The White House has proposed to make it easier for foreign professionals to obtain a residence permit. Amendments to the law on the legal status of foreign citizens were drafted by the Ministry of Economic Development and on March 31 supported by the government.

According to the draft amendment, a foreign specialist can be issued a residence permit without limitation of validity in the event that she/he already works in Russia and pays taxes, while already in possession of a work permit. If these criteria are not respected, the residence permit will be issued only for the duration of the work permit. Furthermore, in order to enjoy these benefits, it will be necessary to earn a minimum of 750,000 roubles per quarter and no longer 167,000 roubles (501,000 roubles per quarter) per month as it is now.

The government will add another reason to refuse employers to hire highly qualified specialists: in the event that false information has been submitted to the tax authorities. According to current legislation, it is possible to be banned from hiring foreigners for two years for not fulfilling obligations towards employees, as well as for submitting false or forged documents.

According to the ministry’s plans, the increase to 750,000 roubles per quarter for highly qualified specialists is expected to take effect on September 1, 2022.