Foreign workers face stricter controls as Russia links residency to verified income

Russia is set to impose stricter financial requirements on foreign workers, as the government’s legislative commission has approved amendments to the law “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation” and the Tax Code. The reforms are designed to enhance oversight of migrants’ incomes, expand tax obligations, and allow for shorter periods of stay in cases of noncompliance.

Under the new measures, foreign nationals temporarily residing in Russia will be required to submit proof of their legal income to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Acceptable documentation includes wage certificates, copies of tax returns, or evidence of tax payments. Failure to verify income may result in a reduction of the temporary residence period—a rule that also applies to family members of migrants.

The legislation introduces a minimum income threshold for obtaining or renewing work patents. Migrants earning below the regional subsistence level will be ineligible, though exceptions are made for first-time patent holders and those employed by private individuals exclusively for personal needs.

In addition, the amendments establish advance payment of personal income tax (PIT) for labor migrants. For those employed by private individuals, the payment will increase by 50% for each dependent minor child.

“For employees of organizations and individual entrepreneurs, the base rate will be 1,200 rubles ($19) per month; for workers employed by private individuals for personal needs, it will be 1,700 rubles ($27),” explained Vladimir Gruzdev, Chairman of the Association of Lawyers of Russia.

By Vafa Guliyeva