The Russian government agency formerly responsible for migration control, registration of foreign visitors, and visa regulation. Now part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD).
The FMS (Federal Migration Service of Russia, Russian: Федеральная миграционная служба, ФМС) was the Russian government agency responsible for all migration-related matters including visa regulation, registration of foreign visitors, work permits, and citizenship applications.
In April 2016, the FMS was abolished as a separate agency and its functions were transferred to the Main Directorate for Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD). Despite this reorganization, the term "FMS" is still widely used in the visa industry to refer to migration-related documents and processes.
Key functions (now under MVD):
In the context of visa invitations, an "FMS invitation" refers to a business visa invitation that is officially registered in the migration database. This type of invitation has a unique barcode/reference number that consulates can verify electronically, making it more reliable than a simple company letterhead letter.
The FMS/MVD invitation is one of the most common forms of business visa invitation and is accepted by all Russian consulates worldwide.
No. The Federal Migration Service (FMS) was dissolved in 2016 and its functions transferred to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD). However, the term 'FMS' is still commonly used in the visa industry.
An FMS invitation is a business visa invitation officially registered in Russia's migration database (now managed by MVD). It has a barcode that consulates can verify electronically.
A confirmation number sent by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to a specific Russian consulate, authorizing them to issue a business visa. Required for multi-entry business visitations.
A formal letter from a Russian organization inviting a foreign citizen to visit Russia for business purposes. Required for business visa applications.
A document filled out by all foreign visitors upon arrival in Russia. It records entry/exit dates and is required for hotel registration and visa extensions.
The process of registering a foreign visitor's presence in Russia within 7 business days of arrival. Usually done by the hotel or hosting organization.
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