Foreign company registrations in Russia reach highest level since 2018

Tuesday 28 July 2026 - 14:00

By: Azzat Manal

Foreign company registrations in Russia reach highest level since 2018

Russia recorded a sharp increase in the registration of companies with foreign participation during the first five months of the year, reaching the highest level for this period since 2018, according to data reported by Russian media.

Around 3,100 new legal entities involving foreign investors were registered between January and May, marking a significant rise in international business activity despite the challenging economic environment.

For the first time since 2023, the number of newly registered companies also exceeded the number of businesses that were closed. The number of liquidated entities was reportedly 7% lower than the number of new registrations, suggesting a shift in the balance of foreign business activity in the Russian market.

Chinese companies accounted for the largest share of new registrations, representing approximately 58% of the total. By the beginning of 2026, around 15,000 companies with Chinese participation were reportedly operating in Russia, highlighting the growing importance of economic ties between Moscow and Beijing.

Businesses from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, India and South Korea have also continued to explore opportunities in the Russian market.

Foreign investors have shown particular interest in sectors such as e-commerce, general trade, logistics, industrial electronics, packaging, pharmaceuticals and equipment supplies. These areas have benefited from changing trade patterns and the restructuring of supply chains in recent years.

Experts attribute the rise in foreign business registrations partly to the adaptation of companies from countries maintaining close economic relations with Russia. The withdrawal of numerous Western companies has also created opportunities for new market entrants, while the size of the Russian consumer market remains an attraction for international businesses.

The trend comes as Russia seeks to strengthen economic partnerships with non-Western countries and diversify its international trade and investment relations. The growing presence of Asian and Middle Eastern businesses could further contribute to the transformation of Russia's corporate landscape.

Foreign direct investment in the Russian economy reportedly reached $25.3 billion by the end of 2025, representing a substantial increase compared with the previous year. The latest registration figures suggest that foreign businesses continue to identify opportunities in Russia, particularly in sectors linked to trade, technology and supply chains.