Russia issues record number of work permits to foreign nationals in 2025

In 2025, Russia significantly increased the number of work permits granted to foreign nationals, issuing a record 240,000 permits, a 42% rise from the previous year. 

Key statistics from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs show that workers from India and Bangladesh made up a substantial portion of the new arrivals. A total of 56,500 Indian citizens were granted work permits in 2025, up from 36,200 the previous year, marking the highest influx from India in nearly a decade. Bangladesh also saw a significant increase, with 9,300 Bangladeshi nationals receiving permits, compared to just 2,800 in 2024, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

Other countries in the region also experienced a sharp rise in work permits. Turkmenistan saw a more than 2.5-fold increase, with 25,000 permits issued to its citizens. Uzbekistan's numbers surged fivefold to 2,300 permits, while Tajikistan's figures nearly tripled to 263.

Additionally, the number of Chinese nationals permitted to work in Russia grew by approximately 50%, reaching 92,000.

The 2025 numbers reflect a broader trend in Russia’s labour market, as the country seeks to address labour shortages in key sectors. The majority of the work permits are for skilled workers who will contribute to large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects.

Looking ahead, Russia’s government plans to continue expanding the pool of migrant labour. In 2026, the Ministry of Labour has set a quota of 279,000 foreign workers, a 20% increase compared to 2025.

A significant portion—92% of the total quota—is expected to be allocated to skilled workers for critical industries, while the remaining permits will be designated for unskilled workers in challenging environments or for specialized roles such as veterinary nurses.

By Sabina Mammadli