Starting a business in Russia
Doing business in Russia may mean following new rules, registering with the Russian company register, and dealing alongside or in competition with Russian entrepreneurs. Understand the method of starting a business in Russia with this guide.
If you're a far off individual or company looking to start actively doing business in Russia, what does one got to know and what does one get to do to urge started? What options does one have in terms of the way to structure your business?
This guide covers the essentials for beginning a business in Russia, including:
How to start a business in Russia
Russian company types
The rules of doing business in Russia
Etiquette and social custom
Russian entrepreneurs and self-employed sole traders in Russia
Foreign companies registered for add Russia
Business in Russia: visas
Taxes and accounting for Russian businesses
Employing foreign staff in Russia
Government and business support in Russia
How to start a business in Russia
There are a variety of things to think about and processes to travel through if you're a private or company thinking of starting a business in Russia. you would like to start with basic considerations like whether you'll legally operate as a business in Russia and whether you've got a business concept is probably going to figure, before moving onto practical considerations like choosing a legal structure, drawing up documents, joining the Russian company register and opening up a business checking account.
1. Immigration status
The first thing to try to if you're a foreigner eager to start a business in Russia is to form sure your immigration status allows you to trade the country. Will, you would like a business or work visa or a residency permit? See the below section on business visas in Russia for more information.
2. Business plan for conducting business in Russia
Secondly, does one have a feasible idea, and have you ever researched the market to assess whether your business is probably going to achieve success in Russia? Before launching into any business venture, itâs an honest idea to draw up a business that decides to answer all of the questions on whether your business idea is probably going to not only get off the bottom but sustain itself within the long-term. Successful Russian entrepreneurs know that itâs all well and good having an innovative idea, but not all business ideas achieve practice so it pays to plan properly.
You can download business plan templates and appearance at sample business plans from various industries from an internet site like this one. Youâll also check an internet site like this one which maps businesses in Russia. Youâll search the location by business category or name.
3. Legal structure
If you're allowed to start a business in Russia and are confident that your business idea works, the subsequent step is to decide on your business legal structure. Information on options available is within the section below on Russian company types.
4. Choosing name and address
You need to settle on an appropriate trading name for your Russian business (ensuring that you simply donât choose a reputation that somebody else has already registered) alongside an address to register your Russian business.
5. Foundation documents
Following Russian legislation, the founders of the business got to draw up the inspiration documents (charter and founding agreement). The method for this may vary consistent with which legal structure you select, but should include the following:
Full name (plus any abbreviation it'll use in business transactions)
Names and signatures of the corporate founders
The amount and nature of shareholder contributions (cash or in-kind)
Rules for the running of the corporate
Legal responsibilities
Details of any directors, if applicable
For indebtedness Companies and personal Joint-Stock Companies, the minimum legal capital requirement is R10,000 per individual, with 50% at the purpose of registration, and therefore the remainder paid within the primary 12 months.
6. Joining the Russian company register
Once the corporate documents are involved, you would like to include your Russian business by sending the subsequent documents to the registration office of the Federal Tax Service (FTS):
Registration form including notarized signatures (cost of R200)
Copies of foundation documents
Proof of status of the business founder(s)
Receipt of the state registration fee (which costs R4000)
A copy of the registration form is out there on the FTS website.
 You can find your local FTS office here.
Once these documents are sent, the FTS will make a choice within 5 working days and can either approve your business to the State Register or refuse the registration. An inventory of grounds for refusal is often found in article 23 of the Federal Law no. 129-FZ.
If your business in Russia is accepted, this process also registers the business for tax purposes. Youâll receive the subsequent documents within 7 days of the submission of your application:
The Incorporation Certificate (or Certificate of State Registration) for your business
Tax Certificate
Tax number for the business
Copy of your foundation documents with the mark of registering authority
Extract from the Common State Register of Legal Entities
7. Make a corporation seal
This is the official mark of the business and can be produced by a knowledgeable company. Company seals are not any longer a legal requirement in Russia following a change within the law in 2015, however many Russian businesses still have seals. The value for producing one is R500.
