A permanent residence permit (VNZh) in Russia provides foreign citizens with several advantages, making it an appealing option for those seeking long-term residence and employment in the country. While the typical process for obtaining a residence permit can be lengthy and complex, what if the foreign citizen already holds the status of a highly qualified specialist?
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Explanation of Terminology
Who is a Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS)?
Which employers can hire a HQS?
Residence permit for the HQS: as it used to be (before the changes in 2024)
Residence permit for CCS: with changes in 2024.
Conditions for obtaining an indefinite residence permit for HQS
What taxes do HQS who have obtained a residence permit in the Russian Federation pay?
Advantages of obtaining residence permit status
The path to citizenship. Can a holder of a residence permit apply for Russian citizenship?
Explanation of Terminology
In this article, whenever I mention a permanent residence permit, I am referring to the Vid na Zhitelstvo (Вид на Жительство) in Russian. This term can be misleading, as the document can either be issued for a fixed term or indefinitely.
When I refer to a temporary residence permit, I mean the Razreshenie na Vremennoe Prozhivanie (Разрешение на Временное Проживание or РВП) in Russian. It’s important not to confuse a fixed-term Vid na Zhitelstvo with the RVP, as they are different documents. I hope this clarifies any confusion.
Who is a Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS)?
A Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) is a foreign citizen recognized for their advanced skills and accomplishments in a specific professional field. To qualify as an HQS, the individual’s salary must meet or exceed a government-mandated minimum level, which is designed to attract top talent to work in Russia.
Which employers can hire a HQS?
Both Russian companies and foreign organizations with representative offices or branches in Russia are eligible to hire HQS. The primary requirement is that the employer must be registered with the tax authorities and comply with the conditions for hiring foreign specialists.
These conditions include ensuring that, at the time of signing the contract, the company or individual entrepreneur has no outstanding fines for the illegal employment of foreign nationals.
Work permit for HQS
Starting January 7, 2024, Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS) are permitted to obtain work permits for multiple regions of Russia, under certain conditions. This applies in cases where the work is performed at separate subdivisions outside the region of the main employer or at interdependent legal entities located in different regions.
A work permit for an HQS is issued for the duration of the employment contract, but for no longer than three years. This permit can be extended multiple times, each for up to three years, without the need to leave Russia, as long as the employment contract is renewed.
HQS Salary Requirements
Starting March 1, 2024, the minimum salary for Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS) will be no less than 750,000 rubles per quarter.
Previously, the minimum salary was set at 167,000 rubles per month, but this has now been increased to 250,000 rubles per month. The salary amount must be clearly stated in the employment contract between the foreign worker and the employer.
However, there are exceptions for certain categories of HQS, such as those working in education, research, or healthcare, for whom these salary requirements may not apply.
Simplified procedure for obtaining a residence permit for foreign nationals with HQS status
Foreign citizens who have the status of a HQS have the opportunity to obtain a residence permit in a simplified procedure.
The main features of the simplified procedure of residence permit for foreign citizens:
- No need to obtain a temporary residence permit
Unlike other categories of foreign nationals, a HQS can immediately apply for a residence permit, bypassing the stage of obtaining a temporary residence permit (TPR). This significantly reduces the time and simplifies the process. - Family members of a highly qualified specialist (spouse and minor children) can also obtain a residence permit under this simplified procedure. This allows the whole family to legally reside in Russia and enjoy all the privileges provided by the residence permit status.
Residence permit for the HQS: as it used to be (before the changes in 2024)
HQS had access to a simplified procedure for obtaining a residence permit, but prior to the 2024 changes, this permit was always limited in duration and issued for a period of 3 years.
The validity of the HQS residence permit was tied to the validity of the HQS work permit. If the work permit was revoked or the HQS was dismissed, and they failed to secure a new employer, the residence permit was also revoked.
One of the key drawbacks of this fixed-term residence permit was its limited duration and dependency on employment status.
In case of early termination of the employment contract, a highly qualified specialist has 30 working days to find a new employer and submit documents for registration. If a highly qualified specialist did not conclude a new employment contract or was denied registration, he and his family members are obliged to leave the Russian Federation within 30 calendar days from the date of expiration of the first 30 working days given for job search.
Residence Permit for HQS: 2024 Changes and Indefinite Residence Permit
With the 2024 changes, HQS now have the opportunity to obtain an indefinite residence permit through a simplified procedure.
This new provision raised questions among foreign specialists, particularly regarding whether the residence permit would be revoked if they lost their HQS status, such as in the case of dismissal or an inability to find a new employer within the required time frame.
However, under current legislation, the termination of employment in Russia as an HQS is not grounds for revoking an indefinite residence permit.
Conditions for obtaining an indefinite residence permit for HQS
Highly qualified foreign specialists and their family members will be able to obtain an indefinite residence permit if the following conditions are met:
- foreign-VCSs have been employed on the territory of the Russian Federation for at least two years;
- the employer pays the mandatory pension insurance and social insurance contributions stipulated by law.
