The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has published draft laws introducing an experiment on organized recruitment of foreign workers. The experiment will run from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2030.
Key proposed changes:

Labor Code of the Russian Federation
Only fixed-term employment contracts will be concluded with foreign workers.
Salaries will be transferred only to an authorized bank card.
Electronic document management (EDM) can be carried out through the GIS of the recruitment operator, the “Work in Russia” platform, or the employer’s system.
Additional documents will be required when hiring: foreign citizen’s card (if available) and documents confirming family relationship (for NDFL payment).

Budget Code of the Russian Federation
100% of personal income tax (NDFL) paid by foreign workers under the experiment will go to regional budgets.

Tax Code of the Russian Federation
NDFL will be paid as fixed advance payments.
If you work for a company or individual entrepreneur, the employer withholds the tax.
If you work for a private individual, you pay the tax yourself.
State duties are introduced for inclusion in participant registers and obtaining an electronic card. Citizens of EAEU countries are exempt from these duties.


Tax benefits are also provided for the free transfer of property and information systems to the organized recruitment operator.
The changes aim to make the attraction and employment of foreign workers more orderly and transparent.

The Migration Service of the Russian Interior Ministry reminds: before hiring a foreign worker, always check all required documents.
The rules for hiring, registration at the place of stay, issuing invitations and visas are set out in specific laws. The main ones are:

Federal Law No. 115-FZ of July 25, 2002 “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation”;
Federal Law No. 109-FZ of July 18, 2006 “On Migration Registration of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Russian Federation”;
Federal Law No. 114-FZ of August 15, 1996 “On the Procedure for Exit from the Russian Federation and Entry into the Russian Federation”.

Administrative fines apply for violations (Articles 18.15 and 18.17 of the Code of Administrative Offences):

up to 7,000 rubles — for individuals;
up to 70,000 rubles — for officials;
up to 1 million rubles + suspension of activity for up to 90 days — for legal entities and individual entrepreneurs.

Fines are issued for each foreign worker separately.
To minimize risks, follow these simple rules:

carefully check all permits and their validity periods;
notify the Interior Ministry about signing and terminating employment contracts with foreign workers;
check job candidates and current foreign workers in the register of controlled persons;
observe territorial and professional restrictions;
pay salaries only by bank transfer.

The specifics of employing foreign workers are regulated by Chapter 50.1 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation. An employment contract is usually concluded for an indefinite period. A fixed-term contract may be signed only in cases provided for in Article 59 of the Labor Code.

The Russian Ministry of Labor has announced a new experiment. From January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2030, a special organized recruitment system for foreign workers and stateless persons will operate in Russia (except Moscow and the Moscow Region).
What will change:

Two registers will be created: one for employers and one for foreign workers. Only those listed in the registers will be able to work.
Tax rules (personal income tax — NDFL) will change. Foreign workers will pay tax through fixed advance payments. If you work for a company or individual entrepreneur, the employer withholds the tax. If you work for a private person, you pay it yourself.
Only fixed-term employment contracts (for a specific period) will be signed with foreign workers. Convenient electronic document management will be introduced.
Part of the taxes from foreign workers will go to regional budgets.

The experiment is designed to make the process clear, transparent, and convenient for both foreign workers and employers.

Минтруд России рассказал о новом эксперименте. С 1 января 2027 года по 31 декабря 2030 года в России (кроме Москвы и Московской области) начнёт работать специальная система организованного набора иностранных работников и лиц без гражданства.
Что изменится:

Создадут два реестра: один — для работодателей, второй — для иностранных работников. Работать смогут только те, кто есть в этих списках.
Изменят правила по налогам (НДФЛ). Иностранные работники будут платить налог фиксированными авансами. Если работаете в компании или у ИП — налог удерживает работодатель. Если у обычного человека — платите сами.
С иностранными работниками будут заключать только срочные трудовые договоры (на определённый срок). Появится удобный электронный документооборот.
Часть налогов от иностранных работников пойдёт в бюджеты регионов.

Эксперимент сделан, чтобы процесс был понятным, прозрачным и удобным как для иностранных работников, так и для работодателей.

The Russian Ministry of Labor has proposed reducing from six to three months the period after which unused quotas can be redistributed if the employer has not issued the necessary work permits for a foreign worker.
This concerns work permits for citizens of visa countries. Every year the state allocates a certain number of such quotas. The new limit is set by Government Decree No. 1995 of December 5, 2025. Quotas are issued to companies only after confirming the need and the impossibility of hiring Russian workers in the region.
The ministry explained that shortening the period will allow employers to revise their plans or fill vacancies by hiring Russian citizens. This ensures foreign workers are attracted only when there are insufficient internal reserves.
The amendments will enable quick redistribution of quotas, withdrawal of unused permits, and transfer to those who really need them. Regional authorities will be able to better adapt to labor market changes.
Recall that the rules for migrant labor activity are set out in Article 13 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ of July 25, 2002 “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation”. The following categories may work without obtaining a work permit or patent:

foreigners permanently or temporarily residing in the Russian Federation;
participants of the state program to assist voluntary resettlement of compatriots living abroad and members of their families;
employees of foreign legal entities performing installation work, service and warranty maintenance, as well as post-warranty repair of technical equipment supplied to Russia;
staff of diplomatic missions, employees of consular institutions of foreign states in Russia, employees of international organizations, as well as their private domestic workers.

Foreign citizens planning to work or study in Russia must submit an entry notification on time. Even if you have already obtained a work patent, residence permit, or visa, failure to submit the notification may result in fines or refusal to extend documents.

💡 Tip: submit the notification a few days before arrival. This will help you avoid unnecessary bureaucracy and problems with migration authorities.

✅ The notification can be submitted through the digital portal or at the migration office at your place of arrival.

Don’t delay: timely submission of the notification is your first step to legal work and residence in Russia.

The Moscow Tripartite Commission on the Regulation of Social and Labor Relations has decided to maintain the allowable share of foreign workers for employers at the 2026 level.

This means that companies and organizations in Moscow will continue to comply with the established limits on the number of migrants in their workforce. The document is preliminary and may be adjusted depending on the economic situation, employment levels, and labor market needs.

The commission emphasized that these measures aim to maintain a balance between the number of foreign workers and employer needs, as well as to ensure legal employment of migrants. Violating the limits may lead to administrative liability and fines for employers.

Authorities also recommend that companies keep records of all foreign employees and monitor the validity of work permits and patents to comply with legal requirements and avoid issues with the migration authorities.

Deputies have proposed introducing criminal penalties for forging certificates of Russian language proficiency. The corresponding draft law has been submitted to the State Duma.

The bill concerns an amendment to Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Specifically, the proposal suggests adding to part 6: offenders may face 2 to 6 years in prison, with a mandatory fine of up to 500,000 rubles, calculated from wages or other income over up to three years, or without it, with possible restriction of liberty for up to one year, or without it.

Lawmakers explained that the current provisions do not fully reflect the social danger of crimes related to forging official documents that grant rights or relieve obligations (parts 1 and 5 of Article 327).

“The proposed amendment aims to create an additional preventive effect, strengthen the criminal impact, and eliminate situations where socially dangerous acts involving illegal handling of documents critical for migrants’ status fall under general articles with less severe penalties,” the State Duma stated.

According to the authors, the amendment will improve the effectiveness of combating violations in migration relations and strengthen the integrity of exams and issuance of certificates, protecting the state’s interest in document authenticity.

Currently, under Article 327, forgery of an official document granting rights or releasing from obligations is punishable by restriction of freedom for up to two years, forced labor for up to two years, arrest for up to six months, or imprisonment for up to two years.

The cost of work patents for foreign citizens has risen at the beginning of 2026. The main reasons are the increase in the deflator coefficient and the growth of regional coefficients. According to the Order of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia No. 734 dated 06.11.2025, the deflator coefficient is set at 2.842.

Examples of monthly patent costs in different regions in 2026
Region Monthly patent cost, RUB
Moscow 10,000
Tver Region 20,169
Ulyanovsk Region 7,161
Krasnodar Krai 27,283
Zabaykalsky Krai 13,385
Sverdlovsk Region 9,500
Samara Region 11,157
Saint Petersburg & Leningrad Region 8,000
Tyumen Region 11,471
Irkutsk Region 12,000
Novosibirsk Region 10,860
Primorsky Krai 12,600
Kamchatka Krai 13,776
Perm Region 8,137
Tula Region 25,000
Pskov Region 9,950
Republic of Tatarstan 7,937
Responsibilities and obligations

Formally, the payment of the patent lies with the foreign worker. However, in practice, the company is responsible for ensuring that the employee works legally.

The employer can pay the patent on behalf of the migrant, which is allowed by law.
Such payment is considered income for the foreigner, meaning personal income tax (PIT) must be withheld and transferred to the budget.

Since January 1, 2026, new changes have come into effect regarding the issuance of work patents for foreign citizens in Russia.

Now, the Russian language exam is conducted only in electronic format. The content of the tests has also been updated:

In the Listening section, the number of questions has increased.
Professional vocabulary has been added — migrants must understand not only everyday phrases but also terms related to their future work.
The situational tasks section has been expanded: migrants must demonstrate understanding of specific life and work situations, not just select the correct option.

Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma, shared in his official MAH messenger channel that a draft law is being prepared to amend the Administrative Offences Code (KoAP) to enhance public safety and strengthen control over the behavior of foreign citizens.

“We have tried to do everything to prevent illegal migrants from entering our country,” the parliamentarian noted.

Current situation

Currently, deportation under KoAP is provided for in 22 articles for violations including:

illegal trafficking of narcotics;
promotion of pedophilia, gender change, or non-traditional sexual relations;
violation of immigration rules and state border regulations.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 72,000 migrants were deported last year for these offences.

Proposed changes

The draft law proposes to almost double the list of administrative offences for which migrants may be deported — increasing to 43 articles. These include:

disturbance of public order;
disobedience to lawful orders from police or Rosgvardiya officers;
actions interfering with vital infrastructure, transport, social services, communications, pedestrian or vehicle movement;
spreading information online that insults human dignity or public morality;
public actions discrediting the use of the Russian Armed Forces;
calls to impose or extend economic or political sanctions against Russia, its citizens, or companies.

