Obtaining a Work Visa is a rather formalized process in almost any country. Russia is not too different. Most of the work of planning and organizing for these circumstances can be done by a visa agency. This will include a sequence of visas (preliminary and then regular) and then obtaining a Work Permit. For self-employed people, and those who just control their projects in Russia, it is appropriate to use a Business Visa and these are much easier to obtain than a Work Permit. UK citizens can obtain annual, multi-entry visas.