Starting in April, Russian diplomatic missions will begin issuing “talent visas” to Russia for qualified and educated foreign nationals

The visa will be issued for a period of 1 year, and the categories of foreign nationals eligible to receive it are listed in Presidential Decree No. 883.

The visa will be issued upon presentation of an official document recognizing the foreign national as being of interest to the Russian Federation. 

The visa also extends to family members.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said:
“Work on issuing the aforementioned visas will be organized at Russian diplomatic missions and consular offices by April 15, 2026, subject to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs approving the form of the decision recognizing a foreign national as being of interest to the Russian Federation.”