For certain violations, fines may be imposed on foreigners, and the draft law also provides for increased penalties.

Related initiatives

Earlier, in March, the lower house approved in the first reading a draft law on the departure of children of labor migrants from Russia. Amendments to Federal Law No. 115-FZ of July 25, 2002 require that foreign citizens support themselves and their family, and pay advance personal income tax (PIT).

Tajik citizens will now be able to undergo medical examinations in their own country before entering Russia for work purposes. The law ratifying the intergovernmental agreement necessary for this was signed by President Vladimir Putin.

The document was signed in Dushanbe in October 2024 during President Putin’s state visit to the republic.

Medical examinations will be conducted in Russian medical institutions according to Russian legislation. Based on the results, a certificate will be issued, which will be recognized within Russia.

“Allowing Tajik citizens to undergo medical examinations before entering the Russian Federation will reduce the risk of refusal for medical reasons when obtaining documents necessary for stay and work in Russia,” noted Vladimir Dzhabarov, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs.

The State Duma of Russia has approved changes in migration legislation in the first reading that would require children of labor migrants to leave the country within 30 days after turning 18 if they have no legal grounds to remain. This information was published on the official parliamentary website.

The bill proposes amendments to Federal Law No. 115‑FZ governing the legal status of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation. Under the draft law, migrant children who have reached adulthood and do not have their own patent must either exit Russia or apply for a work patent of their own within the specified deadline.

The proposal also includes enhanced controls on fixed advance tax payments, income requirements, and other conditions related to the issuance and renewal of work patents for migrants and their families.

A foreign citizen wishing to obtain a residence permit (VNZh) in Russia must have an official income sufficient to support themselves and their family. This was reported in the official Telegram channel of the Main Directorate for Migration Issues of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
Such income cannot be lower than the subsistence minimum established in the region where the application for VNZh is submitted. This serves as a guarantee that the migrant will not become an additional burden on the state’s social system.
Who needs to confirm income:

Foreigners applying for a residence permit for the first time;
Foreign citizens who already have VNZh status in the Russian Federation (annual confirmation of residence).

How to confirm income:
A migrant can provide one of the following documents:

Certificate from the place of work (Appendix No. 1 to the 6-NDFL calculation);
Tax declaration 3-NDFL + document confirming tax payment;
Confirmation of receiving alimony;
Certificate of income and tax withheld from a family member (if the migrant is a dependent);
Certificate of a bank deposit indicating the account number and amount;
Pension certificate;
Other documents confirming income from activities not prohibited by law (service contracts, royalty payments, etc.).

Important consequences:

Without confirmation of income, the application for VNZh will not be accepted.
If a VNZh has already been obtained, it may be annulled in the absence of income for any two calendar years after receiving the status (Article 9 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ).

These requirements are established by Federal Law No. 115-FZ of July 25, 2002 “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation” and the Administrative Regulations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia (Order No. 417 dated June 11, 2020).

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The State Duma approved the bill in the first reading on March 18, 2026, amending Federal Law No. 115-FZ of July 25, 2002 “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation.”
Key changes for migrants' children

Upon reaching 18 years of age, children of labor migrants (working on a patent) must leave Russia within 30 days if they have no other legal grounds for stay/residence.
Alternative: apply for their own work patent and pay the fixed advance NDFL payment.

Additional requirements for migrants
The bill tightens family support and income rules:

Foreigners must support themselves and family members (including children) in Russia and pay fixed advance NDFL payments for themselves, spouse, and each child.
Failure to comply → patent revoked or not issued, stay period shortened.
Tax authorities and МВД will verify income levels.
Patent/work permit revoked if income is below the regional subsistence minimum (adjusted by coefficient) per migrant and each family member.
Temporary residence permit revoked/not issued if the migrant worked less than 10 months in a year.
Monthly fixed advance payments increased for some categories of labor migrants.

Income confirmation
To obtain/renew temporary or permanent residence, a foreigner must submit one of the documents (if not provided, data requested from tax authorities):

Certificate of individual income for the reporting period;
Copy of tax declaration confirming income amount and sources for the previous calendar year;
Documents proving payment of fixed advance NDFL (for self and family) in the reporting period;
Documents confirming income from investment or management activities in the past tax period.

The bill passed the first reading; second reading and possible amendments ahead. Sources: official State Duma site, RBC, Vedomosti, RIA Novosti, etc.

President Vladimir Putin signed a law amending the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation (Federal Law No. 50-FZ of March 8, 2026).

The law prohibits the extradition to foreign states of foreign citizens who serve or have served under contract in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and participated in combat operations.

Other initiatives in the State Duma

The lower house is also considering two related bills:

a ban on the deportation of foreign military personnel, which could be replaced by an administrative fine or community service;

a ban on deportation, readmission, shortening of temporary stay, refusal or annulment of temporary residence permits, and a ban on undesirable stay in Russia for this category of citizens.

Who else cannot be extradited

According to part 1 of Article 464 of the Criminal Procedure Code:

persons with Russian citizenship or political asylum due to race, religion, citizenship, nationality, membership in a social group, or political beliefs;

persons who already have a final court sentence for the same act or whose case was terminated;

persons in respect of whom a criminal case cannot be opened or the sentence cannot be enforced;

persons for whom a Russian court has established obstacles to extradition according to Russian law and international treaties;

persons who committed acts that are not crimes under Russian law.

The Chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, reported in his MAH messenger about new initiatives regarding foreign citizens in Russia. Since 2024, the lower house of parliament has passed 22 laws aimed at improving migration policy.

New initiatives

In the near future, deputies plan to consider:

Obligation for labor migrants to support themselves and their families at the regional subsistence level;

Eviction of children of foreign citizens working in Russia upon reaching adulthood within 30 days;

Requirement to make fixed advance payments for each family member;

Responsibility of tax authorities and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to verify a migrant’s income;

Stricter conditions for migrants with a temporary residence permit or residence status: the permit may not be issued or may be revoked if the migrant worked less than 10 months in a year.

Purpose of the measures

“These measures will expand control over labor migrants, their families, and incomes, which will help combat illegal migration,” Volodin said.

Statistics

In 2025, 2.3 million foreign citizens obtained work patents in Russia (+9% compared to 2024). Total advance NDFL payments amounted to 172 billion rubles.

Additional changes

The Russian government submitted draft laws developed by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to combat fictitious employment and strengthen control over tax obligations.

Also proposed is a significant increase in minimum salaries for highly qualified specialists:

scientific staff and teachers – from 83,500 to 358,500 rubles per month;

other specialists – from 750,000 rubles per quarter to 717,000 rubles per month.

Effective date

If approved, the new rules will take effect next year.

Migrants in Russia have been reminded that their temporary stay period will not be extended if they fail to pay for their work patent on time, according to the official Migration Service channel of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAH messenger).

Payment amounts

From January 1, 2026, fixed advance payments of personal income tax (NDFL) for obtaining a patent have increased.

The base payment is 1,200 rubles, adjusted by the deflator coefficient (2.842 for 2026) and a regional coefficient.

Regional examples:

Moscow and Moscow Region – 10,000 rubles;

Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Region – 8,000 rubles;

Krasnodar Krai – up to 27,200 rubles.

How and when to pay

🔅 The payment date is on the back of the patent. The paid period starts from that date.

🔅 It is recommended to pay 3–4 days before the end of the current period, either monthly or for several months in advance.

Example: If the patent shows January 10, 2026, the next payment should be made by February 9, 2026, preferably between February 5–8.

Consequences of missing a payment

⚠ If payment is missed, the temporary stay period will not be extended, and the migrant will have to leave Russia.

Legal basis

The employment of migrants is regulated by Federal Law No. 115-FZ. According to Article 13:

Foreigners may work without a permit in certain cases:

entering Russia under a visa-free regime;

highly qualified specialists;

family members of such specialists.

How to know the payment date

🔅 The issue date of the patent is written on its back. The paid period starts from this date. Payments must be made before the specified day of each month.

When to pay

🔅 It is recommended to pay in advance, 3–4 days before the end of the current paid period.

Example: If the patent shows 10.01.2026, the next payment should be made by 09.02.2026, i.e., between February 5 and 8.

How to pay

Payments can be made monthly or for several months in advance.

What happens if a payment is missed

🔅 In this case, the temporary stay period will not be extended, and the foreign citizen must leave Russia before the end of the paid period.

Patent cost

🔅 From January 1, 2026, the fixed monthly advance NDFL payments for foreign citizens working under a patent have increased.

Check the current rates here.

Starting February 28, 2026, Russia is updating the tax registration rules for foreign citizens. More categories of migrants will now have to register with the tax authorities.
New groups that must register:

Individuals registered as sole proprietors (IE) in EAEU countries (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan);
Those selling goods or receiving payments in Russia;
Those providing online services to private individuals (freelance, digital services, etc.).

Previously many of these activities did not require registration, but now the requirements are stricter — especially for online work and citizens of EAEU countries.
Also, paper certificates of registration or deregistration are being replaced with a simple extract from the Unified State Register of Taxpayers (EGRN). This makes the process faster and more convenient, often fully digital.
Other grounds for registration remain unchanged: residence registration in Russia, ownership of property or vehicles in Russia, inheritance of such property, status as a lawyer in Russia, etc. Even if you have no property or residence in Russia but have other reasons — registration is still required.
For migrants working on hire (with a patent or permit), the rules for paying personal income tax and reporting remain the same (Article 227.1 of the Tax Code).
These updates aim to better monitor income from online activities and EAEU business, while simplifying document handling. More info is available on the FNS website (nalog.gov.ru) or at your local tax office.

The State Duma of Russia has approved, in the first reading, three bills aimed at tightening the medical examination requirements for foreign citizens regarding HIV, drugs, and dangerous infectious diseases.

What will change

The bills propose:

stricter requirements for medical examinations of migrants for HIV, drugs, and infectious diseases;

mandatory electronic format for medical certificates, which must be uploaded to the Unified State Information System of Healthcare (EGISZ).

