Russia: Proposed Law Would Allow Favorable Work and Residence Conditions for Information Technology Specialists

The Russian government has introduced a draft law in the State Duma which, if passed, would allow foreign information technology specialists employed in Russia by accredited information technology companies (with the exception of residents in certain economic zones) to work without work permits and to obtain permanent residence permits without having a temporary residence permit for one year. The foreign national’s permanent residence permit will be linked to their information technology specialist status, which will be subject to cancelation if the foreign national ends their employment with their company and is not hired by another information technology company within 30 business days or if their information technology company loses accreditation. Dependents of these foreign nationals (including spouses, children, parents, spouses of children, spouses of parents, grandparents and grandchildren) will be able to obtain permanent residence permits. If the law is adopted, it will take effect 90 days following the date of its publication.