RUSSIA – Salary Range to Be Lowered for Specialist IT Workers

In 2010, Russia created the quota-exempt Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) work permit category to enable Russian companies to hire skilled foreign workers for up to three years without any quota restrictions. In order to hire these foreign workers, the IT… Read more »


RUSSIA – Citizens Must Notify Government if Living Abroad

A new requirement mandates that all Russian citizens – those living both within and outside of Russia – who have obtained foreign residence permits or citizenship abroad must notify the Russian Federal Migration Service (FMS) that they have obtained these… Read more »


RUSSIA – Work Permit and Permanent Residency Applicants Will Require Russian Language and History Knowledge

Effective January 2015, all applicants for work permits or permanent residence permits for Russia will have to pass exams in Russian language, history and law. What Are the New Knowledge Requirements? The Russian government has passed amendments to the federal… Read more »


RUSSIA – Medical Tests for Standard Work Permit Applications Now Required in Advance

Effective immediately, applicants for a standard work permit for Russia must now submit, with their application, the results of a medical test from a specially designated clinic in Russia. Highly skilled workers are exempt from this new requirement. How Does… Read more »


RUSSIA – Changes to Quota Announced

The Moscow Centre for Labour Exchange has recently announced several changes to the quota application process in Russia. Most significant are the introduction of online applications, tougher documentary requirements and new reasons for rejecting applications. This year’s quota application filing… Read more »


RUSSIA – Foreign Workers and Visitors Impacted by Stricter Rules in Russia

Russia has been displaying a trend toward imposing stricter rules regarding foreign visas. Recently, the Federal Migration Service augmented regulations required for visa extensions. Foreign nationals must have passports that are valid for six months beyond the initial expiration date… Read more »


RUSSIA – Recent Immigration Developments

All work permit applications for Ukrainian nationals now have to be pre-approved before submission. In addition, effective January 10, 2014, several important changes were made to laws and procedures for immigration into the Russian Federation, which place new restrictions and… Read more »