What this means for medical organizations

Organizations authorized to conduct these medical examinations will face new restrictions, including a ban on transferring their responsibilities to other institutions.

Expected outcomes

These changes aim to improve control over the health of migrants, enhance public safety, and reduce health risks for Russian citizens.

Foreign nationals working in Russia under a patent must pay advance income tax (NDFL) on time and обязательно keep all payment receipts. These receipts confirm the legality of your employment.

Why it is important to keep receipts

The receipt confirms that:

the patent is paid and valid;

the foreign citizen has the legal right to work in Russia;

there are no grounds for patent cancellation.

Receipts may be required:

during inspections by migration authorities;

when extending the patent;

when applying for a temporary or permanent residence permit;

when getting a job or changing employers.

What happens if payment is missed

If the patent is not paid on time:

⚠ the patent is automatically cancelled;
⚠ the foreign citizen loses the right to work;
⚠ the person may be included in the controlled persons registry;
⚠ fines or entry bans may apply.

Recommendation

After each payment:

✔ keep the paper receipt;
✔ take a photo or screenshot of the receipt;
✔ store receipts until the patent expires.

Russian authorities have proposed a new measure that would ban migrants from working on a patent if they fail to comply with a court decision. This proposal was introduced as part of amendments to the Federal Law No. 115-FZ "On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation".

What will change

If a migrant does not comply with a court decision fully or within the established timeframe, their work patent may be revoked. This applies to cases where a court decision becomes effective within 6 months before the application for a patent or during its validity period.

Reasons for the changes

The draft law was proposed because there is no direct reference to willful non-compliance with court decisions in the current legislation. The State Duma explained that non-fulfillment of court decisions undermines public order and violates the rights and legal interests of individuals and legal entities.

What the changes include

If a migrant does not fulfill a court decision, they will be prohibited from working on a patent.

A deadline for voluntary compliance will be set.

Additional changes

Additionally, if the conditions for obtaining a patent are not met, the following measures will apply:

The patent will not be issued or will be revoked if a court decision has not been complied with.

The patent will not be extended or reissued if there are circumstances that prevent employment (e.g., involvement in illegal activities or staying outside of Russia for more than 6 months).

The Ministry of Finance of Russia has proposed a substantial increase in the minimum salary for highly qualified foreign specialists. Under the proposed changes, the minimum salary will be differentiated based on the category of migrants.

What changes are proposed

For medical, educational, and scientific workers, the minimum salary is proposed to be 358,500 rubles per month.

For other highly qualified specialists, the salary is proposed to be increased to 717,000 rubles per month.

Why this is important

Currently, the minimum salary for highly qualified foreign specialists is 250,000 rubles per month. The proposed changes are aimed at attracting foreign specialists to key industries in Russia, which, according to the Ministry of Finance, will enhance competitiveness and stimulate innovative development.

Russian authorities are preparing changes to the legislation, according to which not only labor migrants working on a patent but also foreign nationals temporarily or permanently residing in Russia, working for individuals, will be required to pay advance income tax (NDFL).

Who will be required to pay NDFL

The new rules apply to:

Foreign nationals working on a patent;

Foreign nationals temporarily or permanently residing in Russia, employed by individuals for personal needs;

Foreign nationals working for individuals without a work permit or patent, such as foreign students, scientific and pedagogical workers, as well as refugees or those with temporary asylum.

What will change

These categories of foreign citizens will now be required to pay advance taxes not only for themselves but also for their children, if they are residing in Russia.

To confirm temporary residence and legal income, foreigners will be required to provide the necessary documents.

Additional requirements

Furthermore, in order to obtain a temporary stay permit or extend it, foreign nationals will need to provide proof of their financial solvency and legal sources of income.

Russian authorities have developed a new package of amendments that will change the procedure for paying income tax (NDFL) for labor migrants. From now on, foreign workers will be required to pay advance NDFL not only for themselves but also for their children.

What will change

Migrants working in Russia will be obligated to pay taxes on the income of their children if they live in the country with them.

To confirm their temporary residence in Russia and legal income, foreign nationals will have to provide relevant documentation.

Additional requirements

Additionally, according to the new rules, in order to obtain a temporary stay permit or extend their visa, migrants will need to demonstrate financial solvency and proof of legal income sources.

Migrants who lose the right to legally stay in Russia can be added to the Controlled Persons Registry (CPR). This registry is updated every 4 hours.

How to get added to the CPR

Foreign nationals may be added to the registry if:

their temporary stay in Russia expires;

they violate the "90/365 rule" (staying in Russia without a visa for more than 90 days within a calendar year);

they enter the country illegally;

their visa, RVP, PRP, or residence permit is annulled;

they are deported, readmitted, or restricted from entering the country.

Restrictions for those in the CPR

Foreign citizens listed in the registry face the following restrictions:

cannot change residence, leave the region, buy or register property, marry, open a business, or even open a bank account.

they cannot drive a vehicle.

Additionally, migrants cannot extend their stay by leaving and re-entering the country.

Fines for business owners

Providing services and employment to migrants listed in the CPR may lead to fines up to 500,000 rubles. The responsibility is outlined in Article 18.9, Part 3 of the Administrative Code of Russia (CoAP).

As part of implementing the Concept of the State Migration Policy of the Russian Federation for 2026-2030, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has prepared legislative changes that establish the responsibility of general contractors in the construction sector for non-compliance with the rules when hiring foreign workers.

What changes

The proposed laws introduce new obligations for general contractors in construction projects:

compliance with restrictions on certain types of activities;

ensuring foreign workers have a valid work patent or permit;

ensuring the foreign worker is not listed in the registry of controlled persons.

Why these changes are necessary

Every year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs detects around 80,000 violations related to the illegal employment of foreign nationals, especially in the construction sector. Business entities often use fictitious schemes, such as hiring foreigners through contractors, subcontractors, or "shell companies".

Consequences for general contractors

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in administrative responsibility, enhancing control over the use of foreign labor.

Comparison with existing legislation

Currently, similar requirements are in place for retail market operators, and applying a similar approach to the construction industry is now being proposed.

A draft law has been introduced to the State Duma that limits the right of foreign citizens with patents to change employers for 12 months after crossing the Russian border.

What the draft law proposes

If the draft law is adopted, a foreign worker will be able to change employers or work part-time only after one year from the date of entry. If the labor contract is signed for less than a year or is terminated earlier, the migrant will have to leave the country.

⚠ If the contract is terminated without a valid reason, the migrant's patent will not be extended or will be revoked.

Valid reasons for terminating the contract

These include:

liquidation of the legal entity or termination of the individual entrepreneur's activity;

extraordinary circumstances (war, disaster, epidemic, etc.);

non-payment or incomplete payment of wages;

violation of labor protection requirements by the employer.

Goals of the amendments

The proposed mechanism is aimed at transforming the patent from a tool for temporary earnings into a tool for stable, targeted, and controlled employment for foreign nationals.

Expected results

reduced employee turnover in critical industries;

improved workforce planning and increased labor productivity;

enhanced control over migration processes, taxes, and labor relations;

reduction of the shadow economy and growth of legal employment of migrants;

more accurate planning of quotas for foreign workers based on actual demand;

decreased social tensions and risks of the exploitation of migrant labor.

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has prepared a draft government decree introducing mandatory electronic notification of entry into Russia for foreign workers and students from visa-free countries.

The new rule is planned to take effect from July 1.

What will change

Currently, foreign citizens may submit entry notifications:

electronically, or

on paper — by choice.

After the new rules come into force, paper submissions will be cancelled, and notifications will have to be sent only in digital format.

Experiment extended until 2027

The pilot project testing new entry and exit procedures for foreign citizens is proposed to be extended until December 31, 2027.

Originally, it was scheduled to end on June 30, 2026, but authorities decided to prolong it.

Why the experiment continues

Main reasons include:

📌 positive testing results;
📌 the need to improve biometric identification software;
📌 modernization of border checkpoints across Russia.

Why the digital system is being introduced

The project is part of creating a unified digital profile for foreign citizens, which will allow in the future:

submitting documents online;

interacting with migration authorities remotely;

checking entry bans in advance;

planning trips and departure digitally.

A residence permit confirms a foreign citizen’s right to live and work in Russia. However, if personal data changes, the document must be replaced. This was reported by the Migration Service of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

When a residence permit must be replaced

Reissuance is required if:

the holder’s surname, first name, date or place of birth, or citizenship has changed;

the document has become unusable due to damage or wear;

other grounds предусмотренные by Law No. 115-FZ apply;

the holder reaches the age of 14, 20 or 45.

Where to apply

An application may be submitted to:

the local migration department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;

the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “PVS” of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;

the Moscow Migration Center (for residents of Moscow).

Required documents

The application must include:

four photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm);

an identity document;

the current residence permit;

proof of payment of the state fee;

a document confirming the change of personal data (if applicable).

Deadlines

⏱ Within 1 month — when replacing due to age (14, 20, 45), an error, or document damage.
⏱ Within 10 calendar days — when personal data has changed.

Additional information

In most cases, residence permits are issued without an expiration date. They may be obtained after at least one year of residence in Russia based on a temporary residence permit, as well as under simplified procedures, including after graduating from a state educational institution.

A residence permit confirms a foreign citizen’s right to live and work in Russia. However, in certain cases the document must be replaced. This was reported by the Migration Service of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

When a residence permit must be replaced

The document must be reissued if:

the holder’s surname, first name, date or place of birth, or citizenship has changed;

the permit has become unusable due to damage or wear;

other grounds provided by Law No. 115-FZ apply;

the holder reaches the age of 14, 20 or 45.

Where to submit the application

An application can be submitted to:

the local migration department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;

the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “PVS” of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;

the Moscow Migration Center (for residents of Moscow).

Required documents

The application must include:

four photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm);

an identity document;

the residence permit to be replaced;

proof of payment of the state fee;

a document confirming the change of personal data (if applicable).

Deadlines

⏱ Within 1 month — when replacing due to age (14, 20, 45), an error, or document damage.
⏱ Within 10 calendar days — when personal data has changed.

