Processing Procedure for Foreign Nationals Entering Contract Service in Russia
The process of processing a foreign national for military service under contract in Russia includes several consecutive stages: from an application on the website to signing the contract with the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation. Below is the full description of the procedure, timeframes, document flow and the roles of each party. We support the candidate at every stage and handle interaction with state authorities.
01
Application on the website
The candidate submits an application via the website form. We get in touch, verify basic eligibility and start the process.
02
Application form and documents
The candidate completes the MFA-approved form, signs it and provides a passport scan and medical certificates.
03
Checks and visa
Documents are verified by the FSB and the Ministry of Defence, then forwarded to the MFA for visa instructions.
Important: the contract can only be signed through our agency. Processing through other structures is not permitted and may result in termination of contractual relations and expulsion of the candidate from the Russian Federation.
Who is involved in the processing procedure
Three parties are involved at every stage. Understanding the roles helps avoid delays:
Candidate
Submits an application on the website, completes and signs the form, undergoes the medical examination in Russia, provides documents and biometrics.
Our agency
We purchase tickets to Moscow, arrange the visa, organise airport pickup, transfer, accommodation, document flow and interaction with state authorities.
State authorities
The FSB verifies documents, the Ministry of Defence reviews the list, the MFA issues visa instructions. The contract is signed with the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation.
Step-by-step processing procedure
The full cycle from an application on the website to signing the contract includes the following stages:
- Step 1. Application on the website. The candidate submits an application via the form on contract-russia.com. We get in touch to clarify the details.
- Step 2. Basic eligibility check. We verify age, passport validity, citizenship (the country must not be on the restricted list) and the candidate's readiness to relocate.
- Step 3. Preparing the application form. The candidate completes the MFA-approved form in Russian and signs it. A photo is not required to be attached.
- Step 4. Collecting the document package. Passport scan (readable, without glare), the form, medical certificates: HIV, infectious diseases, narcotic substances.
- Step 5. Submission of documents to the FSB. Documents are submitted to the FSB twice a week. Verification takes 3–4 weeks.
- Step 6. Review of the list by the Ministry of Defence. After the FSB, the list is forwarded to the Ministry of Defence. Review time — 1.5–2 weeks.
- Step 7. Forwarding of lists to the MFA. The Ministry of Defence forwards the lists to the MFA. From this moment we begin preparing petitions.
- Step 8. Preparing petitions and visa instructions. We send petitions and passport copies to the MFA, await visa instruction dates, then pass them to the candidate.
- Step 9. Purchasing tickets to Moscow. Tickets are purchased by us. We coordinate the arrival date and time with the candidate and prepare meeting letters.
- Step 10. Meeting in Moscow. Candidates arriving in groups of 3 or more are met by our military officer. Fewer than 3 — standard transport (taxi).
- Step 11. Registration and migration registration. After arrival, we register the foreign national for migration purposes. Registration in Moscow — 3–5 business days.
- Step 12. Document processing in Russia. Russian language certificate (up to 10 business days), medical certificate if required (3 business days), notarized passport translation (1–3 business days), biometrics (on the day of appointment), SNILS (5–10 business days), INN (5–10 business days), SIM card (on the day of application).
- Step 13. Medical examination. The final medical examination is taken in Russia. If the candidate fails the health check, the return ticket is paid by us.
- Step 14. Signing the contract. The contract is signed with the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation. Upon signing, the candidate receives the status of contract serviceman.
Processing timeframes: summary table
Approximate timeframes for each stage. Actual timeframes may vary depending on the workload of the authorities and the specific situation:
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Submission of documents to the FSB | twice a week |
| Document verification at the FSB | 3–4 weeks |
| Review of the list by the Ministry of Defence | 1.5–2 weeks |
| Forwarding of lists to the MFA | after the Ministry of Defence |
| Registration of a foreign national in Moscow | 3–5 business days |
| Russian language certificate | up to 10 business days |
| Medical certificate (if required) | 3 business days |
| Notarized passport translation | 1–3 business days |
| Biometrics | on the day of appointment |
| SNILS registration | 5–10 business days |
| INN registration | 5–10 business days |
| Russian mobile SIM card | on the day of application |
* Timeframes are approximate and may vary in each individual case. We keep you informed at every stage.
Document flow: what is submitted and where
At each stage a specific package of documents is formed. Below is the distribution by authority:
| Authority | What is submitted |
|---|---|
| Candidate → us | Passport scan, signed application form, medical certificates |
| Us → FSB | Package of candidate documents for verification |
| FSB → Ministry of Defence | Verified list of candidates |
| Ministry of Defence → MFA | Approved lists for visa instructions |
| Us → MFA | Petitions and passport copies |
| MFA → us | Visa instruction dates |
| Candidate → us | Biometrics, documents for SNILS, INN, SIM card |
Rules for completing the application form: key points
The application form is a key document at the submission stage. The speed of verification depends on how correctly it is completed:
- Language: Russian, in printed or handwritten form.
