Medical Examinations and Certificates for Obtaining a Work Patent
To work in Russia, foreign nationals must obtain a work patent. One of the mandatory steps is undergoing medical examinations and receiving the relevant medical certificates.
Medical examinations are required to confirm that the individual does not have diseases that could pose a risk to public health.
Required Documents
To undergo the medical examination, you must have the following documents:
- A foreign passport or another identity document with a notarized Russian translation.
- A migration card with an entry stamp into the Russian Federation.
- A visa (if applicable).
- A registration document or notification of migration registration.
Which Doctors and Tests Are Required
Medical examinations for foreign nationals and stateless persons include several types of tests and consultations with medical specialists.
The process usually starts with a visit to a general practitioner (therapist), who coordinates the further examinations.
The examination includes:
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A test for the presence of prohibited substances (for individuals over 13 years old).
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Blood tests to detect:
- antibodies to the causative agent of syphilis using various methods;
- the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1 and HIV-2) and a specific antigen indicating infection.
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Lung examination. Depending on age and other factors, one of the following may be required:
- fluorography;
- X-ray examination;
- computed tomography (for individuals over 18 years old).
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Tuberculosis testing. The method depends on age:
- for children aged 6–7 — a test using purified tuberculin;
- for individuals aged 8–14 — a special test measuring the body’s response to tuberculosis or, optionally, a blood test that determines the level of a specific substance (gamma interferon);
- for individuals aged 15–17 — either a test using a specific allergen, a chest X-ray, or fluorography.
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Additional tests if medically indicated:
- sputum or other material analysis for the presence of tuberculosis mycobacteria;
- examination of a nasal mucosa scraping.
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Consultations with medical specialists:
- a TB specialist (phthisiatrician) — to detect tuberculosis and other dangerous infectious diseases;
- a dermatovenerologist — to check for certain infectious diseases;
- an infectious disease specialist — to identify other infectious diseases;
- a psychiatrist-narcologist — to determine the fact of drug or psychotropic substance use without a doctor’s prescription (for individuals over 13 years old).
If abnormalities are detected in at least one test or examination, the issuance of a medical certificate may be denied.
Thus, the medical examination for foreign nationals is a comprehensive process that includes consultations with several specialists and a range of laboratory and instrumental tests. These measures help to thoroughly assess health status and identify possible diseases.
The exact list of doctors and tests may vary, so it is recommended to уточнить it directly with the medical facility conducting the examinations.
Based on the results, a medical certificate is issued, which is included in the document package for obtaining a work patent. The certificate is valid for three months and costs between 2,000 and 5,000 rubles depending on the city. In Moscow, the cost is approximately 5,150 rubles.
Where to Undergo the Examination
The certificate is issued only by special clinics that have a state license.
Examinations are conducted exclusively by authorized medical organizations listed by regional authorities. In Moscow, these are state healthcare institutions (GBUZ), not migration centers such as Sakharovo. You can verify a clinic on the Ministry of Health website.
The procedure usually takes one to two days.
Documents confirming the completion of a medical examination for foreign nationals are valid for 12 months. After this period expires, a repeat medical examination must be completed within 30 days.
The medical certificate and documents for the work patent must be submitted to the territorial migration office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
To simplify the process, you may apply through a migration center. Each region has its own center: in Moscow, it is the Multifunctional Migration Center; in the Moscow Region, it is the Unified Migration Center of the Moscow Region.
Conclusion
Undergoing a medical examination and obtaining a medical certificate is a mandatory requirement for foreign nationals seeking a work patent in Russia. This requirement is intended to protect public health.
If a disease is detected during the examination, the individual will be provided with free medical care. However, they may begin employment only after full recovery.
Therefore, passing a medical examination is an essential condition for obtaining a work patent in Russia. This procedure plays an important role in maintaining epidemiological safety and protecting the health of all residents of the country.
Medical examinations allow for the timely detection of potential diseases and thereby ensure public safety. Through this approach, the state can be confident that labor resources do not pose a potential threat to public health.
The mandatory nature of medical examinations for obtaining a work patent is a significant step toward creating a healthy and safe environment for everyone in Russia.
It is important to note that purchasing a medical certificate without actually undergoing a medical examination is prohibited. This is a violation of Russian law and may result in penalties.
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