Additional information

In most cases, residence permits are issued without an expiration date. They may be obtained after at least one year of residence in Russia on the basis of a temporary residence permit, as well as under simplified procedures, including after graduating from a state university.

From January 20, new rules for crossing the Russian border for minors will come into force.

Previously, in some cases, children under 14 years old were allowed to travel to certain countries and return to Russia using only a birth certificate. This procedure is now отменён.

What will change

The changes are based on amendments to the law on entry to and exit from the Russian Federation (Federal Law No. 257-FZ dated July 23, 2025).

They apply to trips to the following countries:

Abkhazia

Belarus

Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan

South Ossetia

From January 20, children under 14 will need a foreign (international) passport to travel to these countries and return to Russia.

Important exception

If a child left Russia before January 20 using a birth certificate, they may also return using the same document.

Additional restrictions

From the same date:

❌ Russian consulates in these countries will no longer issue temporary documents for return to Russia to replace a lost or damaged birth certificate;
❌ such a document will also not be issued if the child turns 14 while abroad.

Russia plans to change the procedure for mandatory medical examinations for foreign citizens arriving in the country for work or residence.

A draft law has been submitted to the State Duma proposing to reduce the period for completing the medical examination after entry into Russia from 90 days to 30 days.

What this means in practice

📌 Without completing the medical examination, foreigners will still be unable to obtain:

a work patent;

a work permit;

a temporary residence permit (RVP);

a permanent residence permit (PRP).

📌 Medical services will be paid for by the foreign citizens themselves.

📌 If a foreign citizen stays in Russia for more than 30 days, they may be required to undergo the medical examination annually.

Increased control

Medical institutions will be required to:

send examination results to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia;

notify Rospotrebnadzor if infectious diseases, HIV, or drug use are detected.

New penalties for refusing medical examination

A separate draft law proposes stricter liability for evading the examination:

⚠ fine from 25,000 to 50,000 rubles;
⚠ possible administrative expulsion from Russia;
⚠ if the fine is not paid — double payment and mandatory departure from the country.

Responsibility for clinics

Liability will also be introduced for medical institutions that violate examination procedures (lack of equipment, specialists, incomplete testing, etc.):

individuals — 25,000 to 100,000 rubles;

officials — 100,000 to 200,000 rubles;

organizations — 300,000 to 1,000,000 rubles;

possible suspension of clinic operations from 14 to 90 days.

Foreign citizens who decide to link their lives with Russia based on spiritual and cultural values can benefit from special conditions for obtaining residence status.

1️⃣ RVP without quota and language exam
According to Presidential Decree No. 702, such foreigners receive a temporary residence permit (RVP) without quotas and without confirming knowledge of the Russian language.

2️⃣ Application inside or outside Russia
An application for an RVP can be submitted either in Russia or through Russian diplomatic missions abroad.

3️⃣ Any valid visa is acceptable
Applications may be submitted with any valid visa, without the need to obtain a special category.

4️⃣ Legal stay extension during review
While the application is being processed, the validity of the visa or temporary stay is extended, allowing applicants to prepare for relocation.

5️⃣ Benefits for children entering school
Children of such foreigners take the Russian language test only orally, and may retake it without waiting three months if needed.

The Chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, announced the development of several legislative initiatives aimed at improving Russia’s migration policy.

One of the key proposals is to reduce the mandatory medical examination period for foreign citizens arriving in Russia for more than three months. It is planned to shorten this period from 90 days to 30 days, once the relevant laws are adopted.

Medical institutions will be required to transfer information about issued medical certificates to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. If an infectious disease is detected, the information will be forwarded to Rospotrebnadzor to take prompt measures, including possible deportation.

⚠ Administrative liability is planned for evading medical examinations, including fines and possible expulsion from Russia by court decision.

In addition, criminal liability will be tightened for forging and distributing official documents confirming the absence of dangerous diseases.

According to the Speaker of the State Duma, these measures are aimed at strengthening control over migration processes and improving public safety in Russia.

The Russian government plans to significantly strengthen liability for the use of illegal migrant labor. The corresponding draft law is to be developed by the summer of 2026.

According to plans published on January 2, the deadline for preparing the amendments is June 10, 2026. The document, in the form of a federal draft law, aims to toughen measures for companies and entrepreneurs who violate migration legislation by attracting or using foreign labor without proper permits.

The work on this initiative is entrusted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) and the Federal Security Service (FSB). The main stated goal is to reduce the number of foreign citizens illegally staying in Russia.

These steps are part of a broader migration control reform. As reported last week, in 2026 the authorities plan to launch a biometric identification system for foreigners, and by 2027 — to create a unified information system to monitor their movements. Police officers will also be granted access to airline booking systems and tools for monitoring open-source information will be developed.

From 1 January 2026, several important changes will come into force in Russia that affect foreign nationals’ employment, residence and income confirmation.

📌 Increased financial requirements

In a number of regions, including Moscow, the subsistence minimum has been increased. This affects:
— required deposit and income amounts when applying for a permanent residence permit;
— annual residence confirmation under RVP and PRP;
— calculation of minimum income for certain migrant categories.

📌 Employment restrictions

New limits on the share of foreign workers in certain economic sectors will take effect. Employers must adjust the number of foreign employees to comply with the established percentages. This may affect jobs in construction, catering, trade, transport and services.

📌 Stronger document checks

Control will remain strict regarding:
— registration deadlines;
— timely patent payments;
— compliance between job duties and declared activity;
— availability of employment contracts and notifications to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Violations may lead to fines, patent cancellation or reduction of the permitted stay period.

📌 Patents and payments

In most regions, patent fees are expected to increase. Timely monthly payment remains mandatory for the patent to stay valid.

📌 RVP and permanent residence

Foreign nationals planning long-term residence should take into account updated income and document requirements. Simplified procedures remain in place for certain categories (students, graduates, EAEU citizens).

‼ It is recommended to check documents in advance, clarify regional requirements and avoid delaying renewals or status changes.

Russia continues planned inspections of documents held by foreign nationals staying and working in the country. These checks are carried out in accordance with current migration laws and aim to identify violations of residence and employment rules.

The following documents may be inspected:
📄 migration card;
📄 registration at the place of stay;
📄 work patent or work permit;
📄 employment contract and notification submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
📄 documents confirming legal stay (RVP or residence permit, if applicable).

Special attention is paid to:
— timely payment of the work patent;
— compliance between the place of work and declared type of activity;
— validity of stay periods;
— up-to-date registration.

⚠ If violations are detected, penalties may include fines, cancellation of the patent, reduction of the allowed stay period, or a ban on entry to the Russian Federation.

‼ Please note: responsibility for having valid and correct documents lies with the foreign national. It is recommended to always carry originals or certified copies and to monitor document expiration dates in advance.

The Russian Government has approved new quotas for the share of foreign workers in several economic sectors for the year 2026. These rules are outlined in Resolution No. 1995 dated 5 December 2025, which comes into force on 20 December 2025.

Employers must bring the number of foreign employees into compliance with the new limits by 1 January 2026, following Russian labour legislation.

🔻 Key percentage limits by sector

✔ 40% – vegetable cultivation, forestry and logging, woodworking, wholesale trade of timber and lumber;
✔ 50% – construction and food service;
✔ 24% – passenger road transport and freight trucking;
✔ 70% – real estate management, building and territory maintenance;
✔ 25% – sports activities;
❌ 0% – pharmacies, non-store retail, market trade and certain specialised alcohol and tobacco retail (with Moscow exceptions).

🔻 Regional specifics

Several regions have separate limits. For example:
📌 Moscow – 50% for some sectors; 15% for specialised alcohol and tobacco retail;
📌 Dagestan – construction no higher than 30%;
📌 Udmurtia – several sectors limited to 0%.

🔻 Important for foreign workers

If a company exceeds the allowed percentage of foreign staff, the employer may terminate labour contracts with foreign employees to meet the requirements (as allowed under Article 327.6 of the Labour Code).

Penalties for violations include fines for organisations from RUB 800,000 to 1,000,000, or suspension of activities for up to 90 days.

🔻 Who is not affected?

The limits do not apply to:
— holders of RVP or permanent residence permits,
— citizens of EAEU countries,
— highly qualified specialists (HQS) and their family members.

Foreign citizens working in Russia under a work patent must keep in mind several important rules that affect the validity of their patent and their legal stay in the country.

📌 Please remember that a patent is valid only if advance personal income tax (PIT) payments are made on time. A delay of more than one day may result in the patent being cancelled.

📌 In most Russian regions, the cost of the work patent for 2026 will be indexed. New regional coefficients will be set by local authorities, and in some regions an increase is expected.

📌 A foreign worker holding a valid patent may change employers legally without reissuing the patent, as long as the Ministry of Internal Affairs is notified about the new employment contract.

📌 If a foreign citizen working under a patent obtains an RVP or residence permit, the need to extend the patent disappears — work can continue on the basis of the new status.

📌 It is important to remember: a patent does not automatically extend the period of legal stay. If the legal stay period expires, a travel ban may be imposed.

‼ A foreign national should carefully track payment dates, migration registration deadlines, changes in patent costs and regional requirements.

A temporary residence permit for the purpose of education (RVP for education) has been in effect in Russia for a relatively short time, but it has already become an in-demand option for foreign students.

📌 The possibility to apply for this permit has been available since 1 January 2023.

📊 During this period, 33.6 thousand such permits have been issued. In addition, over nearly two years, about 9 thousand applications for permanent residence permits have been submitted on the basis of this status.

🏠 The permit allows a foreign student to legally reside in Russia for the entire duration of their studies, as well as for 180 days after graduation.

📄 A student holding this permit may apply for a permanent residence permit under a simplified procedure within 3 years after completing their studies.

🩺 An important advantage: foreign students with this permit are not required to undergo annual medical examinations.

‼ Please note: this permit may be obtained only by foreign students enrolled in full-time programs at state universities.

According to the Resolution of the Moscow Government dated 11 November 2025 No. 2665-PP, the city has set updated subsistence minimum amounts for the coming year:

⭐ 28,940 RUB — for working-age adults;
⭐ 18,971 RUB — for pensioners;
⭐ 21,903 RUB — for children.

