180-day limitation that applies to tourist and business visas.
The Russian citizen relative generally must appear in person to sign the visa request form.
Original documentary proof of the family relationship is required, including certified translations where documents are not in Russian.
Family Visas cannot be extended within Russia; a new application is required once the visa expires if the family relationship continues.
An HIV test certificate is required for multiple-entry visas exceeding 3 months, except for spouses, children, and parents of Russian nationals.
Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

Applying for a Russia Family Visa requires accurate documentation, valid proof of relationship, and compliance with the visa requirements prescribed by the Russian immigration authorities. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with invitation documents, relationship proof, visa application forms, financial evidence, travel itineraries, and all required supporting documentation. Our experienced consultants carefully review your application to help minimize errors and delays while ensuring your documents are complete and meet the applicable visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your Russia Family Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Russian immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Russia Family Visa application with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies as a "close relative" for the Russia Family Visa?
Close relatives include a spouse, children (including adopted), spouses of children, parents (including adoptive), siblings and half-siblings, and grandparents or grandchildren of a Russian citizen.
How long can I stay in Russia on a Family Visa?
A multiple-entry Family Visa can be valid for up to 12 months, and holders may remain in Russia for the entire duration of the visa, unlike tourist or business visas which are capped at 90 days within a 180-day period.
Does my Russian relative need to be present for the application?
Yes, in most cases the Russian citizen relative must appear in person to sign the written visa request form at the consulate or visa application centre.
Do I need an HIV test for a Russia Family Visa?
An HIV test certificate is required for multiple-entry visas valid for more than 3 months, except for spouses, children, and parents of Russian nationals, who are exempt from this requirement.
How is the Family Visa different from the standard Visitor Visa?
The Family Visa is reserved for close relatives of Russian citizens and can be valid for up to 12 months with unrestricted stay, while the standard Visitor (Private) Visa covers a broader range of hosts, including friends and more distant relatives, for stays of up to 90 days.