The Russian Embassy in Canada
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ottawa, along with its Consulates General in Montreal and Vancouver, provides consular support to Russian citizens living in or visiting Canada. The Embassy also serves Canadian residents and other foreign nationals who wish to travel to Russia for tourism, work, education, business, or other purposes.
This guide provides all you need to know about the services offered by the Russian Embassy in Ottawa, including procedures, documentation requirements, processing times, and applicable fees.
Whether you plan to visit Russia, engage in business or academic exchanges, or require document authentication, it is essential to understand the necessary steps in advance and prepare accordingly.
Table of Contents
The Russian Embassy in Canada
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ottawa, together with its Consulates General in Montreal and Vancouver, provides consular services for Russian citizens. These include passport services, civil registration (such as birth and marriage registration), notarial acts, and other legal procedures involving Russian documents.
The consulates support regional consular needs, assisting both Russians and Canadians seeking assistance with documentation or travel-related matters within their respective jurisdictions.
For Canadian citizens and other foreign nationals, visa applications for visiting Russia, whether for tourism, business, studies, or private travel, are processed through the consular section.
The Embassy also handles matters related to citizenship, military registration, legal inquiries, and acts as a key point of contact for Russians residing permanently or temporarily in Canada.
In addition to consular functions, the Russian Embassy promotes Russia’s political, economic, scientific, and cultural relations with Canada. It facilitates bilateral cooperation and public diplomacy initiatives aimed at strengthening mutual understanding between the two countries.
Contact details
Russian Embassy in Canada (Consular Division), Ottawa
- 52 Range Road Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 8J5
- +1 (613) 236 7220
- (General Consular Enquiries): [email protected]
- +1 (613) 238 6158
- https://canada.mid.ru/en/
Consulate General of the Russian Federation, Toronto
- 60 Saint Clair Avenue East, 5th Floor Toronto, Ontario, M4T 1N5
- +1 (416) 962 9911
- [email protected]
- +1 (416) 962 6611
Consulate General of the Russian Federation, Montreal
- 3655 Avenue du Musée Montreal, Quebec, H3G 2E1
- +1 (514) 843 5901
- [email protected]
- +1 (514) 842 2012
- http://montreal.mid.ru
Opening Hours
Russian Embassy in Ottawa (Consular Division):
- Monday to Friday, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm Closed on Russian national holidays
Consulate General, Toronto:
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Appointments required.
Consulate General, Montreal:
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Appointments required.
Payment methods
- Payments for consular services must be made in Canadian Dollars (CAD) only.
- Accepted payment methods include bank drafts or money orders payable to:
“Embassy of the Russian Federation” or the respective Consulate General. - Cash, personal cheques, and credit/debit cards are not accepted.
- All fees are non-refundable, even in the event of withdrawal or denial of service.
Important Notes on Consular Jurisdictions
Russian Embassy in Ottawa (Consular Division) – serves:
Ottawa and Capital Region (area codes 613 and 819), British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, and Northwest Territories
Consulate General in Toronto – serves:
Ontario (excluding Ottawa and Capital Region), Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan
Consulate General in Montreal – serves:
Province of Quebec
List of Consular Services at the Russian Embassy in Canada
- Russian passport applications and renewals for Russian citizens abroad (by appointment only)
- Legalization of Canadian documents for use in Russia (authentication, notarial acts)
- Civil status registrations (birth, marriage, divorce, name change)
- Visa issuance for tourism, study, business, or private travel to Russia
- Support with citizenship applications, military registration, and renunciation
- Assistance to Russian nationals in distress, including repatriation and legal issues
Document Authentication Process - Apostille
As of January 11, 2024, both Canada and Russia are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, eliminating the need for traditional legalization of public documents between the two countries.
This means Canadian public documents intended for use in Russia, such as birth and marriage certificates, diplomas, police clearances, and business records, no longer need to be legalized at the Russian Embassy or its consulates in Canada. Instead, they require an apostille issued by Canadian authorities.
Apostilles are granted by Global Affairs Canada or by designated provincial competent authorities in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, depending on where the document was issued or notarized.
Unofficial documents, such as copies or translations, must be notarized by a Canadian notary public before they can be apostilled.
Once apostilled, these documents are legally recognized in Russia for administrative, legal, or business purposes; no further legalization by the Russian consular offices is needed.
Similarly, Russian documents intended for use in Canada must now be apostilled by Russian authorities before being valid for use within Canadian institutions or government bodies.
