Setting up a Representative Office in the Russian Federation

The first step in creating a representative office in Russia is to decide the purpose and scope of the office. This includes identifying the type of activities that the office will participate, its location, and the structure of the organization.

Once these details have been established, the next step is to pick a name for the representative office that follows Russia's company registration regulations. The name must be unique and not alike to any current Russian company.

In addition, the applicant must obtain a tax identification number, known as an INN, which is a unique identifier assigned to the representative office for tax purposes. This step involves registering with the Russian Tax Authority, known as the Federal Tax Service.

The applicant must also obtain a Unified State Register of Legal Entities (USRLE) code, which is a specific identifier assigned to the representative office for registration purposes.

Another important step is to draft an agreement between the local representative and the parent company that establishes the relationship between the two organizations, details their responsibilities and obligations, and covers the payment of passport translation services and costs.

To register a representative office in Russia, the applicant must present an application to the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography along with the necessary documents, including the articles of association, the agreement between the local representative and the parent company, and documentation of the parent company's registration with a foreign registry.

The Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography will check the submitted documents, search the parent company's registration with foreign registries, and make sure that all required tax and registration formalities have been finished.

Once the application is accepted the representative office will be registered and the applicant will receive a state registration certificate.

It is also crucial to acquire the necessary authorizations and permissions to conduct business in Russia, including any permits or necessary for specific activities.

Additionally, it is strictly advised that you partner with local professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, or other service providers, with expertise in Russian law to assists you through the registration process and ensure conformity with all applicable laws and regulations.

Upon completion of the registration process, the representative office will be registered and can start conducting business in Russia.