Services
Work permits in Russia
Which route a foreign employee needs in Russia — EAEU, patent, work permit or highly qualified specialist (HQS) — and the 2026 and 2027 HQS salary thresholds.
Figures reviewed by Görkem Tan, CPA, Gini Finance · Updated
- ТК РФ compliant path Local employment contracts framed under the Labor Code of the Russian Federation
- SFR & NDFL Social Fund contributions and personal income tax handled in the employment setup
- Secure data handling Employment data encrypted and handled under Gini Talent privacy practices
Four routes for foreign employees
| Who | Route | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Citizens of EAEU countries (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan) | No permit | Employed on the same terms as Russian citizens, with migration registration and notification |
| Citizens of visa-free countries | Patent | The employee obtains a patent and pays a monthly advance payment set by the region |
| Citizens of countries that need a visa | Work permit | Employer permit and quota rules apply; the slowest route |
| Highly qualified specialists (HQS / ВКС) | HQS permit | Faster processing and permits of up to three years, subject to a salary threshold |
The HQS salary threshold
Today most highly qualified specialists must earn at least RUB 750,000 per quarter. Laws signed on 26 July 2026 (No. 241-FZ and No. 242-FZ) raise the threshold to RUB 717,000 a month from 1 March 2027, with RUB 358,500 for some categories such as researchers, teachers and medical workers. The threshold is then indexed every year.
What every route has in common
- Work starts only after the patent or permit is issued, when one is required.
- The employer notifies the migration authority of the employment contract within three working days of signing it, and again when it ends.
- The employee needs migration registration at the place of stay.
What the EOR does
The local partner employer files the employer-side steps, signs the employment contract and keeps the notifications on time; Gini Talent coordinates the process with you. Your company provides the role, the salary and the candidate’s documents.
What we do not promise
- That every person or role qualifies
- A start date before the authorities have decided
Share the nationality, role and salary on the proposal form. The rules that apply once employed are in the Labor Code essentials.
Questions companies ask
Who needs a work permit in Russia?
Citizens of EAEU countries (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan) do not. Citizens of visa-free countries usually work on a patent. Citizens of countries that need a visa need a work permit. Highly qualified specialists (HQS) follow a separate, faster route.
What salary does an HQS need?
Today at least RUB 750,000 per quarter for most HQS. Under laws signed in July 2026 the threshold rises to RUB 717,000 a month from 1 March 2027, with RUB 358,500 for some categories such as researchers, teachers and doctors.
Can a foreign national start before the permit is ready?
No. When a patent or permit is required, work starts only after it is issued, and the employer notifies the migration authority of the contract within three working days.
Request an EOR proposal for your team in Russia
Tell us the role, headcount and start date. We review whether the engagement fits before we send a proposal.