Apostille Process for Canadian Documents Intended for Russia
| All Documents | |
|---|---|
|
When is an apostille needed? |
Canadian public documents to be used in Russia require a single-step apostille issued by the appropriate Canadian authority. |
|
Description |
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Who can apply? |
Canadian citizens and foreign nationals residing in Canada who intend to use Canadian-issued documents in Russia. |
|
Fee (in CAD) |
Apostille: Free via Global Affairs Canada (or provincial authorities)
Notary: CAD 35–75
Provincial apostille cost: CAD 10–65, depending on the province, e.g., (Ontario: CAD 16 for notarial documents, CAD 32 for public documents, Quebec: CAD 65 per document, Alberta: CAD 25 per document, British Columbia: CAD 20 per document, Saskatchewan: CAD 50 per document)
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Processing Time |
Notarial processing (if required) typically takes about 5 business days.
Apostille issuance by Global Affairs Canada or provincial authorities may take 10–20 business days.
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Criteria for apostille |
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How to submit |
Apostilles are issued by Global Affairs Canada (for federal documents and for provinces/territories that have not designated their own apostille authority) or by provincial authorities in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
Global Affairs Canada
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Submission Notes |
Courier waybills with account numbers are not accepted; only prepaid shipping labels or envelopes.
Notarization must be completed before submission if the document is unofficial, a translation, or lacks formal certification.
If unsure, notarization prior to apostille submission is recommended to avoid rejection.
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Looking for a Faster Apostille?
Notarial Services at the Russian Embassy in Canada
The Consular Division of the Russian Embassy in Ottawa, along with its Consulates General in Toronto and Montreal, provides a range of notarial services for documents to be used in Russia. These services are available by prior appointment only and are offered in accordance with Russian consular and legal requirements.
Consular officers perform notarial acts such as certifying signatures, issuing and revoking powers of attorney, witnessing declarations, authenticating copies of documents, and processing consents and applications. These services are open to Russian citizens, residents of Canada, and other individuals requiring notarized documents for legal use within the Russian Federation.
Scope and Conditions
Notarial services by the Russian Embassy cover a wide range of document types and legal acts, including but not limited to:
- Powers of attorney for legal, financial, or real estate matters in Russia
- Revocation of powers of attorney previously issued
- Consent to travel for minors (parental authorization)
- Certification of signatures on personal or commercial documents
- Declarations or statements (including for family, pension, or property matters)
- Applications to government institutions in Russia
- Authentication of copies of passports, ID cards, civil documents, or certificates
- Processing inheritance declarations or waivers
- Notarizing requests for pension transfer or legal representation in Russia
Important Requirements and Conditions:
- Appointment Required: All notarial services are rendered strictly by appointment. No walk-ins are accepted. You must email or call your respective consular office based on your jurisdiction to request a time slot.
- Personal Appearance: The person signing the document must appear in person before the consular officer. No documents will be notarized if already signed beforehand.
- Identification: A valid passport or official government-issued ID is required. Russian citizens must present their valid internal passport (or foreign passport for international matters).
- Document Language: Documents must be presented in Russian. Documents in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation into Russian.
- Legality: The Consulate reserves the right to refuse notarization of documents that are incomplete, illegal under Russian law, or unclear in purpose. The consular officer may request additional documentation before proceeding.
Fees and Payment
All notarial services at the Russian Embassy and Consulates in Canada are subject to consular fees in accordance with Russian Federation law. Fees vary depending on the service provided.
| Notarial Service | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
|
Power of Attorney (General or Specific) |
CAD 75 – CAD 120 |
|
Certification of Signature |
CAD 75 |
|
Revocation of Power of Attorney |
CAD 75 |
|
Certification of True Copies (per document) |
CAD 60 |
|
Consent for Minor’s Travel |
CAD 60 |
|
Notarial Application or Request |
CAD 75 |
|
Other Notarial Acts |
Varies (Contact consular office) |
Travel and Passport Services at the Russian Embassy in Canada
The Russian Embassy in Ottawa, along with its Consulates General in Toronto and Montreal, provides essential travel and passport services for Russian citizens residing in or traveling through Canada. These services include the issuance and renewal of passports, emergency travel documentation, and consular registration. All consular services are jurisdiction-based and require prior appointment booking.
Passport Services Offered
New Passport Issuance: Russian citizens applying for their first international passport or internal (domestic) passport may do so through the appropriate consular office based on their province of residence.
