Work Patent in Russia in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide
Obtaining a work patent in Russia has become a key requirement for labor migrants from most visa-free countries. In 2025, the procedure for issuing the document underwent several important changes that must be considered when planning employment.
Who Needs a Work Patent
A patent is mandatory for citizens of visa-free countries wishing to work in Russia. Citizens of Azerbaijan, Moldova, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan must obtain the document. Meanwhile, citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union countries — Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan — can work without a patent under current agreements.
Exceptions include highly qualified specialists, full-time students, accredited journalists, teachers, and employees of accredited IT companies. Citizens of Ukraine temporarily have the right to work without a patent based on a presidential decree issued in August 2022.
New Opportunities in 2025
Starting September 1, 2025, interregional agreements came into force, allowing individuals to work in neighboring regions with a single patent. Moscow and the Moscow Region, as well as St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, were the first to receive this opportunity. Patents issued before that date automatically acquired interregional status if relevant agreements existed between the regions.
Preparatory Stage Before Entry
The procedure for obtaining a patent begins even before crossing the Russian border. On the migration card, the foreign citizen must indicate the purpose of entry as “WORK.” Stating any other purpose makes obtaining a patent impossible.
After entering the country, a foreign citizen has only 30 calendar days to apply for a patent according to Article 13.3 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation.” Exceeding this period results in a fine of 10,000 to 15,000 rubles.
Mandatory Registration and Medical Procedures
Within seven days after entry, the foreign citizen must register at their place of stay. This procedure can be carried out by the host party — an employer or landlord. Documents can be submitted through an MFC, the State Services portal, or directly at the Ministry of Internal Affairs office.
Medical examination includes screening for tuberculosis, leprosy, syphilis, HIV, and drug addiction. Certificates are valid for three months from the date of issue. In addition, it is necessary to obtain voluntary health insurance (VHI) with a coverage of at least 100,000 rubles.
Language Requirements and Exams
An essential condition for obtaining a patent is proof of knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history, and the basics of Russian legislation. Exams are conducted by accredited educational institutions and migration centers, and the cost is about 3,800 rubles.
Holders of Russian or Soviet educational certificates and diplomas are exempt from the exam. Certificates of completed courses from accredited centers are also accepted.
Required Documents
The document package for obtaining a patent includes an application form, a foreign passport with a notarized translation, and a migration card indicating the purpose of entry as “work.” Also required are proof of registration and a VHI policy.
The medical part includes certificates of absence of dangerous diseases and a language exam certificate. The financial part includes proof of payment of the first advance personal income tax payment and, if available, TIN and SNILS.
Submission and Review
Documents are submitted to local offices of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for migration issues or multifunctional migration centers. The review period is 10 business days from the date of submission of the complete package.
During the review, the Ministry of Internal Affairs sends interagency requests to the Federal Treasury and the tax service to verify payment of the advance tax and assignment of a TIN. The applicant is also checked against various databases.
Receiving the Patent
If approved, the foreign citizen undergoes fingerprinting and photographing at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. After signing the issuance log, they receive the patent.
The patent is valid for one year, provided monthly advance tax payments are made on time. The payment amount is set by regional authorities and may vary significantly between regions.
Rules for Working with a Patent
Employment under a patent is allowed only in the region where it was issued. Exceptions are interregional patents for Moscow with the Moscow Region and St. Petersburg with the Leningrad Region.
In some regions, the patent specifies a particular profession or specialty, limiting employment opportunities. There are plans to expand this practice to all regions.
Liability for Violations
Working without a patent or violating its conditions entails administrative liability. Fines for foreign citizens range from 5,000 to 7,000 rubles, with possible deportation. Employers are also liable for employing illegal workers.
Timely payment of advance tax is critical to maintaining a valid patent. A payment delay of more than two months results in cancellation of the document and the need to obtain a new one.
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