- Order of writing addresses: country — city, city — country (full and abbreviated name).
- Font and fields: in accordance with the MFA-approved template.
- "Place of work" line: "not employed" is indicated if the candidate is not employed.
- "Work address, phone" line: the candidate's home address and phone number are indicated.
- Passport data: completed with special attention, strictly according to the document.
- Close relatives: indicated fully and accurately, including family addresses.
- Photo: not required to be attached.
- Signature: the form must be signed by the candidate.
- General list of candidates: full name in Russian and English, passport data, country.
Important
The candidate must be warned not to disclose anywhere that he is being processed for contract service.
Confidentiality is a mandatory condition of cooperation.
Interaction with state authorities
All stages of verification and processing go through state authorities. This guarantees the legality of the process and compliance with Russian law. We act as the link between the candidate and the state.
- Submission to the FSB: documents are submitted twice a week.
- Verification at the FSB: takes 3–4 weeks.
- Review by the Ministry of Defence: 1.5–2 weeks.
- Forwarding to the MFA: after the Ministry of Defence approves the lists.
- Preparing petitions: begins immediately after the lists arrive at the MFA.
- Visa instructions: we receive the dates and pass them to the candidate.
Violation of the regulations may result in termination of contractual relations and irreparable consequences for the candidate, up to expulsion from the Russian Federation.
What happens after arrival in Moscow
From the moment the candidate arrives in Moscow, all costs for the meeting, transfer and accommodation are covered by us. Below is the sequence of actions after arrival:
- Airport pickup: candidates arriving in groups of 3 or more are met by our military officer. Fewer than 3 — standard transport (taxi).
- Accommodation: we provide housing for the document processing period.
- Migration registration: a mandatory procedure for foreign nationals. Registration in Moscow — 3–5 business days.
- Russian language certificate: up to 10 business days.
- Notarized passport translation: 1–3 business days.
- Biometrics: on the day of appointment.
- SNILS and INN registration: 5–10 business days each.
- Russian mobile SIM card: on the day of application.
- Medical examination: final examination in Russia.
Frequently asked questions about the processing procedure
Answers to the most common questions from candidates: on timeframes, documents, visa, interaction with state authorities and confidentiality rules.
Application and documents
How does the processing procedure begin?
With an application on contract-russia.com. We contact the candidate, verify basic compliance with the requirements and start preparing the application form.
What documents are required for submission?
A readable passport scan without glare, the MFA-approved application form signed by the candidate, and medical certificates (HIV, infectious diseases, narcotic substances).
Is a photo required on the application form?
No, a photo is not required to be attached.
How is the "place of work" line completed?
"Not employed" is indicated if the candidate is not employed. In the "work address, phone" line, the candidate's home address and phone number are indicated.
Who signs the application form?
The application form must be signed by the candidate.
Timeframes and checks
How long does the FSB verification take?
Documents are submitted to the FSB twice a week. Verification takes 3–4 weeks.
How long does the Ministry of Defence review take?
Review of the list by the Ministry of Defence — 1.5–2 weeks. After that, the lists are forwarded to the MFA.
How long does document processing in Moscow take?
Registration — 3–5 business days, Russian language certificate — up to 10 business days, notarized passport translation — 1–3 business days, SNILS and INN — 5–10 business days each. Timeframes are approximate.
When does the preparation of petitions begin?
Immediately after the lists arrive at the MFA. We send petitions and passport copies to the MFA, await the visa instruction dates and pass them to the candidate.
Who purchases tickets to Moscow?
Tickets to Moscow are purchased by us. We coordinate the arrival date and time with the candidate and prepare meeting letters.
Meeting and processing in Russia
Who meets the candidate in Moscow?
Candidates arriving in groups of 3 or more are met by our military officer. Fewer than 3 — standard transport (taxi).
What happens after arrival?
We register the foreign national for migration purposes, arrange accommodation, and process the Russian language certificate, notarized passport translation, biometrics, SNILS, INN and SIM card.
Where is the medical examination taken?
The final medical examination is taken in Russia. Before entry, the candidate must already have a medical certificate for three indicators: HIV, infectious diseases, narcotic substances.
What if the candidate fails the medical examination?
The return ticket is paid by us. This is a mandatory condition of cooperation, so the medical stage must be taken with the utmost seriousness.
Can the candidate disclose that he is being processed for contract service?
No. The candidate must be warned not to disclose anywhere that he is being processed for contract service. This is a mandatory condition of confidentiality.
Ready to start the process?
Submit an application — we will contact you and start the processing procedure.
Submit an application