Work Permit in Russia

1. 1

   Recruitment Quota

   Make sure the need for workers fits within the quota for issuing work permits, approved annually by the Russian Government. The quota does not apply to certain occupations and categories.
2. 2

   Permit to Engage Foreign Workers

   The employer obtains the permit from the territorial office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, taking into account the conclusion of the employment service.

   State fee: ₽15,000 per worker
3. 3

   Entry Invitation

   Based on the permit, an invitation to enter Russia for employment purposes is issued. The employer guarantees the worker's material, medical, and housing provisions.

   State fee under Chapter 25.3 of the Russian Tax Code
4. 4

   Work Permit for the Employee

   A separate package of documents is submitted for each foreign worker. The permit is issued for the term of the employment contract, but no more than one year.

   State fee of 5,000 ₽
5. 5

   Medical Documents

   A certificate confirming the absence of HIV infection, and documents confirming the absence of infectious diseases posing a danger to others and of drug addiction.
6. 6

   Confirmation of Russian Language Proficiency

   A certificate of Russian language proficiency and knowledge of Russian history and the basics of Russian legislation — except for highly qualified specialists and other exempt categories.
7. 7

   VHI Policy

   A valid voluntary health insurance policy or an agreement between the employer and a medical organisation for the entire period of employment.
8. 8

   Employment Contract and MIA Notification

   After concluding an employment or civil-law contract, the employer notifies the territorial office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs within 3 working days and ensures the worker is registered for migration tracking.

A work permit is not issued, and a previously issued one is cancelled, if the foreign citizen (Article 18 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ, abbreviated list):

1. advocates the forcible change of the foundations of the constitutional order of the Russian Federation or creates a threat to the security of the state or citizens
2. finances or plans terrorist (extremist) acts, or assists in carrying them out
3. has been subjected to administrative removal, deportation, or transferred under a readmission agreement within the past five years (or repeatedly within the past ten years)
4. submitted forged or fraudulent documents, or knowingly provided false information about themselves
5. has been convicted by a court judgment that has entered into legal force for committing a crime
6. has an outstanding or unexpunged conviction for a serious or especially serious crime
7. has been held administratively liable twice or more within a year for violating the stay regime or the rules of employment activity
8. has left Russia for a foreign country for permanent residence
9. has been outside Russia for more than six months
10. suffers from drug addiction or has an infectious disease that poses a danger to others, or has not submitted a certificate confirming the absence of HIV infection
11. has not reached the age of 18
12. is subject to a decision that their stay (residence) in Russia is undesirable or that entry is not permitted