A Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) is a foreign citizen possessing unique experience, skills, or significant professional achievements.
According to Article 13.2 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ, in order to work in Russia, an HQS must receive a salary of at least 750,000 rubles per quarter.
This article covers the requirements for HQS in 2025, the minimum salaries for various categories, and the conditions for employing such specialists.
1. Who can become an HQS in Russia?
A Highly Qualified Specialist is recognized as a foreign citizen who:
- Has unique experience and skills in their profession.
- Receives a salary above the established minimum (depending on the field of activity).
Important! The employer independently assesses the qualification based on:
- Diplomas, certificates.
- References from previous employers.
- Awards, publications, participation in conferences.
2. Minimum salary for HQS in 2025
| HQS Category | Minimum Salary |
|---|---|
| Standard case (most industries) | 750,000 RUB / quarter (from March 1, 2024) |
| Academic researchers, university lecturers | 83,500 RUB / month |
| IT specialists (accredited companies) | 83,500 RUB / month |
| HQS in technical-implementation SEZs | 58,500 RUB / month |
| HQS in Crimea and Sevastopol | 83,500 RUB / month |
| Medical workers, scientists in medical clusters | 1,000,000 RUB / year |
| Participants of "Skolkovo" and "Sirius" | No requirements |
3. How is HQS qualification confirmed?
The employer independently evaluates the specialist’s level using:
- Education documents (diplomas, certificates).
- References from previous employers.
- Patents, scientific publications, awards.
- Results of professional competitions.
Note: The law does not require mandatory submission of a diploma, but confirmation of education may be requested when processing documents.
Our company provides full support for HQS work permit processing. Details are available on our website.
4. Who can employ HQS?
- Russian commercial organizations.
- Accredited branches and representative offices of foreign companies.
- Scientific and educational institutions.
- Healthcare institutions.
- Sports organizations.
Note: Autonomous non-profit organizations (ANO) and individual entrepreneurs (IE) are not allowed to employ HQS.
5. Validity periods of HQS documents
Work permit:
- Issued for the duration of the employment contract, but not more than 3 years.
- Can be extended multiple times.
Work visa:
- Issued for the same term as the work permit.
- Granted based on a special invitation for HQS.
Important: If the specialist is already in Russia on a work visa, it can be extended for the period of the new HQS work permit.
6. Advantages of working under the HQS program
- No quota requirement for employment.
- Simplified work permit processing.
- Work permit valid for up to 3 years.
- Reduced personal income tax rate (13%). More on rates in our article.
- Eligibility for a residence permit.
7. What happens in case of early termination of the contract?
30-day period to find a new employer:
- The work permit and visa remain valid.
- A new contract can be signed with another employer.
If a new employer is found:
- Documents are automatically extended for the period of consideration of the new work permit application.
- The reissuance procedure is maximally simplified.
If no new employer is found:
- After 30 days, an additional 30 days are given to leave Russia.
- After this period, departure from the country is mandatory.
8. Is medical examination required?
Yes, passing a medical examination is a mandatory step:
- Within 30 days after entering Russia, an HQS must undergo:
- A medical check-up (to confirm absence of dangerous diseases and drug abuse).
- Fingerprinting.
Without this, the work permit may be annulled.
9. Fixed-term employment contract with HQS: when is it allowed?
Many employers mistakenly believe that a fixed-term contract must be concluded with HQS due to the limited validity of the work permit. Let’s clarify the real grounds under the Russian Labor Code (LC RF).
Main rule: An indefinite employment contract must be concluded.
- The work permit is not a ground for a fixed-term contract.
- The minimum employee age is 18.
Exceptions: Only in cases provided for by Article 59 of the LC RF.
When is a fixed-term contract possible?
Mandatory cases:
- Replacing a temporarily absent employee.
- Temporary work (up to 2 months).
- Seasonal work.
- Work abroad.
- Work in an organization with a limited term of activity.