- residence on the territory of the Russian Federation under the URGENT residence permit for at least 2 years.
This means that in order to obtain an indefinite residence permit a foreign citizen of the HQS will still have to obtain a fixed-term residence permit for 2 years.
That is why each situation should be studied individually, because perhaps for someone this way of obtaining a residence permit will only slow down the process and it would be much faster to go the standard way, namely – to get a quota for a temperory residence permit, and then apply for a residence permit, provided there are grounds.
HQS family members
Who may be considered family members of highly qualified individuals:
- Spouse(s);
- Children and their spouses;
- Parents;
- Grandparents;
- Grandchildren.
Thus, the HQS family includes many relatives, and special rules and advantages apply also to them when entering and working in Russia.
A family member accompanying the HQS can enter Russia with a multiple-entry work visa, issued for the same duration as the HQS’s employment contract.
Can a family member of a HQS obtain an indefinite residence permit?
Yes, they can, in accordance with recent changes in the legislation of the Russian Federation.
Even if the HQS loses their job and their employment contract is terminated, family members will not lose their residence permit status. Family members can now obtain an indefinite residence permit under the same conditions as the HQS.
What taxes do HQS who have obtained a residence permit in the Russian Federation pay?
A residence permit gives a foreigner the opportunity to work in the Russian Federation without authorization documents, but does not deprive him of the status of a HQS. Consequently, there are no grounds for changing the procedure for calculating personal income tax on income from labor activity. Salary of a foreign HQS will still be subject to personal income tax at the rate of 13(15)%. In 2025 tax rates will change in Russia, read more in our article
Сontributions for compulsory pension insurance and social insurance in case of temporary incapacity for work and in connection with maternity:
- if a foreigner is temporarily residing in the Russian Federation – are not accrued;
- if the foreign worker is temporarily or permanently residing in the Russian Federation – accrued in accordance with the general procedure and at the rates established for employees who are citizens of the Russian Federation (approximately 30% of the salary).
Thus, after a foreign citizen with the status of HQS receives a residence permit, the amount of taxes paid by the employer on his behalf increases by 30%!
Advantages of obtaining permanent residence status
Free movement within the territory of Russia
Holders of a permanent residence permit can travel freely throughout the Russian Federation without needing special permits or notifying migration authorities. In contrast, those with a temporary residence permit face restrictions, such as the ability to work only in the region where the permit was issued.
Right to work
Foreign citizens with a permanent residence permit have the right to work in Russia without the need to obtain an additional work permit, which simplifies the employment process and allows them to choose a job in any region of the country.
Access to social services
Holders of a residence permit enjoy access to free medical care, education, social benefits, and the pension system under the same conditions as Russian citizens. While both foreign citizens with a residence permit and those with a temporary residence permit can receive free medical care, only those with a residence permit are entitled to participate in the pension savings system.
Possibility of obtaining loans and mortgages
Foreigners with a residence permit have a better chance of obtaining loans and mortgages from Russian banks, as they are seen as more reliable borrowers.
More protection of property
Russian law grants special protection to a person’s sole residence (единственное жилье). Since only individuals with a residence permit can officially register themselves as living in a residential property, they receive greater protection than foreigners with just a visa. While an HQS with a visa is considered to be staying in Russia temporarily, someone with a residence permit is legally recognized as living there, giving them stronger legal rights regarding their home.
More opportunity to make real estate transactions
Сitizens of unfriendly countries can avoid a C-account if they have a permanent residence permit.
Ability to use other financial products in the Russian Federation
Individual investment accounts, brokerage accounts, crowdfunding platforms, etc. are often only for ‘residents’
The path to citizenship. Can a holder of a permanent residence permit apply for Russian citizenship?
A foreign citizen can apply for Russian citizenship after residing in Russia for 5 years with a permanent residence permit. To apply for citizenship through the general procedure, foreigners must meet the following criteria:
- Have continuously resided in Russia for 5 years on the basis of a residence permit.
- Pledge to comply with the Constitution of the Russian Federation and accept Russian citizenship.
- Be officially employed or have sufficient financial resources to support themselves.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the Russian language with a recognized document, such as a language proficiency certificate, a school certificate, or a diploma from a Russian or Soviet educational institution.
Conclusion
Recent changes in the law now allow HQS and their family members to obtain an indefinite permanent residence permit, which offers the same rights as those granted through the standard procedure (without HQS status). This gives foreign citizens the freedom to live in Russia without time constraints. Most importantly, if an HQS’s employment contract ends, they can still legally remain in Russia with their indefinite residence permit.
At Van Rhijn & Partners, we are here to guide you through the process of obtaining a residence permit and to provide expert advice on all your migration needs. Contact us today to explore the best options for you!
