FAQ
FAQ
Here you will find short answers to the questions business travellers ask most often: about arranging the trip, hotel documents, the expense report and reimbursement. For details, see the sections of the guide; for your organisation's procedure, see its business travel policy.
When the answer depends on the employer's decision, we say so: a guide cannot replace your organisation's internal rules.
Arranging a trip
Is this the website that sold hotel receipts?
No. A different website used to operate on this domain. The current guide is not affiliated with it, does not sell or prepare documents, and explains how to document expenses lawfully.
Are a travel certificate and a work assignment mandatory?
Not since 2015 (Russian Government Decree No. 1595 of 29 December 2014). The length of the trip is proven by travel documents. An employer may keep these forms through its internal policy.
Which guarantees does the employee keep?
Their job (position) and average earnings, plus reimbursement of expenses related to the business trip (Art. 167 of the Labour Code).
Where can I find my employer's procedure?
In the collective agreement or an internal policy — usually the business travel policy. Ask HR or accounting to show it to you.
Accommodation
Which documents prove accommodation?
Documents issued by the hotel and a cash receipt. The receipt can be checked in the Federal Tax Service app “Proverka chekov”. The exact list of accepted documents is set by the employer.
Can I buy a receipt or a certificate of stay?
No. A document for a stay that never happened is forged (Art. 327 of the Criminal Code), and obtaining reimbursement with it may qualify as fraud (Art. 159 of the Criminal Code).
The hotel did not give me a receipt. What should I do?
Contact the hotel: as a general rule, payments there must go through a cash register. If you cannot get a receipt, tell accounting before you submit your report.
Why is there a tourist tax in the cost of my stay?
Since 2025, municipalities may introduce a tourist tax (Chapter 33.1 of the Tax Code), and it is included in the cost of the stay.
Report and reimbursement
When is the expense report due?
Within 3 working days of returning from the trip, under the Regulation approved by Russian Government Decree No. 749 of 13 October 2008.
Which expenses are reimbursed?
Travel, rented accommodation, additional costs of living away from home (per diems) and other expenses incurred with the employer's permission (Art. 168 of the Labour Code).
Are per diems subject to personal income tax?
They are exempt up to 700 roubles for each day of a trip within Russia and 2,500 roubles abroad (Art. 217(3) of the Tax Code). The per diem rate itself is set by the employer.
Can you check my report or advise me?
No. We provide only general information with references to the law and do not advise on individual situations. For questions about your report, contact your employer's accounting department.
Related sections
- The basics
What a business trip is, what guarantees an employee has, which expenses are reimbursed and who sets the amount of per diems.
- Documents and procedures
Which documents prove travel, accommodation and other expenses; whether a travel certificate and assignment are needed; why bought “receipts” are risky.
- Examples and cases
Hypothetical situations: the hotel issued only an invoice, a receipt was lost, the trip was extended, travel by own car, the tourist tax.
Sources
- Labour Code of the Russian Federation (Arts. 166–168)
- Russian Government Decree No. 749 of 13 October 2008
- Russian Government Decree No. 1595 of 29 December 2014
- Tax Code of the Russian Federation (Art. 217(3); Chapter 33.1)
- Federal Law No. 54-FZ
- Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (Arts. 159, 327)
- Federal Tax Service of Russia — “Proverka chekov” (Receipt Check) app
Information is based on the Labour Code and Tax Code of the Russian Federation, Russian Government decrees and materials of the Federal Tax Service of Russia. Rules change, so check the current version in official sources and the procedure adopted by your employer. Rules in other countries differ.