These indicators affect the amounts required when preparing documents for residence-related applications.

Starting 1 January 2026, the required bank deposit for submitting an application for a residence permit (VNZh) with a 4-month processing period must be at least 115.8 thousand rubles per adult applicant.

⚠ When submitting annual notifications confirming residence under RVP or VNZh, applicants must also take into account the updated income requirements based on the new subsistence minimum levels.

If a decision has been issued against you — a fine and an order for administrative expulsion, you have 10 days to appeal it in court.
(It is recommended to appeal through the court, not through the Ministry of Internal Affairs.)

According to Part 6, Article 32.10 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, a foreign citizen or a stateless person who has been assigned administrative expulsion in the form of a controlled independent departure from Russia is required to:

➡️ Leave the territory of the Russian Federation within five days from the date the court decision enters into legal force.

Failure to comply with this requirement may lead to:

— a long-term ban on entering Russia,
— forced (escorted) deportation,
— additional administrative penalties.

If a ruling has been issued against you, act quickly and seek legal assistance.

President Vladimir Putin has signed Decree No. 883 introducing a new special status for foreigners — “representing interest for the Russian Federation.” This status provides a simplified procedure for obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) and Permanent Residence Permit (PRP).

📅 When can you apply?

Starting April 15, 2026, foreign citizens may submit a petition for receiving this status.

Who can qualify?

Foreigners who:

• have achievements in science, technology, production, sports, creative industries, education, or culture;
• have contributed to Russia’s economy, social development, or national security;
• possess highly demanded professions, skills, or qualifications.

Petitions will be submitted through a special non-profit organization designated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

What benefits does the status provide?

After receiving the status, a foreigner and their family members may apply for:

🔹 TRP (Temporary Residence Permit)
🔹 PRP (Permanent Residence Permit)

And they will:

✔ NOT need a Russian language proficiency certificate;
✔ NOT be subject to quota limits;
✔ be able to obtain a PRP without first obtaining a TRP;
✔ be allowed to work without a patent while their documents are being processed.

Family members include: spouse, children, parents, and children of the spouse.

Deadlines

• You must apply for TRP or PRP within 1 year after receiving the status.
• Processing time is 30 days.

Additional information

The Ministry of Internal Affairs will prepare the necessary regulatory acts by April 15, 2026.
The decree has already come into force.

Dear foreign citizens!

For the correct operation of the Amina application, you must grant all required permissions:

✅ Allow notifications
✅ Allow access to geolocation (we recommend enabling access not only “while using the app” but also in background mode)
✅ Allow access to the camera

Most errors in the app occur because users do not provide all permissions.

📌 Who must use the app?

Starting September 1, 2025, foreign citizens from visa-free countries who come to Moscow or the Moscow Region for work are required to install the Amina mobile application.

❗ Exception:
Foreign citizens who already have RVP (temporary residence permit) or VNZH (residence permit) are not required to use the app.

📅 Important for those with a valid paper registration

If you currently have a regular paper registration, then after it expires:

🔸 you have 30 working days
🔸 to register through the Amina mobile application.

Missing this deadline may lead to problems with migration status.

If you plan to stay in Russia long-term or later apply for a residence permit, it’s important to follow the rules for TRP – Temporary Residence Permit.

Key points:

🎯 TRP is valid for 3 years and cannot be extended. After that, you must apply for a residence permit or leave Russia.

🏠 You must register your place of residence within 7 days after receiving TRP.

📆 Once a year you must confirm your stay in Russia by notifying the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
📍 Missing this may lead to cancellation of TRP.

🚫 TRP may be revoked if you stay outside Russia for more than 6 months, violate migration rules, or work illegally.

📝 Usually TRP is issued under a quota, but in some cases it can be obtained without a quota (e.g., through marriage with a Russian citizen or if you have a child who is a Russian citizen).

Migration authorities remind that late payment of the work patent is considered a violation of migration rules.

📌 Key points:

The patent must be paid monthly, before the due date from the previous payment.

Even a delay of 1 day may lead to cancellation of the patent.

After cancellation, the foreign citizen must leave Russia, otherwise they may be banned from re-entry.

💡 Recommendation:

Pay 3–5 days in advance,

Keep the payment receipt,

If working in another region, check where payment must be made.

The State Duma has approved a new law that changes the requirements for obtaining compulsory medical insurance (OMI) for foreign citizens. Now, migrants will need to work legally in Russia for at least five years to be eligible for free medical care.

📌 What has changed:

Previously, foreign workers could receive an OMI policy if insurance contributions were paid for them for three years.

Now, this period is extended to five full years of legal employment.

Emergency medical care remains available regardless of work duration.

📅 The changes are introduced to the Federal Law No. 326-FZ and will apply after official publication.

📌 Additional updates to the OMI system:

From 1 January 2027, the federal OMI fund will directly determine funding amounts for regional OMI branches.

In the DPR, LPR, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, medical assistance may be financed directly from the federal budget — the Government will approve which medical institutions are eligible.

OMI staff members will be able to receive a one-time housing subsidy (only once during their career).

Contracts with medical institutions may include additional performance evaluation indicators, set by a special commission.

👉 Migrants are advised to verify their legal employment history in advance to avoid losing access to medical insurance.

Starting from March 1, 2026, employers in Russia will have the right to dismiss foreign employees if the number of such workers exceeds the limits established by regional regulations.

This rule is introduced by Federal Law No. 419-FZ of November 17, 2025, amending Article 327.6 of the Labour Code of the Russian Federation.

📌 What this means for foreign workers:

If a region sets restrictions on the maximum number of foreign employees in certain sectors, employers must adjust their staff accordingly.

If the limit is exceeded, an employer may legally terminate the employment contract of a foreign worker on this basis.

This applies only to foreign nationals and stateless persons and does not apply to citizens of the Russian Federation.

📅 Effective from:
➡️ 1 March 2026

👉 Foreign employees are advised to ensure that their employment complies with regional regulations and that their employer observes the quotas.

Starting July 1, 2026, Russia will introduce new rules for submitting information about the registration of foreign citizens at their place of residence.
The Federal Tax Service (FTS) has approved a new form, instructions for filling it out, and an updated electronic format.

📌 What is changing:
— Territorial divisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will continue to send data on the registration of foreign citizens and stateless persons, but now using the new form.
— This form replaces the old RFL-2, which will no longer be used.
— The update aligns the reporting format with Article 85 of the Tax Code, which defines what information must be transmitted to the tax authorities.

📌 Who is affected:
All foreign citizens living in Russia on the basis of registration at their place of residence. These data are used to automatically place individuals on tax records.

📅 Effective date:
The new form comes into force on July 1, 2026 (Order of the Federal Tax Service No. ЕД-7-14/853@).

Starting from January 1, 2026, the monthly cost of a work patent in Moscow will rise from 8,900 RUB to 10,000 RUB.
The increase is due to a higher regional coefficient used to calculate income tax for foreign workers.

📌 What changes:
The new coefficient will be 2.9323 (previously 2.8592), which raises the monthly patent payment by about 1,100 RUB.

📌 Who needs a work patent:
Citizens of:

Azerbaijan

Moldova

Tajikistan

Uzbekistan

Georgia

📌 Deadlines:
A foreign citizen must apply for a patent within 30 days after entering Russia.
Failure to meet the deadline results in a fine of 10,000–15,000 RUB.
If the patent expires or is not paid on time, the person must leave Russia.

📌 Required documents:

application form;

passport;

migration card (purpose of entry: work);

certificate of Russian language, history, and law knowledge;

medical certificates confirming the absence of dangerous diseases and HIV;

voluntary medical insurance (VMI) policy.

The patent is issued at the Migration Center.

A new digital system for testing foreign citizens in Russian language, history, and law has been launched in Russia.

📍 The system was developed by Tomsk State University (TSU) and has already been used by more than 110,000 foreign citizens.

🧠 Starting from 2026, all 92 testing centers in Russia will be required to conduct exams exclusively in electronic format.
The new system ensures:

transparency and fairness,

automatic grading of test parts,

video monitoring during exams,

instant issuance of certificates.

💻 The new platform — Flow-migrant and Odin — integrates the entire process: from registration and scheduling to certification. Candidates register online, choose the exam date, and the system records their camera and screen, preventing any violations.

📊 Over 35 state testing centers are already connected to the system, and the rest are preparing to join.
Next step — artificial intelligence will automatically evaluate the oral part of the exam.

If you live or work in Moscow or the Moscow Region as part of the digital migration registration experiment, make sure you comply with all requirements to avoid being included in the list of controlled persons.

📌 What you need to do:

Make sure you have downloaded and registered in the “Amina” app and confirmed your location if required.

If you change your address, notify the migration service via the app or in person within the set timeframe.

Check that your migration registration and work permit (or patent) are valid and that you are not violating the rules of residence.

❗ Failure to follow the experiment’s rules may lead to serious consequences: inclusion in the Controlled Persons Register, restrictions on rights, or even deportation.

📊 Next year, Russia plans to attract 16% more foreign specialists compared to 2025.
The Ministry of Labor of Russia has prepared a draft decree setting quotas for foreign workers arriving in the country with visas.

📈 According to the document, in 2026 Russia will issue 278,940 work permits and invitations — more than in 2025 (234,958) and 2024 (155,929).

🔹 In-demand professions:
— specialists and technicians in science and technology;
— agricultural and personal service workers;
— construction, engineering, textile, and food industry workers.

The largest quotas are planned for:
🏗 construction workers — 55,000 people;
⚙️ mechanics and engineers — 45,000 people;
🥫 workers in food and textile production — over 70,000 people.

📌 The goal is to fill labor shortages and support key sectors like industry, construction, and agriculture with qualified personnel from abroad.

If you started working in Russia, it’s important to remember — your employer must notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) about your employment within 3 working days.

📌 This confirms your legal employment and helps you avoid problems with migration registration.

💬 What you should know:
✅ The employer sends the notification, but you can ask to make sure it was done.
✅ If the notification isn’t sent, you might face fines or problems extending your work patent.
✅ If you quit your job or change employers, a new notification must be submitted.

