Notification to the MVD about the Contract with a Foreigner: Deadlines
When a foreign citizen starts working in Russia, it is important not only to have a work patent or other legal status. The employer must correctly formalize the contract and submit a notification to the MVD (Ministry of Internal Affairs). An error in the notification or missing a deadline can lead to substantial fines for the employer and problems for the foreigner.
This article explains what the employee and the employer need to check to avoid creating a migration risk.
Important: Laws and document forms may change. Always verify information with current legislation or consult a lawyer.
When Notification is Required
The notification is submitted when entering into and terminating an employment or civil law contract with a foreign citizen. It is the actual formalization of the relationships that matters, not verbal agreements.
Typically, a notification is required if:
- a foreigner is hired under an employment contract;
- a contract for services (GPH) is concluded;
- the contract is terminated;
- the conditions have changed, requiring correct reflection in the documents;
- the employer discovered an error in previously submitted information.
The exact procedure depends on the status of the foreigner and the situation, but the basic rule is this: the formalization must match the migration documents.
Who Submits: Employer or Foreigner
The obligation to submit the notification lies with the employer. The foreigner does not submit the notification independently. The employer is a company (legal entity) or an individual entrepreneur who has entered into a contract with a foreign worker.
If the foreigner works under a patent, temporary residence permit (RVP) or permanent residence permit (VNZ), the employer is still obligated to notify the MVD. The status of the worker does not relieve this obligation.
Deadlines for Submitting the Notification
The form and procedure for submitting the notification are established by the Order of the MVD of Russia dated 30.07.2020 N 536.
| Situation | Deadline for Submitting Notification |
|---|---|
| Conclusion of an employment contract | 3 working days from the date of conclusion |
| Conclusion of a GPH contract | 3 working days from the date of conclusion |
| Termination of the contract | 3 working days from the date of termination |
| Correction of an error in a previously submitted notification | As soon as possible, with no fixed deadline in law |
Important: The deadline is counted in working days, not calendar days. Weekends and holidays are not included.
Form and Method of Submission
The form of the notification about the conclusion of the employment contract with a foreign citizen is approved as Appendix N 7.
The MVD of Russia has prepared a draft amendment to the notification form regarding the conclusion of the employment contract, so it is recommended to check the relevance of the form before submission.
The notification can be submitted:
- in person at the territorial body of the MVD;
- by mail as a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt;
- through MFC (Multi-Functional Center) in some regions;
- electronically through the Gosuslugi portal (if such an option is available).
When submitting in person or by mail, be sure to keep confirmation: receipt, ticket, list of contents.
What to Check in the Contract for the Foreigner
It is important for the worker not just to sign the contract, but to verify the data:
- Full Name — as in the passport and notarized translation;
- Date of Birth — matches the passport;
- Citizenship — correctly indicated;
- Passport Number — without errors;
- Details of the patent, temporary residence permit (RVP) or permanent residence permit (VNZ) — series, number, date of issue;
- Region of Work — must match the region of the patent or permit;
- Position or Type of Work — corresponds to the patent;
- Start Date of Work — the actual date of commencement.
If there is an error in the contract, it may later be transferred to the notification to the MVD. This creates a risk that incorrect information will appear in the database.
Errors in the Notification and How to Correct Them
| Error | What is Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Incorrect passport number | Information does not match the MVD database |
| Incorrect region of the patent | Work may be considered illegal |
| Missed notification deadline | Risk of a fine for the employer |
| Incorrect contract date | Dispute over the actual start of work |
| No confirmation of submission | Difficult to prove fulfillment of obligation |
| Error in position | Inconsistency with the patent |
If the notification is submitted with an error, it is better to correct it quickly. You need to submit a corrective notification or inform the territorial body of the MVD about the error in writing.
Fines and Risks
Article 18.15 of the Administrative Offenses Code of the Russian Federation provides for fines for violating the procedure for attracting foreign citizens to labor activities, including failure to submit a notification.
- Officials — a fine from 35,000 to 70,000 rubles.
- Legal entities — a fine from 400,000 rubles.
Fines can be imposed for each foreign worker separately. If several foreigners work in the company and no notifications are submitted for any, the fines are summed up.
For the foreigner, a violation may affect the extension of the patent, temporary residence permit (RVP), permanent residence permit (VNZ) and future migration checks.
What to Do if the Notification Was Not Submitted
If the worker learns that the notification was not submitted:
- Calmly gather documents: contract, patent, payment receipts, registration.
- Clarify the situation with the employer — perhaps the notification was submitted, but late.
- Request confirmation of the submission of the notification.
- If the employer refuses to rectify the situation, keep copies of the contract, correspondence, accounting documents.
- Seek advice from a migration lawyer.
Do not rush to resign or hide. Sometimes the problem can be corrected, but the longer the time has passed, the more difficult it is.
Connection with the Patent and Legal Work
The MVD notification does not replace the patent and does not extend it. The patent must be paid separately and on time. If there are doubts about payment, refer to the material on patent payment deadlines .
The general order of documents is described in the article on legal work for foreigners in Russia .
More information about work permits , temporary residence permit (RVP) and permanent residence permit (VNZ) .
Information about bank accounts and registration is also useful to know when getting employed.
Sources
- Order of the MVD of Russia dated 30.07.2020 No. 536 — forms and procedure for notifying the MVD about the labor activities of foreign citizens.
- Federal Law 115-FZ Article 13 — legal basis for the labor activities of foreign citizens.
- Administrative Offenses Code of the Russian Federation Article 18.15 — liability for violating the rules for attracting foreign workers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is obliged to submit the notification — the employer or the foreigner?
The obligation to submit the notification lies only with the employer. The foreigner does not submit the notification independently. The employer must notify the territorial body of the MVD within 3 working days from the date of conclusion or termination of the contract.
What happens if the submission deadline is missed?
For missing the deadline, the employer faces a fine under Article 18.15 of the Administrative Offenses Code of the Russian Federation: for officials — from 35,000 to 70,000 rubles, for legal entities — from 400,000 rubles.
Can the notification be submitted online?
Electronic submission through the Gosuslugi portal is possible in some cases. It is recommended to clarify with the territorial body of the MVD in your region whether such a form of submission is available.
Is it necessary to notify the MVD when extending the contract?
When extending an employment contract, a notification is usually not required if the parties simply sign an additional agreement. However, if a new contract is concluded, a notification is submitted. It is recommended to clarify the specific situation with a lawyer.
What to do if an error is found in the submitted notification?
You need to submit a corrective notification as soon as possible or inform the territorial body of the MVD about the error in writing. Do not delay the correction — this can reduce the risk of a fine.
Is notification required only for employment contracts or also for GPH?
A notification is required when entering into and terminating both employment and civil law contracts (contract for services, provision of services) with a foreign citizen.
What to Do Next
- Check your contract — verify all data using the checklist above.
- Request confirmation from the employer of the submission of the notification to the MVD.
- Keep copies of the contract, patent, payment receipts, and registration.
- If there are problems — consult a migration lawyer or write to the Telegram channel VisitRF .
- Explore related topics: legal work , patent payment , employer verification .