State Registration Chamber of the Ministry of Economy of the Russian Federation

Pursuant to Resolution 655 of June 6, 1994, the Ministry of Economy created the State Registration Chamber with the goal of facilitating the commercial activity of foreign investors and corporations in Russia. The Chamber is charged with registering and accrediting foreign corporations' epresentation in Russia and Russian entities with foreign investment as well as registering Russian investments abroad.

Managing the State Register of Commercial Organizations, the Chamber documents all enterprises with foreign investment on the territory of the Russian Federation, all foreign investment in the fuel and energy sector, and all foreign investment of more than 100 million rubles. As such, the Register represents a growing wealth of data on newly established and already active commercial entities with foreign involvement.

The Registration Chamber also publishes the Handbook of Foreign Investment in Russia in English. Conceived as a resource for current and potential foreign investors, the handbook contains guidelines intended to ease market entry and development by specifically addressing the problems of contradictory legislation, lack of reliable information on which to base investment decisions and the unclear separation of powers between local and federal authorities. The authors also address specific issues such as choosing a Russian partner, the articles of association for a foreign partner, relations with tax and customs authorities, and dispute settlement.

To facilitate business, investment and foreign trade, the Registration Chamber accredits foreign companies' representation in Russia. This official accreditation is indispensable for opening a bank account, registering with the tax inspectorate, receiving passport and visa support and clearing customs formalities. The accreditation includes authorization to open an office for two years that can be extended afterwards. Within the entire term of accreditation, a foreign company's representation has the right to use the services of the Chamber's various divisions.

They can render customs support and assist in registering motor vehicles and help with accrediting its foreign employees by issuing identity cards.

One such division, the Passport and Visa Service of the State Registration Chamber, was created as an independent legal entity functioning within the Chamber's framework. It offers consultative and information services in matters of exit, entry, and stay of foreign citizens on the territory of the Russian federation. At the request of host organizations, the Chamber can assist invited foreigners in matters of their stay in Russia.

The ARCCI can assist in the preparation of Registration Chamber documentation. Call (312) 494-6562 for details.