Russische Botschaft Berlin — Konsularabteilung
The Consular Section (Konsularabteilung) of the Russian Embassy in Berlin is the primary visa processing centre for residents of Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Sachsen-Anhalt, and Schleswig-Holstein. Germany has 4 Russian consulates — Berlin serves the largest jurisdiction.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Konsularabteilung der Botschaft der Russischen Föderation, Behrenstraße 66, 10117 Berlin |
| Phone | +49 30 2299 7838 (visa info hotline) |
| info@russische-botschaft.de | |
| Website | russische-botschaft.ru/de/ |
| Working hours | Monday–Friday, 9:00–12:30 (submission by appointment) |
| Jurisdiction | Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, MV, Niedersachsen, NRW, Sachsen-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein |
Other Russian Consulates in Germany
| City | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| Berlin (Embassy) | Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, MV, Niedersachsen, NRW, Sachsen-Anhalt, SH |
| Bonn | Hessen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland |
| Hamburg | Shared with Berlin for Hamburg residents |
| München | Bayern, Baden-Württemberg |
| Leipzig | Sachsen, Thüringen |
Appointment Booking Tips
- Online appointment mandatory — Book via the embassy website or kdmid.ru appointment system
- Book 3–4 weeks in advance — Berlin slots are highly competitive, especially in summer
- Check cancellations daily — Slots open up when others cancel; check mornings at 8:00
- VFS Germany alternative: VFS Global also processes Russian visas in Germany — often has faster appointment availability
- Bring everything printed — Digital documents not accepted at the window
- Arrive exactly on time — Late arrivals may be turned away; early arrivals wait outside
Required Documents (Touristenvisum)
- Reisepass — Valid 6+ months after planned departure, 2 blank pages
- Current service price, payment methods, preparation estimate and correction terms are shown before payment. Visa and entry decisions remain with the competent authorities.
- Visumantragsformular — Completed at visa.kdmid.ru, printed, signed, photo glued
- Passfoto — 3.5×4.5 cm, biometrisch, weißer Hintergrund. Fotoanforderungen →
- Reisekrankenversicherung — Mindestdeckung €30.000, gültig in Russland. Versicherungsguide →
- Reisebestätigung — Flugbuchung (Hin- und Rückflug)
- Hotelbuchung — Matching the invitation dates
Fees for German Citizens (EU Rate)
| Service | Fee (EUR) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Touristenvisum (Standard) | Current service price, payment methods, preparation estimate and correction terms are shown before payment. Visa and entry decisions remain with the competent authorities. | 4–10 Werktage |
| Touristenvisum (Express) | €70 | 1–3 Werktage |
| Geschäftsvisum (Einmalig) | Current service price, payment methods, preparation estimate and correction terms are shown before payment. Visa and entry decisions remain with the competent authorities. | 4–10 Werktage |
| Geschäftsvisum (Mehrfach, 1 Jahr) | Current service price, payment methods, preparation estimate and correction terms are shown before payment. Visa and entry decisions remain with the competent authorities. | 10–15 Werktage |
| Privatvisum | Current service price, payment methods, preparation estimate and correction terms are shown before payment. Visa and entry decisions remain with the competent authorities. | 10–15 Werktage |
| VFS Service Fee (if via VFS) | €28 | — |
German citizens benefit from the EU-Russia visa facilitation agreement — all visa types cost only €35 (standard) or €70 (express).
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visumeinladung bestellen — Online in 5 Minuten ab €18 →
- Antragsformular ausfüllen — visa.kdmid.ru, ausdrucken und unterschreiben
- Termin buchen — Über die Botschaftswebsite oder VFS Global
- Persönlich erscheinen — Alle Unterlagen mitbringen (Behrenstraße 66)
- Gebühren bezahlen — Bar oder EC-Karte (keine Kreditkarte)
- Pass abholen — Nach 4–10 Werktagen persönlich oder per Post
Important Tips for Berlin Applicants
- E-Visum: Deutsche Staatsbürger können das russische E-Visum online beantragen ($52, 16 Tage, keine Einladung nötig). E-Visum Guide →
- Zahlung: Only cash (EUR) or EC-Karte accepted — no credit cards at the consular window
- Kopien: Bring 1 copy of passport data page and all documents
- Kinder: Both parents must sign; bring birth certificate (translated if needed)
- VFS Alternative: VFS Global Germany (multiple locations) often has earlier appointments than the embassy
- Russlanddeutsche: If you have Russian heritage, you may qualify for simplified visa procedures — ask at the consular window
- Gruppenreisen: Travel agencies can submit group applications (10+ persons) with simplified procedures
E-Visa for German Citizens
Since 2023, German citizens can apply for a Russian electronic visa without visiting the embassy:
- Apply at electronic-visa.kdmid.ru
- No invitation, no appointment, no embassy visit
- Cost: $52 (ca. €48)
- Processing: 4 calendar days
- Stay: up to 16 days, single entry
- Valid for all of Russia
For stays over 16 days, multiple entries, or business purposes, apply for the traditional visa at the Konsularabteilung Berlin.