Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Thomasineurope

I am planning to move to Saint Petersburg, Russia come December of 2007. I have previously visited Saint Petersburg and Russia on four occasions and have decided upon it as my first experience of living as an expat in a foreign country. While I believe I can apply for a multiple-entry visa for up to one year’s term, my question is, what can one do to remain in Russia beyond one year? Must I return to my home country (the USA) to apply for an extension or new visa? Can I apply for such in Russia prior to the expiration of its initial one year term? If I must exit Russia at the time of the initial expiration, can I reapply for a new visa or extension in a neighboring country such as one of the Baltic States or Kazakhstan, even if it is not my place of residence? If so, what can I expect as a turn around time frame? I know that I will be living in Russia for a minimum of a one year period; however, I believe that I will wish to extend this stay beyond this initial term and am therefore concerned with the legal aspect of doing so. Especially when one must be concerned with a place to stay and any kind of leasing agreement of one's apartment.

http://www.myspace.com/desmofetish

Anyone willing to provide advice gained through personal experience can contact me using: thomasineurope@hotmail.com

tuller · Talk Show Host Joined: 24 Oct 2004 Posts: 238

I'm certain more folks on this forum can help you with this.
I would also suggest the you visit one of the main expat sites in Russia.

http://www.expat.ru

tuller

danbrew · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 8:23 am Post subject:

I'm quite certain that one of the expats here can offer better insight, but let me offer the following "facts" that I've picked up on the various forums over the years...

* your lease in Russia doesn't necessarily have to be tied to your visa - you just work something out with your landlord. Why would he/she care if he/she is being paid for the full term? (i know, i know)
* you certainly don't have to go back to the USA in order to get another visa. you just have to leave Russia. go to the nearest baltic state and apply for another visa there.

Smile

greg222 · VIP Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 534

Yes, you can just go to Finland or one of the Baltic states. The consulates there change their rules regularly but I believe Finland and Lithuania are the easiest at the moment. If you time your transport right and are willing to pay the higher fee at the consulate you can arrive in the morning, apply for your visa, pick it up that afternoon and be back in St Peterburg by night. But after one year I think you'll want a bit of a holiday.

The lease isn't an issue. You can just tell your landlord that you're getting a new visa.