🟢 Always make sure your documents are correct — this protects your legal status in Russia.

The State Duma has proposed tougher penalties for foreign citizens caught driving under the influence.
The draft law introduces a new ground for refusing or revoking temporary residence permits (RVP) in Russia.

📌 What will change:
Currently, foreigners can lose their RVP for:

repeated administrative violations related to public order or migration rules;

offenses involving illegal drug circulation.

Now, the list will include driving a vehicle while intoxicated — alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
Violations will be considered both inside Russia and abroad.

👁 Taxi drivers will also be affected.
According to Sergey Mironov, leader of the “SRZP” party, taxi work attracts many migrants, and this category most often gets caught driving drunk. The measure aims to reduce road accidents and improve traffic safety.

💬 Purpose of the amendment:
✅ Improve road safety and reduce traffic violations;
✅ Encourage migrants to behave responsibly and follow the law;
✅ Protect public order and prevent potential threats.

In 2025, several major updates were introduced to Russia’s migration legislation. Here are the most important ones:

1️⃣ Since January 25 — to obtain a residence permit (RVP) through marriage, the marriage must last at least 3 years.
2️⃣ Since February 5 — registration of temporarily staying foreigners is limited to one year.
3️⃣ Since February 5 — a new register of “controlled persons” has been introduced. Those included cannot change residence, drive a car, marry, open a business, use banking services, take loans, or get a patent or work permit without notifying the MVD.
4️⃣ Since June 30 — all foreigners entering Russia must submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo). The digital migrant profile system began testing.
5️⃣ Fines increased:

up to ₽50,000 for individuals,

up to ₽250,000 for officials,

up to ₽2,000,000 for companies.
Fake registration now carries fines up to ₽500,000, correctional labor, or imprisonment up to 5 years.
6️⃣ Since January 1 — visa-free foreigners may stay in Russia no more than 90 days per year.
7️⃣ Since September 1 — Moscow and Moscow Region are running a pilot project for digital migration registration via the app “Amina.”

💬 These changes aim to strengthen migration control and improve transparency in the system.

There are two different procedures that are often confused:

Migration registration (notification of arrival), and

Extension of stay period — adding a stamp on the back of the migration card.

⚠️ Without extending the stay period (without the stamp), it is impossible to renew migration registration.

📅 To extend your stay, you must apply to the MVD migration department (OVM) within 90 days after entering Russia.

✅ Grounds for extension:
1️⃣ Studying full-time or part-time;
2️⃣ Employment (for citizens of EAEU countries);
3️⃣ Having a close relative who is a Russian citizen or a permanent resident (with registration);
4️⃣ Participation in the State Program for the Resettlement of Compatriots (having the “green book”);
5️⃣ Child of a parent holding a valid work patent.

💡 Timely extension of your stay helps avoid fines and possible entry bans in the future.

Foreign citizens can now apply for a work patent regardless of the purpose of entry indicated on their migration card.

📄 If your migration card shows a purpose other than “work,” you just need to submit a written statement when applying — there’s no need to leave Russia to get a new migration card.

✅ Important:
To obtain a patent for work in the Moscow Region, you must, within 30 calendar days from the date of entry into Russia, visit the Multifunctional Migration Center of Moscow with your migration card marked “work.”

💡 This change simplifies the process — no additional trips or new cards are required.

President Vladimir Putin has approved the new State Migration Policy Concept for 2026–2030.
Its main goal is to create conditions for the return of residents of Donbass and Novorossiya who left their homes during the special military operation.

📌 Key points of the concept:
👁 The Russian government will assist foreigners who share traditional values and wish to move to Russia.
👁 The stay of unemployed and non-studying family members of migrants will be limited. The number of children of foreigners not attending Russian schools should be reduced.
👁 Biometric control systems will be further implemented to strengthen migration oversight.
👁 Employers will be responsible for the legal support of migrant workers, including documentation and monitoring of their legal status.

🗓 The concept defines Russia’s migration policy priorities for the next five years and will serve as a foundation for updating migration laws.

Russian law allows foreign citizens to open an LLC (OOO) or register as an individual entrepreneur (IE) even without a residence permit — a valid foreign passport is enough. The main thing is to properly prepare the documents and choose the right legal form.

📄 Basic package for company registration:
• Passport with notarized translation into Russian;
• Company name and activity types (OKVED);
• Legal address;
• Authorized capital — from 10,000 ₽;
• Information about the director and founders;
• Electronic signature (ECP) to submit documents to the tax office.

⚙️ After registration, you must obtain INN, SNILS, and a bank account.
Without these, the company cannot legally operate.

💡 In practice, foreigners should consider the nuances of document translation, apostille, taxation, and director registration. Mistakes in these steps can cost time, money, and lead to a tax rejection.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia has published a draft decree that introduces a new document requirement for obtaining Russian citizenship — a certificate of no criminal record from the applicant’s country of origin.

The certificate must specify:
→ whether the applicant has a criminal record and for what crimes;
→ the form of guilt (intent or negligence);
→ confirmation that the applicant is not under criminal investigation.

⚠️ The document must be issued no earlier than 3 months before the application is submitted.

In other words, the list of documents now includes one more confirmation of a “clean record” — but this time from foreign authorities, not Russian ones.

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has published Order No. 659 dated September 5, 2025, introducing significant updates to the rules governing the stay of foreign citizens and stateless persons in Russia.

📌 Key changes:

The Main Directorate for Migration (GUVM) is abolished.
A new structure is being created — the Service for Citizenship and Registration of Foreign Citizens (Migration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs).

The Ministry and its regional migration departments will now be supported by the Passport and Visa Service and the Moscow Migration Center.

The regulations have been updated regarding:
→ suspension of work patent issuance in regions;
→ repatriation of foreign seafarers;
→ submission of medical examination documents.

📅 The new rules take effect on October 11, 2025.

Starting January 1, 2026, the Russian Government will reduce the number of temporary residence permits (RVP) issued to foreign citizens.

📉 The new quota for next year is 3,803 permits, compared to:

5,500 in 2025,

10,600 in 2024.

📊 Regional distribution:

Central Federal District — 1,250 permits,
including Moscow — 500, Moscow Region — 250;

Saint Petersburg and Tatarstan — 100 each.

📘 What is an RVP?
A Temporary Residence Permit (RVP) allows a foreign citizen to live and work in Russia without a visa.
The RVP is valid for 3 years, after which you must either extend it or apply for permanent residence (VNZ).

📌 Who can obtain RVP without a quota:

minors applying together with their parents;

foreigners married to a Russian citizen for at least 3 years, or having a common child;

those serving in the Russian Armed Forces;

participants of the State Program for the Resettlement of Compatriots.

The State Duma has proposed to exempt certain children of foreign citizens from the mandatory Russian language test.
The bill was introduced by Konstantin Zatulin, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs (United Russia faction).

📌 Who may be exempt:

children of citizens of countries where Russian is an official language;

children of participants in the State Program for Compatriots’ Resettlement to Russia;

children of employees of embassies, consulates, and international organizations accredited by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

📅 The Russian language test for migrant children was introduced on April 1, 2025.
The results are taken into account when enrolling a child in school.

Starting September 1, 2025, new state fees for migration-related services have officially come into force in Russia.

📌 Fee amounts:

registration at place of stay — 500 ₽;

extension of temporary stay — 1000 ₽;

issuance or reissuance of work patent — 4200 ₽;

duplicate patent or corrections — 2100 ₽;

duplicate work permit (RNR) or corrections — 2100 ₽;

extension of work permit (RNR) — 4200 ₽;

duplicate permit to employ foreign workers (RNP) or corrections — 2100 ₽;

registration at place of residence — 1000 ₽.

💡 You can pay the fee online — via Gosuslugi, a bank, or a payment terminal before submitting your documents.
Keep your receipt to confirm payment when applying to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has approved a new procedure for information exchange with regional education authorities concerning foreign minors residing in Russia.
Now, data about foreign children who are not enrolled in schools will be transmitted through a unified electronic system between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and local education departments.
📌 What this means:

• Parents or legal guardians must ensure that their children attend school in Russia.
• If a child is not enrolled in school, it is considered an administrative offense, regardless of the parents’ citizenship.

🔔 From January 1, 2025:
Foreign citizens who are parents (or legal guardians) of children under 18 must ensure:
1️⃣ the legality of the child’s stay in Russia;
2️⃣ the opportunity for the child to receive basic general education.
❗ If these obligations are violated, the Ministry of Internal Affairs may decide that such foreigners are undesirable to remain in Russia.

Russia is home, hope, and family.
That’s what foreigners say when explaining why they have chosen to make Russia their home.

📌 Stories of moving:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Priest from the USA
He moved to Russia with his wife and four daughters. His great-grandfather once lived here, and the family had long dreamed of returning to their ancestral homeland. They wanted to live in a country that values traditional family values — and found it in Russia.

Chef-farmer from the USA
He traveled the world but found no better place to live than Russia. Here, he built a farm and started making cheese. His son is serving in the Russian army and plans to continue his father’s work.

✨ These stories show that more and more foreigners see Russia not only as a place to live but as a country where they want to build their future and raise their children.

Important changes have come into force in Russia affecting two areas at once:
— 💳 bank transfers,
— 🌍 migration registration of foreigners.

📌 What you need to know:

🔹 Stricter bank monitoring
1️⃣ Banks now analyze payment descriptions.
2️⃣ They track the frequency of transfers between individuals.
3️⃣ They monitor suspicious operations that may look like cash-out schemes.

💡 Even simple comments like “payment for services” or “salary” can lead to additional questions from the bank’s security department.

🔹 Digital migration registration
📱 In Moscow and the Moscow region, a pilot project has started for digital registration of foreign citizens.
Visa-free foreigners are required to use a special app to record their place of stay and notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs remotely.

❗ These measures aim to make financial flows more transparent and strengthen control over the legal stay of foreigners.

Today, several major announcements were made that could significantly change the migration landscape in the country.

