Conditions for receiving state support
Most government support programs in Russia are aimed at Russian companies, including small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). To participate in these programs, a foreign company must meet the following criteria:
• be registered in Russia as a legal entity;
• conduct activities on the territory of the Russian Federation;
• not be in the process of bankruptcy, reorganization or liquidation;
• meet the requirements of a specific program (for example, belong to a priority industry).
In addition, in some cases, the share of foreign companies in the authorized capital must not exceed 49%.
Possible forms of support
Foreign companies may qualify for government support in the following cases:
1. If they become residents of special economic zones (SEZs) or free economic zones (e.g., the Free Port of Vladivostok, the Arctic Zone, the SEZs in the Kaliningrad Region and the Republic of Crimea), tax incentives are available, the amount of which depends on the volume of investment in fixed assets, R&D, and other projects. However, to receive the incentives, the investment obligations specified in the agreement must be fulfilled.
2. When participating in export support programs . If a company exports products from Russia, it may be eligible for subsidies for logistics, certification, exhibition participation, and other support measures implemented under the national project "International Cooperation and Export." However, companies from "friendly" countries and those operating in targeted industries (electronics, machine tool manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, etc.) are given priority. klerk.ru +1
3. When investing in Russian assets , foreign investors can take advantage of certain tax benefits, such as the long-term securities holding benefit (LTSB), if they are Russian tax residents and comply with the program's terms. However, starting in 2026, foreign agents will no longer be eligible for benefits and deductions for individual investment accounts (IIAs). bcs-express.ru +2
Limitations and risks
There are a number of limitations to consider:
• Sanctions restrictions may hinder foreign companies' access to certain types of support or to Russian financial instruments.
• Many support programs are targeted at Russian companies and may have restrictions on the share of foreign participation.
• To receive benefits in special economic zones, it is necessary to strictly comply with investment obligations.
• In conditions of geopolitical instability, changes in legislation are possible that could affect the terms of support.
Recommendations
For information on specific support measures, please contact:
• Contact regional My Business centers or the MSP.RF platform to learn about federal and regional programs;
• consult with a lawyer or foreign economic activity specialist to assess the possibility of participating in programs taking into account the specifics of the company;
• Monitor changes in legislation, as support measures may be adjusted.
It's important to remember that information about government support can quickly become outdated, so it's important to regularly check official resources for up-to-date information.

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