How to access Russian regional investment programmes
Russian regions are stepping up support for foreign investment, competing for capital through infrastructure, tax incentives, and one-stop services for investors. Against a backdrop of strategic convergence between Russia and India, this creates new conditions for Indian companies to enter key sectors—from energy and pharmaceuticals to IT, manufacturing, and logistics. Here we examine how Indian businesses can access regional programmes and what opportunities they unlock.
Russian regions: foreign investment support measures
India remains the world's fastest-growing economy, while Russia has built a stable foundation for growth. The number of Russian regions with high investment appeal is rising, and they already account for around 70% of capital inflow. Bilateral engagement has intensified: as of 2024, approximately 300 Indian companies were registered in Russia, with businesses increasingly establishing an active presence in the regions.
Source: Abireg
Regional authorities are ramping up support measures as new enterprises, technology and jobs stimulate the economy, expand the tax base, and integrate territories into international value chains. Foreign capital is accelerating infrastructure projects, while competition among regions drives a broad range of incentives.
The National Association of Investment Development Agencies identified the criteria for "quality" investment in 2025 as technology transfer, high-value jobs, specialist recruitment, and workforce development. Preferential zone residents benefit from key advantages:
Sber provides expert guidance to Indian companies entering the Russian market, from identifying reliable partners and arranging logistics to offering convenient international payment tools, including letter of credit discounting.
Main drivers of Indian interest
India, one of the world's fastest-growing economies with rates of 6.3–6.5% annually, needs new markets, technology, and partners. Investment in Russia's regions opens up access to Russian and Eurasian markets, while regional programmes embrace sectors aligned with Indian priorities. These include:
Cooperation is already expanding: Indian businesses are participating in oil and gas projects, localising pharmaceutical production, and developing Russia’s IT segment. Indian investment in Russia's oil, gas, and pharmaceutical sectors was estimated at USD 16 billion in 2023. Russian SEZs support pharmaceutical production localisation, with joint projects discussed at SPIEF 2025. The energy sector is seeing activity in both renewables and hydrocarbons.
More on growing your business in Russia:
Tatarstan: special conditions for manufacturing and IT
Tatarstan is attractive to Indian investors for its developed infrastructure, access to production facilities in the Volga area, and special conditions for the manufacturing and IT sectors. The republic operates two federal SEZs: the Alabuga industrial zone, hosting Russian and international manufacturers, and the Innopolis IT zone. Residents receive 10-year property, land, and transport tax relief, including corporate income tax reduced to 2% for the first five years and 7% thereafter, with this regime extended to 2055.
How to apply:
Samara Region: engineering and technology
Samara Region is a major industrial area for the automotive, petrochemicals, and aerospace sectors and is actively diversifying its economy by developing projects in logistics, construction, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. Strategic project status is available, offering tax incentives for major investors, expedited permits, government support, and memoranda on localisation for international companies. Indian businesses may find engineering and IT prospects particularly interesting, since 2023 saw the opening of the Zhigulevskaya Dolina IT park.
How to apply:
Arctic regions: extractive and transport industries
Arctic areas such as Murmansk Region, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, and the Sakha Republic fall under the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF) regime and are focused on extraction, as well as the development of transport corridors and sustainable infrastructure in the Arctic North. Residents benefit from long-term tax incentives: 0% federal portion of corporate income tax for 10 years, reduced regional rates (from 5%), and property tax from 0.1% in the first years of operation. Infrastructure subsidies are available, including co-financing of roads and energy facilities to support investment projects.
How to apply:
Far East and Primorye: advanced development, shipbuilding, and logistics
Primorye falls under the Free Port of Vladivostok regime and includes 18 Territories of Advanced Development (TADs), including Bolshoy Kamen, focused on shipbuilding and logistics. Free Port residents benefit from 0% corporate income and property tax for the first five years, preferential equipment import, the right to hire international specialists without quotas, and reduced social insurance contributions (7.6%). Projects in resource extraction, logistics, and tourism are in demand, while support measures complement demographic programmes. The region is keen to partner with Indian companies to develop logistics in the North–South Corridor. A unified preferential regime for the Far East and Arctic, consolidating the Free Port, TADs, AZRF, and KORF (Kuril Islands of the Russian Federation), is planned for 2027.
How to apply:
How to apply for SEZ status: step-by-step guide for Indian investors
Step 1. Research regional offerings
Step 2. Prepare your project
Step 3. Contact the regional development agency
Confirm available sites, incentives, and support measures with the regional agency or development corporation; engage an English-speaking manager to coordinate the project.
Step 4. Submit an application through the one-stop service
A resident status or investment agreement application must include a questionnaire, a business plan, and incorporation documents. The one-stop service is available to streamline the submission process. Processing typically takes around 30 working days for SEZs, with shorter timeframes for regional regimes.
Step 5. Pass expert review and receive a decision
The investment council or SEZ management company assesses the project, which may require clarifications, due diligence, and negotiations over project terms. The agreement is then signed, and resident status is granted.
Step 6. Implement your project with incentives
Resident status provides tax advantages, infrastructure support, and expedited procedures. A manager is assigned to liaise with regional services.
Regional investment programmes are a strategic tool for cooperation with international partners, including India. They give Indian businesses access to Russian and Eurasian markets, infrastructure, incentives, and support, while successful projects simplify scaling into other regions.