📌 Key points:

1️⃣ President demands real enforcement
Vladimir Putin emphasized that many migration measures have already been approved but are not being fully implemented. The focus is now on ensuring these measures work in practice.

2️⃣ Possible cancellation of the patent system
The President suggested that the patent system for migrant workers could be completely abolished. This would mark a turning point and change the entire procedure for legalizing foreign labor.

3️⃣ Veterans against illegal migration
The President supported the idea of involving veterans of the Special Military Operation in identifying illegal migrants, signaling a tougher stance on violations.

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs reminds foreign citizens who entered Russia without a visa that they must monitor their migration registration terms.

📌 Important to remember:

The maximum stay period is 90 days per calendar year.

You can extend your stay only if you have legal grounds: a work patent, temporary or permanent residence permit, studies, or family reasons.

The extension request must be submitted before the current registration expires, otherwise you will be considered in violation and may face legal consequences.

❗ If the deadline is missed:

you may receive a fine and a ban on re-entry for 3–5 years;

repeated violations can result in a longer ban.

📝 It is recommended to check the expiry date of your registration in advance and apply to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for an extension to avoid problems with the law.

President of Russia signed Decree No. 634 on September 8, 2025, introducing important changes to the State Program for Voluntary Resettlement of Compatriots.

📌 Key changes:
1️⃣ Expanded eligibility — now the program includes compatriots who were born and previously lived in the LPR, DPR, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions.

2️⃣ More ways to confirm Russian language proficiency — it can now be confirmed with an education certificate obtained after September 1, 1991, outside Russia in a Russian university branch or a joint university, provided the education was in Russian.

3️⃣ Simplified rules for former citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and Ukraine — they no longer need to confirm Russian language proficiency to join the program.

4️⃣ Regional support — participants and their families can receive housing, employment assistance, vocational education, and other social benefits through regional resettlement programs.

📊 New data exchange process
Information about resettlers will be recorded in the migration accounting system and transferred to the “Compatriots” system. If a participant leaves the region or loses status earlier than 3 years after registration, they must reimburse the region for housing, social, and financial support provided.

These amendments came into force on September 8, 2025.

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The fastest and most convenient way for an employer to notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs about hiring a foreign citizen is to use the Gosuslugi portal.

📊 Since the beginning of 2025, more than 1 million notifications about the conclusion of employment or civil contracts and more than 700,000 notifications about contract termination have been submitted through Gosuslugi.

❗ Employer’s obligations:
➡️ Conclude an employment or civil contract with the foreign citizen (orally or in writing);
➡️ Notify the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs within 3 working days about the conclusion or termination of the contract.

📩 Other ways to submit a notification:

in person to the local office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;

through authorized organizations (Moscow MMC, FSUE PVS of the Ministry of Internal Affairs);

by postal mail.

📌 However, electronic services remain the simplest and most convenient option for most employers.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia has amended the notification form for concluding an employment or civil contract with a foreign citizen. Now, in section 3.4 of the form, it is necessary to indicate all addresses of work locations if a foreigner is employed in two regions of Russia (Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 552 of August 6, 2025).

📌 Why it matters
The changes are related to the amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens, which come into force on September 1, 2025.
The new article 13.3-1 allows agreements between Moscow, Moscow region, St. Petersburg, and Leningrad region, under which foreigners with a patent issued in one of these regions may legally work in another participating region.

📌 What employers should know

If a foreigner works in two regions, the employer must submit a notification to the Ministry of Internal Affairs in each region.

If an employee, already reported once, begins work in another region, the employer must notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs of that region within three working days from the start of employment (Art. 13, para. 8 of the Law).

❗ Employers are now required to carefully monitor deadlines and submit notifications when foreigners work across multiple regions.

Today is the last day for foreign citizens to settle their legal status in Russia.

Starting from September 11, 2025, strict measures will apply: foreigners with violations of migration rules will be considered illegally residing in the country and subject to deportation ❌

📌 What violators will face:
➖ Long-term entry ban to Russia
➖ Inability to enroll a child in kindergarten or school 🚸
➖ Ban on registering marriage, divorce, or receiving state services
➖ Loss of the right to drive a car 🚗
➖ Forced deportation from Russia

❗ These rules apply to all foreigners, including citizens of Ukraine.

👉 Do not wait for sanctions to be applied to you — check your documents and legalize your status.

Для оформления ВНЖ через ребёнка, рожденного вне брака, необходимо пройти несколько шагов.

📝 Пошаговый порядок:

✅ Установить отцовство через ЗАГС
— Пока это не сделано, ребёнок юридически не считается вашим родственником.

✅ Доказать в судебном порядке совместное проживание
— Необходимо подтвердить, что вы проживаете с ребёнком и/или его родителем — гражданином РФ не менее 3 лет.
— Важно показать активное участие в жизни и воспитании ребёнка.

❗ Ключевой момент:
— Если вы фактически не живёте с ребёнком, подать заявление на ВНЖ невозможно.

✅ Что делать после
— Получив решение суда об установлении отцовства или совместного проживания, вы сможете обратиться в МВД с заявлением о выдаче вида на жительство.

📝 Step-by-step procedure:

✅ Establish paternity through the Civil Registry Office (ZAGS)
— Until this is done, the child is not legally considered your relative.

✅ Prove in court joint residence
— You must confirm that you have lived together with the child and/or their Russian citizen parent for at least 3 years.
— It is important to demonstrate active involvement in the child’s life and upbringing.

❗ Key point:
— If you do not actually live with the child, it is impossible to apply for a residence permit.

✅ Next step
— Once you have a court decision on establishing paternity or joint residence, you can apply to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for a residence permit.

Starting September 1, 2025, a unified work patent will apply for foreign citizens in Moscow and the Moscow region.

📌 The initiative, based on Federal Law No. 121-FZ and an interregional agreement, simplifies the procedure for obtaining a patent for migrants and helps employers legalize foreign labor.

🔈 A foreign citizen can now legally work throughout the metropolitan region — both in Moscow and the Moscow region — with a document issued by either subject.
🔈 The agreement is valid from September 1, 2025 to December 31, 2029.
🔈 The new rules also apply to patents issued before the agreement entered into force.

↪️ Employers must notify the migration authorities within 3 working days when hiring a foreign worker. This requirement also applies when changing the place of work between Moscow and the region.

❗️ The patent tax must be paid at the place of actual employment.

Every foreign student entering Russia must be registered at their place of stay.

📌 How it works:
1️⃣ If a student lives in a university dormitory or in a facility owned by the university, the educational organization acts as the host party.
2️⃣ If a student rents an apartment or house, they must be registered at that address. In this case, the property owner is the host party and is responsible for submitting the necessary documents.

❗️ Failure to comply with the registration rules may result in administrative liability for the foreign student.

📊 Since the beginning of 2025, more than 118,000 study visas have been issued to foreign citizens — 20% more compared to last year.

👉 If the host party refuses to submit the required notification, the foreign student has the right to report this to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and even choose a new place of residence.

From September 1, 2025, to September 1, 2029, an experiment will be carried out in Moscow and the Moscow region to register migrants through a special mobile application called “Amina”, which can be downloaded only from RuStore. The program will collect data on the geolocation of foreign citizens.

📌 Who will be affected by the experiment:

labor migrants who entered Russia without a visa and work with or without a patent;

foreigners who changed the purpose of their visit (for example, arrived not for work but later took a job);

migrants staying in Moscow and the region for more than 90 days without an initial work purpose.

❗️ Exceptions: registration will not apply to diplomats, consular staff and their family members, citizens of Belarus, as well as holders of diplomatic and service passports.

📌 The purpose of the experiment is to simplify the registration process for foreign citizens and strengthen control over compliance with migration laws.

All foreign citizens who violate migration laws must settle their legal status in Russia by September 10, 2025.

📌 This applies to those who:
❌ have no valid documents for residence or citizenship;
❌ have no registration at their place of stay or residence;
❌ missed mandatory procedures (medical check-up, fingerprinting, photographing);
❌ committed other migration law violations.

‼️ Foreigners who fail to extend their stay and legalize their status must leave Russia by September 11, 2025.
After this date, they will be considered illegally residing in Russia and subject to deportation.

Starting from January 1, 2026, exams for migrants in the Russian language, Russian history, and the fundamentals of Russian law will be held in computer-based form.

The Federal Testing Center has developed a new software complex called “EkzaM”, which will automate the process:

participant registration and video identification;

instructions and task monitoring online;

automatic calculation of results — in just 10 seconds;

same-day issuance of certificates;

real-time monitoring of exam sessions;

data transfer via API and integration with the FIS FRDO system.

📌 “EkzaM” reduces the workload for teachers and ensures personal data protection. The software is included in the Russian software registry and meets FSTEC and FSB requirements.

It is also noted that new initiatives are being prepared: restrictions may be introduced for migrants with criminal records to work in delivery services, and requirements for having a medical book will be tightened.

With the new academic year approaching, it’s important to remember: temporary registration is mandatory for anyone living outside their permanent residence for more than 90 days.

📌 What this means for students:

Non-resident students usually get temporary registration in the dormitory of their college or university.

If a student does not live in a dormitory, they must still register at their actual place of residence — whether it is a rented apartment or a relative’s home.

Thus, when enrolling in an educational institution in another city, students are required to obtain new temporary registration to remain legally compliant in Russia.

📅 On July 25, 2025, the President of Russia signed Decree No. 520 “On the specifics of the legal status of citizens of the Republic of Moldova in the Russian Federation.”

🔹 Moldovan citizens currently residing in Moldova and having entry restrictions to Russia will be allowed to enter the country between October 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026.

🔹 They will also be able to work in Russia without a patent from 01.10.2025 to 01.10.2026, provided they undergo mandatory fingerprint registration.

📌 This gives Moldovan citizens additional time to settle their legal status in Russia.

The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has extended the deadline for foreigners and stateless persons whose migration rights were lost, giving them time to legalize their stay or leave the country. This must be done by September 10, 2025.

After this date, there will be no legal ways to remain in Russia.

📌 What you need to know right now:

If you are in Russia legally or illegally, do not delay — just over a month remains.