Passport Renewals: Consular offices process renewal applications for expired or soon-to-expire passports, provided the applicant meets documentation and jurisdictional requirements.
Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports: Russian nationals must report lost or stolen passports immediately and apply for replacements with proper documentation and a police report (if applicable).
Emergency Travel Documents: Temporary travel documents may be issued for urgent return to Russia under exceptional circumstances.
Consular Registration: Russian citizens are encouraged to register with their nearest consulate to receive updates, assistance, and access to full consular services while in Canada.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted in person at the relevant consular office, based on the applicant’s province or territory of residence. Appointments must be scheduled online or via email before visiting. Applicants must present valid identification, proof of Russian citizenship, and supporting documents such as birth certificates, old passports, or name change documents.
Application forms must be correctly filled out in Russian, and processing times vary based on location and service type. It is advisable to confirm timelines directly with the consulate.
Passport Application Fees
DAC can assist you in liaising with the Russian Embassy or its Consulates to confirm the most current passport service fees. As part of our document authentication and legalization offerings, we maintain ongoing communication with foreign missions across Canada.
Based on typical guidance, the following fee ranges may apply:
Ordinary international passport (10-year biometric): CAD 125–180
Child passport or emergency document: CAD 70–100
Lost or replacement passports: Similar to standard passport fees, with potential administrative surcharges
Important Travel Information for Russian Citizens in Canada
Russian citizens with dual Canadian citizenship are advised to verify their entry and exit requirements with the relevant Canadian consulate before travelling. Russian law requires entering and leaving Russia with a valid Russian passport.
It is advisable to renew passports well in advance of expiry, especially for those planning international travel. Each office maintains emergency consular contacts for urgent travel issues.
Visa Requirements for Travel to Russia
For Canadian Citizens:
Visa Required: All Canadian citizens require a visa to enter Russia for tourism, business, study, or other purposes. There is no visa-free regime for Canada.
Processing Time: Standard visa processing requires a minimum of 10 business days. Expedited services may be available.
Entry Requirements: A valid Canadian passport, a completed visa application, a recent photo, and an invitation letter or tourist voucher are typically required.
For Other Nationals:
Visa requirements depend on nationality. Some countries may have bilateral visa exemptions with Russia.
Contact the Russian Embassy or appropriate Consulate for accurate information regarding your citizenship and purpose of travel.
Immigration and Citizenship Services at the Russian Embassy in Canada
The Russian Embassy in Ottawa, along with its Consulates General in Toronto and Montreal, provides a comprehensive range of immigration and citizenship-related services. These services cater to Canadian citizens and foreign nationals seeking to visit, work, study, or immigrate to Russia, as well as Russian citizens requiring consular assistance abroad.
Visa Applications
Nonimmigrant Visas:
Temporary travel visas for tourism, business, family visits, work, or study must be filed through the Russian Embassy or Consulate responsible for your jurisdiction. All applications require a prior appointment at the relevant office. Visas typically issued include:
- Tourist visas
- Private visit visas (for visiting relatives in Russia)
- Business, study, religious, or cultural visas
- Diplomatic and official visas processed through the Embassy
Appointment Requirements: Applicants must complete visa application forms, submit supporting documents (including an invitation letter or voucher when applicable), and appear in person for an interview at the scheduled consular appointment.
Citizenship Services & Immigration-related Assistance
The official website does not publicly list detailed procedures for services such as citizenship registration, restoration of Russian citizenship, or immigration matters for foreign nationals. However, it is clear that:
- Russian citizenship and immigration-related inquiries can be addressed through consular communication channels.
- Consular registration, document authentication, and legal assistance are available through appointment only.
For detailed information on citizenship processes (e.g. restoration, transmission, or renunciation of Russian citizenship), applicants are advised to contact the Consular Division directly.
Fee Processing and Appointment Scheduling
Visa & Citizenship Fees:
- Official visa processing fees are published, typically in Canadian dollars, and may include expedited options.
- All consular services must be initiated via appointment only; walk-in services are not available.
- Payment is usually made by certified cheque or money order to the applicable consular office; other methods vary by office and should be confirmed in advance.
Document Submission & Supporting Requirements
- Appointments are mandatory and must be booked with the consular post covering your region of residence.
- Complete documentation is required at the time of submission, including valid passports, visa application confirmation, invitation letters (where applicable), and any additional documents as specified by Russian consular regulation.