8. Open up a checking account for conducting business in Russia
Once you've got all the official documents from the FTS, you'll open a Russian business checking account. Youâll get to get a notarized copy of the signatures (cost of R200 per person) for the account. To open a business account in Russia, you'll need the following:
Incorporation Certificate and Tax Certificate from the FTS
Founding documents of your business
Your Russian business license (if applicable for your business)
Notarized signatures
Documents confirming the identity and authority of the signatories of the account
Once you've got completed these steps, you're liberal to start the running of your Russian company which can inevitably involve tons of organizing, marketing, etc. Where the diligence begins! The steps above should take around 18-21 days in total to finish.
Russian company types
There are a variety of various legal structures to settle on from for Russian business. Youâll get to determine which one you'll choose before you progress forward with most of the steps within the section above. Full details of legal business structures and their features are detailed within the Civil Code and corporationâs law of the Russia â Federal Law 14-FZ (Limited Liability Companies) and Federal Law 208-FZ (Joint-Stock Companies). The six main sorts of Russian company are:
Limited Liability Company (OOO)
This is the foremost common sort of business in Russia. An OOO can have a maximum of fifty shareholders who got to contribute a minimum of R10, 000 each (50% payable on registration). Shareholders are jointly responsible for company debts up to the registered capital amount.
The management structure consists of 1) general meeting (the highest body that meets a minimum of once a year) and 2) board of directors (oversees general business activities). In some cases, an executive committee can also be formed.
Any Russian or foreign individual (or company) is often a founder or shareholder of any number of Russian OOOs, although to be a member or director you'll need to have the required visa and/or residence permit to measure within the country if you're a foreigner. An OOO may be a Russian legal entity that will conduct any sort of activity not prohibited by Russia. Theyâre going to need a license to conduct any licensed sort of activity.
Joint-Stock Company
This can be either open (OAO) or closed (ZAO). The ZAO may be a private Russian company and is extremely almost like the OOO. The OAO may be a public company. The most differences are that an OAO can have quite 50 shareholders, shares are freely transferable to the general public (rather than simply between shareholders) and therefore the minimum requested capital contribution is R100, 000.
The management structure and shareholder liability of both sorts of companies are almost like the OOO.
Partnership
Partnerships are often more suitable for little businesses in Russia. There are two sorts of partnership in Russian business:
General partnership â where two or more individuals (or companies) have equal rights and liabilities supported a partnership agreement. Unlike with indebtedness and joint-stock companies, personal assets are often wont to cover debts with a general partnership. Management is shared between partners and therefore the business capital is detailed within the partnership agreement.
Limited partnership â where the partnership has two sorts of partners. General partners, who are fully responsible for debts and profits, make the most decisions and may cover costs with personal assets; and limited partners who are only liable up to their contribution to the business capital.
Sole ownership â this is often for people starting a Russian business on their own. Details are within the below section on freelancers and self-employed.
Branch â a subdivision of a far off company based in Russia and entitled to conduct business activity. Not considered a separate legal entity from the overseas company and treated as non-resident more details within the section on foreign companies registered in Russia below.
Registered Office â a subdivision of a far off company based in Russia to represent company interests in Russia, but not allowed to undertake the business activity. Not considered a separate legal entity from the overseas company and treated as non-resident more details within the section on foreign companies registered in Russia below.
 The rules of doing business in Russia
According to one HR manager: âIn Russia daily work conditions are often compared to a jungle where you donât know what can fall on your head within the next minute.â
> Personal and company security may be a major issue in every city. Background checks of employees and subcontractors, whether local or foreigners living in Russia are critical.
> Reimbursement of business losses, legal remedies for fraud and recovery of damages of any kind are almost non-existent. Itâs good to use Russian legal counsel for safeguarding your interests. Laws governing property are in their infancy.
> Business is hierarchical, so determine whoâs who before a gathering and do business with the choice makers. Business cards are essential.
> Russians are addressed by their name and fatherâs name carried by all Russians rarely by the surname. For instance â Alezander Petrovich â which translates literally to Alexander son of Peter.
> Russians like direct talk. Itâs good to underline the profitability factor at an early stage of the meeting, but remember they consider an excessive amount of compromise as a symbol of weakness. Often the ultimate deal isn't final and you'll strike a far better bargain by holding out a touch more. When a deal is struck, it's often sealed with a glass of vodka, better to not refuse.
