Russian Labor Code: guide for employers
The 2026 rules a foreign employer needs in Russia: contracts, probation, working time, leave, pay frequency, notice, severance and minimum wage under the Labor Code.
Figures reviewed by Görkem Tan, CPA, Gini Finance · Updated
Labor Code essentials (2026)
- Working week
- 40 hours
- Annual paid leave
- At least 28 calendar days
- Probation
- Up to 3 months; up to 6 months for heads of organisations, their deputies and chief accountants
- Notice
- 2 weeks when the employee resigns; 2 months for redundancy, with severance of at least one month’s average earnings
- Contract
- Written, in Russian; often issued in Russian and English side by side
Sources: Labor Code of the Russian Federation. Checked by Görkem Tan on 30 October 2026. A planning frame, not a quote: the proposal confirms the figures for your role.
Employment in Russia is governed by the Labor Code of the Russian Federation (Трудовой кодекс, ТК РФ). When you employ through our EOR service, the local partner employer applies these rules; this guide shows what they mean for your team. The consolidated text is on ConsultantPlus.
Employment contracts
- The contract is in writing and signed within three working days of the employee starting work (Article 67).
- Contracts are open-ended by default. Fixed-term contracts are allowed only in the cases the Code lists, for up to five years (Articles 58–59).
- The contract states the job, the place of work, the start date, pay, working time and, where agreed, remote work (Article 57; remote work under Chapter 49.1).
- Russian is the language of the contract; many employers sign a Russian and English version side by side.
Probation
Probation must be written into the contract. It may last up to three months, or up to six months for heads of organisations, their deputies and chief accountants (Article 70). During probation either side can end the contract with three days’ written notice; the employer must state the reasons (Article 71).
Working time and pay
- The standard working week is 40 hours (Article 91).
- Overtime is paid at no less than one and a half times for the first two hours and double after that (Article 152).
- Pay is made at least twice a month, no later than 15 days after the period it covers (Article 136).
- The minimum wage (MROT) is RUB 27,093 a month from 1 January 2026; regions can set a higher minimum.
Leave
- Annual paid leave is at least 28 calendar days (Article 115), with extra days for some jobs and regions.
- Sick leave is paid from social insurance: the employer pays the first three days and the Social Fund of Russia the rest.
- Public holidays are set each year by government decree.
Ending employment
| Who ends it and why | Notice | Severance |
|---|---|---|
| Employee resigns (Article 80) | 2 weeks, in writing | None |
| Mutual agreement (Article 78) | As agreed | As agreed |
| Redundancy (Articles 178, 180) | At least 2 months | At least one month’s average earnings, with further payments while the person looks for work |
| During probation (Article 71) | 3 days | None |
At termination the employer pays all amounts due on the last day, including compensation for unused leave (Article 140).
Payroll taxes
NDFL is withheld from pay at 13% to 22% for residents; the employer pays insurance contributions of 30% up to RUB 2,979,000 a year and 15.1% above, plus accident insurance. See payroll in Russia and the cost example.
Foreign employees
EAEU citizens, patent holders, work-permit holders and highly qualified specialists follow different routes. See work permits in Russia.
This guide is a planning summary, not legal advice. The Labor Code is amended from time to time and we update this page when it changes. To employ under these rules without your own company, request an EOR proposal.
Questions companies ask
Which law governs employment in Russia?
The Labor Code of the Russian Federation (ТК РФ). Taxes and contributions are set in the Tax Code, and foreign workers are also covered by the law on the legal status of foreign citizens.
How long can probation last?
Up to three months, or up to six months for heads of organisations, their deputies and chief accountants (Article 70). Probation must be written into the contract.
How much notice is required?
An employee resigns with two weeks’ written notice (Article 80). For redundancy the employer gives at least two months’ notice (Article 180) and pays severance of at least one month’s average earnings (Article 178).
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