Requirements for hiring Highly Qualified Specialists to be amended

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Russian government has introduced a draft law to amend requirements for hiring Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS).

 Key Points:

• The new minimum salary requirement for HQS will be increased from 167,000 RUB to at least 750,000 RUB per quarter.
• When filing an initial or renewal work permit application for HQS, individuals will be able to provide a copy of their employment contract certified by the employer instead of an original copy.
• Applicants will no longer be required to provide a migration registration when applying for an HQS work permit renewal.
• HQS employees and their dependents will be able to obtain an indefinite permanent residence permit without work authorization if they have been employed and lived in Russia for two years as an HQS and have preliminary obtained a permanent residence permit tied to their work permit.
• Companies that fail to submit accurate information on the taxable income of HQS employees within six months of a reporting deadline may be prohibited from hiring HQS for up to two years.

Additional Information: Those who receive an HQS work permits will be required to retrieve the permit within 30 days after entering Russia. If the HQS is staying in Russia during processing, they must retrieve the permit within 30 days of receiving an approval notice. Under the current proposal, the draft law would take effect Sept. 1.

BAL Analysis: The changes listed above are not final, and Russian authorities may make amendments to the draft law in the coming weeks. BAL will provide more information regarding changes in the requirements for hiring HQS once it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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