> Punctuality isn't a robust point of the Russians, but they expect foreigners to be punctual.
> When handling bureaucrats patience may be a virtue. In government offices, small gifts and money can work wonders. Itâs important to understand how the official and âunofficialâ systems work.
> Corruption and petty theft is rampant and sometimes justified, even amongst company employees. Itâs good to take care.
> An expat must be flexible together with his Russian subordinates and colleagues. To urge the simplest, motivate them, allow them to feel secure, and voice their feelings. Sell your ideas to your Russian colleagues, donât force them.
Remember learning the way to unlock the human potential of Russian employees is critical for a far off firm to achieve success in Russia. Sometimes the corporate atmosphere, non-monetary benefits, and a guarantee of a stable future are more important for a Russian than the salary.
 Etiquette and social custom
Hospitality may be a Russian virtue and reception you see a different side of the Russians you recognize at work. it's an honor to be invited to a Russian home and there are certain rules to recollect once you visit a Russian home for the primary time:
> Bring a present when invited. Wine, cake, chocolates, and flowers are appreciated. Flowers should tend in odd numbers and avoid yellow roses, which are a symbol of separation.
> Donât greet or kiss across the edge of the doorstep it's considered to bring bad luck. Remove your gloves before shaking hands. You would possibly be expected to require off your shoes before entering the house.
> Both the guest and host are expected to decorate well.
> Traditionally a guest is going to be directed to a table laden with food and drinks immediately upon arrival, though the influences of âEuropeanâ behavior are getting increasingly evident. At the table, you're expected to participate actively in the conversation.
> Be prepared to simply accept all food and alcohol, Russians enjoy their drinks, if you would like to say no do so very tactfully.
> Russians have a very unique sort of toasting. Participate and learn it, as you shall be expected to offer toasts when entertaining.
> Often the host will mention his travels, prized possessions, or achievements. They could even bring out family albums. Make certain to point out your appreciation. More often itâs how of opening up to a guest. Russians can take criticism and are great satirists.
> Dinners continue late into the night and there's often a lot of drinking and loud talking. Donât expect an excessive amount of formalities. Remember the simplest of the home is on the table, provides it due respect.
Russian entrepreneurs and self-employed sole traders in Russia
Individuals working freelance or self-employed can set themselves up as sole ownership. This is often common for those with small businesses in Russia. Thereâs no minimum capital share requirement during this sort of Russian business and therefore the sole trader takes all the choices and is liberal to use profits as they want once income tax payments are made. Like partnerships, personal assets are often wont to cover debts.
 Individuals also can set themselves up as private entrepreneurs (self-employed persons) which suggest that they donât need to form a legal entity as a sole proprietor. The method for setting yourself up as a freelance is that the same as for beginning a Russian business aside from not having to draw up founding documents. You still get to register with the FTS and can receive a state registration and tax certificate.
 Foreign companies registered for work Russia
Companies registered outside Russia can found out a subdivision inside the country either as a branch (if eager to engage in commercial activities) or as a representative office (if eager to represent company interests).
 These subdivisions aren't considered as separate legal entities from the overseas company although they still got to be registered for tax purposes with the FTS. Thereâs no requirement to make assets for representative offices. With branches, there's a requirement although the quantity isn't stipulated in Federal Law. There are not any shares. The foreign company in both cases should appoint an executive body for the aim of managing the subdivision.
 Business in Russia: visas
You will get to have a residence permit and therefore the required visa (if applicable) to become self-employed, start a Russian business or hold an edge during a company (e.g. partner, director, board member) where you're involved in regular decision-making. Those with temporary also as permanent residence permits can apply to start a Russian business. Non-residents are often shareholders of Russian companies.
 If you would like to start up a business in Russia and you donât have residency, you'll apply for a Russian Work Visa to return and work as self-employed if you'll obtain a call for participation from the Russian General Directorate of Migratory Affairs (GUVM). If you're looking to start a business in Russia which may generate revenue and make jobs, you'll apply for a Russian Business Visa.