Important Updates
Important Updates
October 8, 2025 | United StatesSports Lawyer Association: Sport Shorts Episode 115 With Partner Dan Schwarz
October 8, 2025 | BrazilBrazil: Visitor Status Expanded to Include Certain Technical Activities
October 8, 2025 | United KingdomManaging Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot Recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners"
October 8, 2025 | PolandPoland: New Requirements Forthcoming for Identification Number Applicants and for Health Benefits for Children of Foreign Nationals
October 8, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Nationals of Lesotho and Zimbabwean Now Eligible for Automatically Extended Exemption Permits
October 8, 2025 | United StatesSports Lawyer Association: Sport Shorts Episode 115 With Partner Dan Schwarz
October 8, 2025 | BrazilBrazil: Visitor Status Expanded to Include Certain Technical Activities
October 8, 2025 | United KingdomManaging Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot Recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners"
October 8, 2025 | PolandPoland: New Requirements Forthcoming for Identification Number Applicants and for Health Benefits for Children of Foreign Nationals
October 8, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Nationals of Lesotho and Zimbabwean Now Eligible for Automatically Extended Exemption Permits
October 8, 2025 | United StatesSports Lawyer Association: Sport Shorts Episode 115 With Partner Dan Schwarz
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Russia: Draft Law to Amend Requirements for Hiring Highly Qualified Specialists

April 18, 2022

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • RussiaRussia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • The Russian legislature introduced a draft law that would amend procedures and requirements for Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS), which, if approved, would go into effect on September 1, 2022.
  • Proposed changes include an increased minimum salary level, penalties for non-compliant HQS employers and a new pathway to indefinite permanent residence, among others.
  • In order for the draft law to go into effect, the state parliament and Federal Council would need to review it and the President would need to sign it.

The situation

The Russian legislature introduced a draft law that would amend procedures and requirements for hiring Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS). If approved, it would go into effect on September 1, 2022.

A closer look

The draft law proposes the following key changes:

CHANGE DETAILS IMPACT
Increased minimum salary level
  • The minimum salary level would increase to RUB 750,000 per quarter (approximately USD 9,077), up from RUB 167,000 per month.
  • The reduced minimum salary level requirements for certain categories of employers (including accredited information technology companies, participants of the Skolkovo project, and others) would remain unchanged.

The increase in minimum salary level may make HQS positions in Russia more attractive to foreign nationals; however, employers should take into account the increases in their budgets.

It is unclear if the increased minimum salary level will apply only to new HQS applicants or to HQS applicants already working in Russia as of September 1, 2022.

Copy of employment contract accepted for initial and renewal applications Employers would no longer need to submit original copies of employment contracts when filing an HQS initial or renewed work permit application. Instead, a copy with the employer’s stamp would be sufficient. The new rule would provide greater flexibility in HQS application document requirements.
Elimination of requirement to provide migration registration Employers would no longer need to complete migration registration when applying for an HQS work permit. This will make the HQS work permit process faster, since registration depends on the availability of the hosting party.
Regulation of collection of HQS work permit
  • HQS would be required to collect their HQS work permit within 30 calendar days of entry into Russia, or if they applied from within Russia, 30 calendar days from the date of their work permit approval.

  • If there are acceptable documented reasons for late collection (which have not yet been defined), HQS would be able to collect their work permit after this deadline; otherwise, the work permit will be canceled.

HQS and employers would be required to check the date of approval once the work permit is ready for collection, although the mechanism to do this is not yet in effect.

It is expected that authorities will define acceptable documented reasons for late work permit collection at a later date.

Non-compliant employers prohibited from hiring HQS Employers could be prohibited from hiring HQS for two years if authorities decide that the employer has not submitted information on the calculated and transferred taxes on the income of HQS employees to the tax authorities within six months following the reported period or if they have been found to submit false information. The reporting requirements are already in effect; however, employers should be aware of the new penalties for non-compliance.
Eligibility for indefinite permanent residence HQS employees and their dependents will be eligible to obtain an indefinite permanent residence permit (not linked to work authorization) if they are employed as an HQS in Russia for two years and have resided in Russia on the basis of an HQS permanent residence permit issued for the validity of their HQS work permit. HQS employees would have an additional pathway to apply for indefinite permanent residence; currently, they can apply under the same route as all other foreign nationals. The new path would create a simplified, expedited process for HQS employees.

Background

  • Economic issues. Many of the changes are related to the state of the economy in Russia; for example, the minimum salary increase is likely a result of growing inflation in Russia. Additionally, the penalties for non-compliance allow the government to raise revenue, as it is likely that there were many employers who were non-compliant with tax payment rules.
  • Attracting highly-skilled foreign nationals. As the government seeks to attract certain types of foreign nationals, especially those who fall in the HQS category, it has implemented simplified immigration procedures and has introduced a new permanent residence category.

Looking ahead

In order for the draft law to go into effect, the law would need to be reviewed by the parliament and the Federal Council and signed by the President. There is no expected timeline for this to occur, but upon completing this process, the law will be implemented on September 1, 2022.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • RussiaRussia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Beyond PERM: Leveraging Schedule A, Group II for Exceptional Ability in the Sciences, Arts and Performing Arts

Associate Matthew Smith discusses how professionals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts and performing arts can bypass the PERM process by leveraging Schedule A, Group II for a streamlined green card application.

Learn more

Awards

Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot Recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners"

Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot is recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners."

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Sports Lawyer Association: Sport Shorts Episode 115 With Partner Dan Schwarz

Partner Dan Schwarz discusses how proactive immigration planning helps athletes, teams and universities navigate complex US policies.

Learn more

Video

Italian Citizenship by Descent: Eligibility, Benefits and Application Process

Learn how to claim Italian citizenship through ancestry. This complete guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond PERM: Leveraging Schedule A, Group II for Exceptional Ability in the Sciences, Arts and Performing Arts

Associate Matthew Smith discusses how professionals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts and performing arts can bypass the PERM process by leveraging Schedule A, Group II for a streamlined green card application.

Learn more

Awards

Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot Recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners"

Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot is recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners."

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Sports Lawyer Association: Sport Shorts Episode 115 With Partner Dan Schwarz

Partner Dan Schwarz discusses how proactive immigration planning helps athletes, teams and universities navigate complex US policies.

Learn more

Video

Italian Citizenship by Descent: Eligibility, Benefits and Application Process

Learn how to claim Italian citizenship through ancestry. This complete guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.