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More than 3,300 companies with foreign founders were registered in Russia between January and May 2026, according to a study by the Rusprofile service reported by TASS.

By comparison, about 2,700 such registrations were recorded in January-May 2025, meaning growth of 22 % in 2026.

According to Rusprofile, most of the foreign businesses set up in 2026 were Chinese (57.6 %, or 1,900 companies). Members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) were also among the leaders, with more than 900 companies.

"After a significant part of western business left or scaled back its presence, market niches opened up in trade, logistics, industrial co-operation and the supply of equipment and components. These niches are being actively filled by companies from China, the EAEU and other friendly states," said Roman Koposov, a deputy director of ARB Pro, whose comments were cited in the study.

He added that many foreign companies were shifting from a simple export model to a local presence in Russia. "Registering a legal entity makes it easier to arrange payments, logistics and after-sales service, to take part in tenders and to deal directly with Russian customers," he said.

It was reported earlier that one in five limited liability companies (LLCs) set up in Russia's online retail sector is established by entrepreneurs from China. Experts have noted that Chinese businesses are seeking to build a direct presence in Russia by registering local LLCs and launching their own stores, in order to reduce their dependence on marketplaces.