Will I need any special permits or licenses to undertake certain types of business in Russia?

The Russian approach to licensing activities is quite similar to most jurisdictions. If your business involves dealing with arms, medicine, cargo services, private security and detective services, mass media and broadcasting then it will be subject to licensing requirements.  However, the good news is that all activities requiring a license are listed in one article of Russian Licensing Act, are easy to define and there are established processes and procedures for applying for and obtaining any necessary licenses.