- Processing times vary by jurisdiction and visa type; for current timing, applicants should contact their local consular office.
Tips for Applicants
- Start your application early to accommodate potential delays or processing times.
- Ensure your passport is valid for travel to Russia, with sufficient validity beyond your planned stay.
- Keep correspondence and confirmation numbers consistent when booking appointments or submitting applications.
- Maintain accurate copies of key documents, including any invitation letters, to avoid issues during processing.
Russian Embassy FAQS
Does Russia require an apostille or consular legalization?
Russia is a full member of the Hague Apostille Convention. As of January 2024, Canadian public documents only need to be apostilled by Global Affairs Canada or a provincial competent authority. Embassy legalization by the Russian Embassy in Ottawa is no longer required.
What is an apostille and how does it differ from legalization?
An apostille is a form of international certification that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in another Hague Convention country, like Russia. It replaces the traditional two-step process of authentication and embassy legalization with one simplified step issued by Canadian authorities.
Do I still need to visit the Russian Embassy in Ottawa for document processing?
No. Since Russia now accepts apostilles under the Hague Convention, embassy legalization is no longer part of the process. With DAC handling notarization and apostille services, there’s no need to visit the embassy in person.
Can DAC assist with notarizing my documents for the apostille process?
Yes. If your document is not an original government-issued certificate, for example, a personal letter, a corporate agreement, or a copy of an academic credential, it must be notarized by a Canadian notary public before it can be apostilled. DAC coordinates notarization to ensure full compliance.
What types of Canadian documents can be apostilled for use in Russia?
Canadian documents commonly apostilled for Russia include birth and marriage certificates, RCMP police clearances, academic degrees, transcripts, powers of attorney, business registration records, corporate resolutions, and export-related documents. DAC ensures these are properly prepared, notarized if needed, and submitted to the appropriate Canadian apostille authority.
How long does it take to apostille Canadian documents for use in Russia?
Processing times vary depending on the issuing province and document type. Most apostille requests through DAC are completed within 5 to 15 business days, with faster timelines possible for some documents. Translation services may add 2–5 days if required.
Can DAC translate my Canadian documents into Russian?
Absolutely. DAC provides certified translation services from English or French to Russian, ensuring that apostilled documents are linguistically and legally acceptable for use by Russian institutions, universities, or government bodies.
I need to use my Canadian diploma in Russia. What are the required steps?
Your diploma may first need to be notarized if it’s not issued by a public authority, in the appropriate jurisdiction for the apostille. After that, it will be apostilled by Global Affairs Canada or a provincial authority-we use the provincial authority in Ottawa. Certified translation into Russian may also be required depending on the receiving institution. DAC can assist with each of these steps.
Can the Embassy of Russia in Canada help with visas or Russian travel documentation?
Yes. The Russian Embassy in Ottawa offers consular services including visa processing for Canadian and foreign nationals, passport renewal for Russian citizens, and travel documentation such as tourist and student visas. Applicants must submit required forms and supporting documents through the Embassy, often by appointment. It’s important to note that while DAC does not assist with visa services, we ensure your Canadian documents, such as police clearances, medical letters, or financial statements, are apostilled and translated as required for Russian immigration or travel applications. For the most current visa requirements, consult the Embassy’s official website or contact the consular office directly.
How do I begin working with DAC to apostille my documents for Russia?
Simply request a free quote through our website. DAC will guide you step-by-step—helping with notarization (if needed), obtaining the apostille, and translating your documents into Russian for official use.
IN CONCLUSION
You should now have a clearer understanding of the requirements, fees, and procedures to obtain visas, passports, document legalization, and other consular services from the Embassy of Russia in Canada.
Navigating embassy processes and government departments can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you are planning to travel, work, study, or immigrate to Russia, or if you need to authenticate important documents for official use.
At Document Authentication Canada (DAC), we simplify and streamline the entire process for you. We coordinate closely with the Russian Embassy in Ottawa and its Consulates to ensure your documents are correctly prepared, submitted, and returned to you on time.
Whether you need assistance with Russian visa applications, passport renewals, document legalization, or citizenship matters, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today at 613-229-6674 for a personalized quote and a free document review!
About The Author
Muna Hasen, Director of Customer Experience
Muna Hasen brings a strong background in legal support and community engagement. Born and raised in Ottawa, she has gained valuable experience both across Canada and internationally. Muna is committed to client-centered service, ensuring every interaction is guided by clarity, professionalism, and trust.