What documents do foreigners need to work in the Russian Federation (RF)?
To start employment in the territory of Russia, a foreign citizen must prepare a certain list of documents.
Which documents are required is explained in more detail in our blog.
Foreign citizens who are in Russia with a visa must obtain specific documents for a work permit – that is, documents that give visa-required foreigners the legal right to work in Russia.
Foreign citizens who are in Russia under a visa-free regime must obtain a work patent.
Important: Citizens of countries that are members of the Customs Union can work in Russia legally without a patent. This includes Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan.
However, a patent is required for citizens of Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Abkhazia, and Uzbekistan.
According to Order No. 390 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) of the Russian Federation, a work permit is issued by the authorized migration department of the Ministry. In most cases, this permit is obtained through the employer.
Exceptions include highly qualified specialists and foreigners studying in Russia – these groups can obtain a work permit personally.
Since August 5, 2012, students studying in the Russian Federation no longer need a separate work permit.
A separate work permit must be issued for each foreign employee.
To apply for a work permit in the Russian Federation through the Ministry of Internal Affairs (formerly the Federal Migration Service), the following documents must be submitted:
- Application for a work permit (a sample can be found on the MVD website) – in two copies
- Copy of passport
- Diploma or other proof of education
- Employment contract
- Results of passed tests in Russian language, history, and social studies
- Receipt for state fee payment
- Medical certificate confirming the person has undergone a health check
- A separate HIV-negative certificate
Tip: Pay special attention to the last item – the HIV certificate is often overlooked.
The medical examination is mandatory for all foreign citizens wishing to work in the Russian Federation. The result of the examination is a medical report on the health status of the foreign citizen.
Important: All of the above documents must be translated into Russian and notarized.
For Employers: In some cases, before applying for a work permit, the employer must first obtain authorization to employ foreign citizens.
The review process for this authorization by the migration authorities takes about 30 days.
Only after this can the employer sign a labor contract with the foreign citizen and apply for their work permit.
For foreigners in Russia under a visa-free regime, the employment procedure is much simpler.
In such cases, the employer does not need special authorization – they only need to register with the Ministry of Internal Affairs as an employer of migrants, obtain a registration card, and inform the migration authorities about the hiring of foreign citizens.
As for visa-free foreigners, they must have a document confirming their right to work in the Russian Federation. This document could be one of the following:
- A work patent
- A temporary residence permit
- A residence permit (vid na zhitelstvo)
There is no doubt that professional assistance in obtaining a work permit is advisable. The key is to choose a reliable and licensed company.
You can entrust the preparation of work permits for foreign citizens to World Immigration Hub - Immigration services in Russia.
With us, you will receive the necessary services with efficiency and professionalism in every detail.
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