Work permits in Russia
To work legally, foreigners have to obtain a work permit and a work visa.
Currently, there are two ways to obtain a work permit:
- Standard procedure;
- Simplified procedure for highly qualified specialists (HQS).
Benefits of a simplified procedure:
- Preparation and obtaining of documents within a month;
- Valid up to 3 years;
- Tax on personal income – 13%;
- No need to provide a medical certificate or higher education degree diploma;
- Possibility to obtain Russian permanent residence permit limited to the period of work permit;
- No need to pass Russian language exam.
Standard procedure
A work permit can be obtained by submitting the documents to the Russian migration authority. The work permit is valid for 1 year, and the application process takes 3 to 3.5 months.
Simplified procedure for HQS
There is a simplified procedure for issuing work permits to foreign citizens who hold a status of HQS.
HQS is a foreign citizen who has experience, skills or achievements in a particular field.
The main condition for hiring such specialists is the salary: before tax it should be more than RUB 167,000 per month (around EUR 2000). The employers shall also report quarterly that they comply with salary requirement.
What is the procedure of obtaining a work permit for HQS?
To obtain a work permit a foreigner needs to submit a set of documents to the migration authority. The decision to issue a work permit is taken within 14 working days from the date of documents receipt.
What documents should be submitted to obtain a work permit under a simplified procedure for HQS*?
- Notarized copies of the company-employer’s incorporation documents;
- Translated and notarized copy of HQS’s passport;
- Photos;
- Payment receipt of state fee;
- Medical insurance policy valid in Russia (copy).
*including, without limitation
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