By mutual agreement:
- In small businesses (<35 employees).
- With pensioners by age.
- For liquidation of emergencies (accidents, epidemics).
- With top management (director, deputy, chief accountant).
- With full-time students.
10. Grounds and terms for termination of employment with a foreign worker
In addition to general grounds provided by the LC RF for all employees, additional grounds apply to foreign workers:
| Ground | Terms & Conditions |
|---|---|
| Annulment of work permit | Contract ends on the date of event. |
| Expiry of work permit | Contract terminates 1 month after event; employee is suspended during this period. |
| Termination of medical insurance (VHI) or contract with medical institution (for temporary residents) | Same as above. |
| Bringing foreign worker numbers into compliance with legal limits | Termination no later than deadline set by regulation. |
| Inability to provide previous job after temporary transfer (Part 2 Art. 327.4 LC RF) | Written notice at least 3 calendar days before dismissal. |
| Impossibility of temporary transfer in an emergency (Part 3 Art. 327.4 LC RF) | Same as above. |
11. Part-time work for HQS: rules for registration and payment
HQS may work part-time, but special rules apply:
- A separate work permit for each organization.
- A separate work permit for each position within one company.
- Salary must meet HQS requirements for each position.
- These rules apply regardless of full-time or part-time status.
12. Family members of HQS
Who qualifies as a family member:
- Spouse, children (including adopted), children’s spouses, parents (including adoptive), parents’ spouses, grandparents, grandchildren.
While the HQS work permit is valid, family members may:
- Work in Russia if they have their own work permit (issued without quotas or additional permissions).
- Study in educational institutions in Russia.
13. VHI (Voluntary Health Insurance) for HQS and family members: requirements and consequences of absence
Who must be insured:
- The HQS.
- Family members who entered Russia with them.
Employer’s duties:
- Arrange VHI before the specialist starts work or sign a contract with a medical institution.
- Monitor policy validity.
VHI policy requirements:
- Validity: must match work permit term.
- Territory: must be valid in the region of HQS employment.
- Form: must meet Central Bank of Russia requirements (Instruction No. 3793-U of 13.09.2015).
Consequences of absence:
- Termination of employment 1 month after policy expiration.
- Inability to extend work permit.
- Separate policies are required for each family member for the entire stay in Russia.
14. Restrictions on employment of HQS: prohibited positions
Despite simplified employment conditions, restrictions exist:
Prohibited areas:
- Municipal service.
- Crews of:
Ships under the Russian flag.
Warships.
State-owned aircraft.
- Activities related to Russia’s security (per government list).
Special sector requirements:
- Trade: HQS may only hold managerial positions; must meet qualification requirements (Order No. 475n).
- Religious activities: complete ban on preaching, conducting rituals, and religious teaching.
- Accounting: HQS cannot be chief accountant (except if temporary/permanent resident).
Sector-specific quotas on foreign workers still apply.
15. Migration registration for HQS and their families
Special rules simplify HQS stay in Russia (Federal Law No. 109-FZ):
- No registration required for the first 90 days after arrival.
- No re-registration when moving to another region for up to 30 days.
- Must register within 7 business days if exceeding those periods.
16. Main obligations of HQS in Russia
Updating personal data:
- Deadline: 7 business days from change.
- Changes include name, passport details, job position.
Work specifics:
- Work only for the employer that obtained the permit.
- Work strictly in the profession stated in the permit.
- May work in multiple regions if specified in documents.
17. Residence permit for HQS and their families in Russia
A residence permit (RP) for HQS and families is issued for the term of the work permit but not exceeding passport validity.
Advantages:
- Visa-free entry/exit.
- Simplified migration registration (annual only).
- Faster citizenship - possible after 5 years.
- Right to invite foreign guests.
- Social guarantees - pensions, health insurance, social benefits.
Photo source: ru.freepik.com
For more information, please contact the consultants of the Confidence Group company.
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