Simplified residence pathway proposed for certain IT specialists

The Russian government has introduced a draft law to give certain IT specialists special work and residence rights.

Key Points:

• Under the draft law, foreign employees of accredited IT companies will be able to work without work permits.
• IT specialists working for accredited IT employers will be eligible for permanent residence permits without having to live in Russia for one year under the temporary residence permit.
• Dependents of IT specialists who work for accredited IT employers would be able to obtain permanent residence permits under the same conditions as their principals.

Additional Information: IT specialists’ permanent resident permits would be subject to cancelation if the individual stopped working for the accredited IT employer and was unable to receive an employment contract with another accredited employer within 30 business days. Under the current proposal, the law would take effect 90 days after formal approval. Observers expect the standard visa process would apply to eligible IT specialists and their dependents once the law comes into effect.

BAL Analysis: The law would simplify the work authorization and permanent residence processes for certain IT specialists and their employers. BAL will monitor these developments and will provide more information as 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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