How to register a company in Russia as a foreigner (2026)

Can a foreigner open a company in Russia?

Yes. Russian law allows a foreign individual or a foreign company to own up to 100% of a Russian limited liability company (LLC, in Russian OOO) in most sectors. You do not need to be a Russian resident, hold a visa, or have a local partner. Restrictions apply only in a small number of strategic industries.

Because Russian company registration can be completed on the basis of a notarised power of attorney, founders routinely incorporate without ever travelling to Russia. Your lawyer files the documents with the tax authority, receives the incorporation records, and can even initiate the corporate bank account on your behalf.

Which company type should you choose?

Two structures are commonly used by foreign entrepreneurs:

• LLC / OOO (Limited Liability Company) — by far the most common choice. One or more owners, limited liability, minimum charter capital of 10,000 rubles, straightforward management. Suitable for trading, services, IT, manufacturing and holding activities.
• Branch or representative office — an extension of an existing foreign company rather than a separate legal entity. Useful for market presence without a new company, but subject to accreditation and its own rules.

For the large majority of foreign founders, an OOO is the right vehicle: fast to register, cheap to maintain, and flexible enough for almost any commercial activity.

How much does it cost to register a company in Russia?

The mandatory costs of forming an OOO are modest. Indicative figures (2026):

• Charter capital: from 10,000 rubles (statutory minimum, paid within four months of registration).
• State registration duty: 4,000 rubles — waived entirely when the application is filed electronically with a qualified e-signature or through a notary's electronic submission.
• Notary and translation: for foreign founders, notarisation, apostille and certified translation of passport and corporate documents.
• Legal address: a registered office is required; this is often a paid service if you do not have your own premises.
• Bank account & ongoing: accounting, tax filing and, if needed, permits are separate ongoing services.

A company seal is no longer mandatory in Russia and is only produced if the company chooses to have one. We quote a single fixed package that covers the full process before you start, so there are no surprises.

Step-by-step: registering an OOO

1. Consultation & structure. We confirm the activity codes (OKVED), ownership structure, and the fastest legal route for your case.
2. Company name & legal address. Choose a compliant name and secure a registered office.
3. Charter & founding decision. We draft the charter and the founder's resolution or minutes of the general meeting.
4. Power of attorney. You sign a notarised, apostilled power of attorney so we can act for you remotely.
5. Application P11001. The official registration application is prepared and signed.
6. Filing with the Federal Tax Service (FNS). Documents are submitted, electronically where possible.
7. Registration & records. The FNS registers the company and issues the entry in the state register (EGRUL), the tax number (INN) and registration number (OGRN).
8. Bank account & launch. We open the corporate account and hand over a ready-to-operate company.

How long does company registration take?

Under Federal Law No. 129-FZ, the Federal Tax Service must decide on a complete application within three working days. Including document preparation, notarisation of the power of attorney and address confirmation, a straightforward OOO is usually registered in 3 to 7 business days. Opening the corporate bank account typically adds a few more business days depending on the bank's compliance checks.

Documents you'll need

For a standard OOO with a foreign founder, the core set includes:

• Registration application (form P11001);
• Company charter (articles of association);
• Resolution of the sole founder, or minutes of the founders' meeting;
• Confirmation of the legal address (e.g. a guarantee letter from the landlord);
• State duty receipt, where a duty applies;
• Founder's passport — notarised translation and, for a corporate founder, apostilled corporate documents and an extract from the foreign register;
• Notarised power of attorney if you register remotely through a representative.

We prepare, translate and legalise the full set for you and confirm exactly what is required for your specific situation.

Taxes for a Russian company

A Russian company chooses its tax regime at or shortly after registration:

• General regime (OSNO): 25% corporate profit tax and 22% VAT. Typical for larger businesses or those trading with VAT-registered partners.
• Simplified regime (USN): available to eligible small companies within revenue and headcount limits — either 6% of revenue or 15% of profit (income minus expenses). This is often the most efficient choice for new ventures.

The right regime depends on your margins, VAT position and clients. We assess this during setup and handle ongoing bookkeeping, VAT and reporting so the company stays compliant.

Opening a corporate bank account

A Russian company needs a corporate bank account to operate. Banks run compliance (KYC) checks on the company, its owners and directors — including for non-resident directors and shareholders. We prepare the compliance file, introduce you to suitable partner banks, and support the account opening so it proceeds smoothly.

Visas & work permits for founders

Owning a Russian company does not by itself grant the right to live or work in Russia. If you or your staff need to be on the ground, we arrange work visas and work permits for founders and key employees — coordinated with the company setup so the timing works.

Why register with Ioffe & Partners

We handle the entire process for foreign entrepreneurs — incorporation, corporate banking, visas, work permits, tax and accounting — remotely and transparently, with one lawyer who speaks your language and a single fixed price agreed up front. More than 100 companies have been registered for foreign owners, with offices in Abu Dhabi and Moscow.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Russian company?

Yes. A foreign individual or company can own 100% of a Russian LLC (OOO) in most sectors.

Do I need to travel to Russia to register a company?

No. With a notarised and apostilled power of attorney we register the company, deal with the Federal Tax Service and support bank account opening on your behalf — you do not need to visit Russia.

How much charter capital does a Russian LLC need?

The statutory minimum charter capital for an LLC (OOO) is 10,000 rubles, which must be paid within four months of registration.

How long does it take to register a company in Russia?

The Federal Tax Service decides within three working days of a complete filing. Including document preparation, registration usually completes in 3 to 7 business days.

What taxes will my Russian company pay?

On the general regime a company pays 25% profit tax and 22% VAT. Eligible small companies can use the simplified regime (USN) at 6% of revenue or 15% of profit.