Types of visa

Generally, there five types of Russian visas:
1. tourist visa
2. business visa (multiple-entry)
3. student visa
4. personal (private) visa
5. transit visa
What visa (and in the first instance, which visa invitation) you will need to apply for, really depends on the purpose of your visit which visa, but this is not followed very strictly. Since tourist visas are much easier to obtain, people who come for a short business trip can simply opt for a tourist visa. Visitors who travel often to Russia, to visit friends, for work or just because they like the country so much, can do this with a business (multiple-entry) visa.

Keep in mind that Russian consulates can take 1-25 workdays to process visa applications.