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For Employers & Foreign Nationals

Work Permit Consulting in Russia

Expert guidance on Russian work permits — from choosing the right category and assessing eligibility to preparing a complete document package and understanding every stage of the procedure.

No obligation  ·  EN / RU  ·  Moscow-based since 2003

What we cover

What's included in this service

Whether you are a foreign national planning to work in Russia or an employer hiring from abroad, we advise at every stage — clearly, accurately and in English or Russian.

  • 🔍

    Eligibility assessment

    We identify the correct work permit category for your specific situation — quota-based permit, Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) status, or another applicable route — and explain the requirements for each.

  • 📋

    Document checklist

    A precise list of documents required from both the foreign national and the employing organisation, tailored to the permit category and the applicant's nationality.

  • 🏢

    Employer obligations

    Clear guidance on what the employing company must prepare and submit — including quota applications, employment contract requirements and notification obligations to migration authorities.

  • ⏱️

    Timeline planning

    Realistic timelines for each stage of the permit process, so you can coordinate hiring decisions, start dates and travel arrangements with confidence.

  • 📑

    Document package review

    Review of the completed document package before submission, checking for gaps, formatting issues or errors that could result in rejection or delay.

  • 🔄

    Extension & employer change

    Guidance on extending a work permit before expiry and on the procedure and constraints that apply when a foreign national wishes to change employers.

Who is this for

  • Foreign nationals planning to work in Russia
  • Russian employers hiring foreign staff
  • HR Directors and HR Managers
  • Company legal and compliance departments
  • International businesses relocating staff to Russia
  • Individuals with HQS-level roles
Get a Free Consultation

No obligation · EN / RU

FAQ

Common questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about work permits in Russia.

The main categories are the quota-based work permit (for most foreign workers), the Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) permit (for high-salary roles that bypass the quota), and the patent (for CIS nationals working with individuals or small businesses). Some nationalities and situations are subject to different rules. We advise on the correct category for each specific case.
HQS status is available to foreign nationals whose employment contract specifies a salary meeting the statutory threshold set by Russian law. It bypasses the annual quota system, has faster processing timelines, and grants additional benefits — including the ability to obtain a temporary residence permit more easily and bring family members. The employer must have a clean compliance record to sponsor HQS applications.
The salary threshold for HQS status is set in Russian law and may be updated periodically. The threshold also varies depending on the sector — for example, the requirement for scientific and research roles differs from that for general commercial employment. We advise on the current applicable threshold for your specific case at the time of consultation.
Processing times depend on the permit type. HQS permits typically have a statutory processing time of up to 14 working days once the complete application is submitted. Quota-based permits involve additional steps — including quota allocation — which add time to the overall process. We provide realistic timeline estimates at the start of each case based on current processing conditions.
Russian work permits are tied to the specific employer named in the permit. Changing employers while a permit is active requires the new employer to obtain a new permit — the foreign national cannot simply transfer their existing permit. HQS permit holders have somewhat more flexibility in this respect. We advise on the correct procedure for each situation.
A refusal does not permanently bar a foreign national from reapplying, but it is important to understand the reason before submitting a new application. Common causes include incomplete documentation, errors in the application, quota exhaustion or employer compliance issues. We can review the situation and advise on the appropriate next steps — see also our Complex Cases service.

Have a work permit question?

Send us an email or call — we'll start with a free consultation to review your situation and advise on the right path forward.

Get a Free Consultation

No obligation  ·  Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00 MSK  ·  info@visalink-russia.com