Prepare your documents in advance: TRP, PRP, patent, citizenship application, or another legalization option.

Re-entry into Russia after the deadline in 2025 will be impossible, even as a tourist.

Since January 2025, the maximum stay for foreign citizens entering Russia without a visa is no more than 90 days per calendar year, unless the period is officially extended. After this term, re-entry is possible only in the next calendar year.

📌 The stay may be extended if:

an application for TRP or PRP is submitted;

the person works under a patent;

the person studies full-time or part-time at an educational or research institution;

the person is an EAEU worker (this also applies to their family members);

the person has close relatives who are Russian citizens or permanent residents;

the person participates (or is a family member of a participant) in the State Resettlement Program for compatriots.

🔻 The application for extension must be submitted in advance, during the legal stay in Russia, to the local migration office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with supporting documents (e.g. employment contract, admission certificate, patent application, program participant certificate, etc.).

🕑 If the application is not filed on time, the foreigner must leave Russia after the expiration of the permitted stay. Otherwise, they will be considered as illegally staying and may be held accountable.

🛑 Foreigners staying illegally have only 3 weeks left to settle their status or leave Russia. After September 10, 2025, Presidential Decrees No. 1126 and No. 159 will expire, which allowed foreigners, including Ukrainian citizens, to temporarily legalize their stay.

📌 After this date, it will no longer be possible to regulate the legal status.

The Federal Tax Service of Russia (Letter dated August 5, 2025 No. BS-4-11/7282@) clarified the procedure for calculating and paying personal income tax (PIT) by foreign citizens working in Russia on the basis of a patent.

📌 How the tax is calculated

PIT on the income of foreign workers is calculated by tax agents (employers).

The total PIT amount is reduced by the fixed advance payments made by the foreigner during the validity period of the patent.

The reduction is allowed only if the employer has received confirmation from the tax authority.

📌 Grounds for refusal
The tax authority may refuse to issue such confirmation if:

there is no information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs about an employment or civil contract,

no information is available about the patent,

no data on the employer exists in the tax authorities’ information systems.

👉 In such cases, refusal is considered lawful, even if the foreign company is registered as a PIT tax agent.

A new law has come into force, significantly changing the procedure for confirming Russian language proficiency for foreign citizens working in Russia.

🔼 Who is exempt from providing a certificate

highly qualified specialists;

journalists working in media outlets publishing in foreign languages;

foreigners employed under work permits issued within the annual quota approved by the Government of the Russian Federation.

🔼 Who must provide a certificate within 90 days

qualified specialists listed by the Ministry of Labor;

employees sent to branches, representative offices, and subsidiaries of the World Trade Organization;

those working for residents of the Free Port of Vladivostok and advanced development territories;

specialists involved in the Skolkovo project;

employees in the international medical cluster and innovative science and technology centers.

❗️ If the certificate is not provided within 90 calendar days from the date of the work permit, the permit will be canceled, and working in Russia will become impossible.

🛜 For foreigners working under a patent, the procedure remains unchanged: the certificate must be submitted when applying to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for a patent.

Foreign citizens are reminded to regulate their legal status in Russia without leaving the country.

❗️The validity of the Presidential Decree that allows this in a simplified procedure has been extended until September 10, 2025.

📌 Foreign nationals now have one month left to take advantage of this opportunity and bring their stay in line with Russian legislation.

The President of Russia has signed Federal Laws No. 270-FZ and No. 271-FZ, setting the amounts of state duties for certain public services.

Starting September 1, 2025, the following rates will apply:

registration at the place of stay — 500 RUB;

extension of temporary stay — 1,000 RUB;

issuance or reissuance of a patent — 4,200 RUB;

issuance of a duplicate patent or making changes to it — 2,100 RUB;

issuance of a duplicate RNR or making changes — 2,100 RUB;

extension of an RNR — 4,200 RUB;

issuance of a duplicate RNP or making changes — 2,100 RUB;

registration of a foreign citizen at the place of residence — 1,000 RUB.

📌 The new state duty rates will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Foreign citizens from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Georgia, and other countries may apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) or Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) if they meet the criteria specified in Articles 6 and 8 of the Federal Law “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation.”

✅ If there are no direct grounds for applying for a TRP or PRP, a foreign citizen can apply for a quota for TRP issuance.

📌 Any foreigner legally staying in Russia can apply for the quota.

The Russian Government has set the rules for conducting exams in the Russian language, Russian history, and the fundamentals of Russian law for foreigners applying for citizenship.

📚 Exam format

The Russian language exam is held in oral and written forms.

Exams in history and fundamentals of law are in written test form, including the use of computer and remote technologies.

Each exam lasts no more than 90 minutes.

The process must be recorded with video and audio equipment.

🚫 Prohibitions during the exam
Candidates are prohibited from using assistance from third parties, communication devices, photo, audio or video equipment, reference materials, notes, or any other storage and transmission devices — except those required for the exam. Violating these rules results in failing the exam and annulment of the results.

📝 Test materials
Exams are based on standardized test materials approved by Rosobrnadzor. New variants must be prepared at least once a month, and previously used versions for unsuccessful candidates cannot be reused.

👥 Commissions

The exam commission must have at least three staff members from the state institution.

A conflict commission is formed to resolve disputes, which unsuccessful candidates can approach to challenge their results.

📌 The regulation entered into force on July 31, 2025.

As of July 31, 2025, changes to the simplified citizenship procedure have come into effect.

Now eligible to apply for Russian citizenship are:
▪️ spouses, children, and parents of Russian citizens,
▪️ spouses, children, and parents of foreign citizens who are participating or have participated in the Special Military Operation (SMO),
▪️ family members of SMO participants who have died.

These changes are outlined in the Presidential Decree aimed at supporting military personnel and their families.

📌 Effective from July 31, 2025.

Starting September 1, 2025, amendments to the Russian Tax Code will introduce new state duties and increase certain existing ones.

The changes include:

▪️ registration of a foreign citizen — 1,000 RUB;
▪️ registration at the place of stay — 500 RUB;
▪️ extension of temporary stay — 1,000 RUB;
▪️ issuing duplicates or making changes to a work permit — 2,100 RUB;
▪️ extension of a work permit — 4,200 RUB;
▪️ issuing or reissuing a patent — 4,200 RUB;
▪️ issuing a duplicate or making changes to a patent — 2,100 RUB.

State duties for vehicle registration, other registration procedures, and issuing national driver’s licenses (including replacements for lost or damaged ones) will also increase.

📌 The new duty rates will apply from September 1, 2025.

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The testing section now contains new and up-to-date questions that fully meet the latest requirements. This will help you prepare better and feel more confident during the exam.

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A minor foreign citizen may be automatically included in the registry of controlled persons if their legal representative does not extend the child’s legal stay in Russia.

✅ The child must be registered for migration purposes or have a residential registration at the same address as one of their parents or legal guardians.

✅ If the child stays in Russia for more than 90 days in a calendar year, they must undergo fingerprinting and be photographed — starting from the age of 6. This procedure must be conducted in the presence of a legal representative.

☝ A child's stay can be extended if:
🔺 the parent or guardian holds a valid work patent,
🔺 an application for a residence permit, temporary residency, or citizenship is under review,
🔺 there is a valid employment contract (for EAEU nationals),
🔺 one of the parents is studying full-time at a Russian educational institution.

📌 Note: since April 1, 2025, additional requirements apply for enrolling foreign children in schools.

Foreign citizens from EAEU countries listed in the registry of controlled persons can legalize their status in Russia by signing a labor or civil-law contract with a deferred start date — that is, effective only after removal from the registry.

A copy of the contract must be submitted to the local office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

❇ If this condition is met, the employer is not subject to administrative liability for employing a foreign citizen without proper authorization.

📝 Within 3 business days after signing the contract, the employer must notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.

Foreign citizens who have come to Russia under the government quota can now obtain a work permit without the need to confirm their knowledge of the Russian language, history, and basic laws. These changes are outlined in Federal Law No. 314-FZ signed on July 31, 2025.

The exemptions apply only to those whose jobs do not involve constant communication with the public. According to the State Duma, drivers, salespeople, and healthcare workers will still be required to pass the exams.

In connection with the amendments, the Ministry of Labor has updated its internal regulations. Employers hiring under the quota system must verify whether the position falls under the exemption list.

Additionally, the deadline for providing documents confirming knowledge of the language and law has been extended from 30 to 90 days. Details about such certificates will be added to a federal information system. Only authorized institutions included in a government-approved list will be able to submit this data.

Dear friends,
If you have received Russian citizenship, please note:
🔹 Men must register for military service within 14 days after getting their Russian passport.

📍 What does this mean?
You must go to the local military enlistment office (voenkomat) and submit your documents. This applies to all men of military age and reserve.

📅 Deadline — 14 days only
If you don’t register on time, you may face a fine or even lose your Russian citizenship. A new law allows cancellation of citizenship for avoiding military registration.

👨‍⚕️ What to expect:
— Bring your Russian passport and documents
— Pass a medical check
— Receive a service category (A, B, C, etc.)
— You will be officially registered

🙋‍♀️ What about women?
Women are not required to register unless they have a military-related profession (such as doctors, engineers, etc.).

📲 Stay informed with our apps "Migrant Assistant" and "Uchu Ru" — we share trusted and important information for everyone living and working in Russia.

If you are in Russia or planning to submit documents, it is important to make sure in advance that you are not banned from entering the Russian Federation.

Who can be banned from entering:
— Those who have violated the registration deadline
— Those who have left Russia with expired documents
— Having unpaid fines or administrative violations

How do I check?
You can do this through the Migrant Assistant app — fast and free.:

Enter your full name and date of birth
Get an official response from the database of the Ministry of Internal Affairs
Make sure that you have no entry restrictions

Attention:
The service operates only on the territory of the Russian Federation, as it uses access to internal databases via Russian IP addresses.

The application also provides:
— The opportunity to find out which permits a foreign citizen can obtain
— Legal advice
— Monitor the length of stay
— Reminders about patent payment, registration deadlines, and filing of documents

Download "Migrant Assistant" and monitor your migration status — conveniently, quickly, reliably.