The Russian Interior Ministry has drafted an order regulating the mechanism for monitoring the earnings of foreign workers. The document has been published for public discussion, which will last until 15 September. From 1 October 2026, the tax service will begin transmitting data on migrants' incomes, and the ministry will verify their compliance with established norms.
The new norms have been developed in pursuance of amendments to Federal Law No. 115-FZ "On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation." From 1 October 2026, tax authorities will begin transmitting to the Interior Ministry information on migrants' incomes for three, six, nine and twelve months of the calendar year, as well as data on the amount of professional income for the year (more details in our news item).
On the basis of the information received, territorial subdivisions of the Interior Ministry will carry out verification measures. According to the draft, the decision to initiate a check is taken by an authorised employee of the migration division within three working days from the moment of receiving notification of the absence or insufficient level of income.
The launch of a check will be communicated electronically to both the foreign national and their employer or client for services – via the internet or the Gosuslugi portal. The parties are given three working days to submit additional data on the remuneration received.
During the check, officials have the right to send interdepartmental requests to other bodies. Based on the results, a conclusion is drawn up confirming or not confirming the fact of the absence or shortfall of income. The result is sent to the worker and the employer in electronic form within one working day.
The total duration of the check must not exceed 30 working days. To record all control actions, a special journal is to be kept, and where technically possible, an automated system is to be used.
The order is planned to enter into force on 1 October 2026 – simultaneously with the start of the mandatory transmission by the tax service of data on the incomes of foreign citizens in accordance with Federal Law No. 241-FZ
Frequently asked questions:
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From what date does the Interior Ministry begin checking the incomes of foreign workers?
From 1 October 2026. It is from that date that tax authorities will begin transmitting income data to the Interior Ministry, and the corresponding order enters into force. -
What income must a foreign worker in Russia have?
The income must meet the sufficiency criterion: from 2027 it must be no lower than the regional subsistence minimum multiplied by a coefficient, taking into account the maintenance of dependants. If the income is below the norm, this may result in the annulment of the patent or work permit. -
Within what time does the Interior Ministry decide to check incomes?
The decision to conduct a check is taken within 3 working days from the day notification is received in the state information system of migration registration of the absence or insufficiency of the income level. -
What is the time limit for conducting a check of migrants' incomes?
The total period of the check must not exceed 30 working days from the day the authorised official takes the decision to conduct it. -
How is a foreign worker notified of an income check?
The notification is sent in electronic form via the internet or the Gosuslugi portal. The result of the check is notified on the day following the adoption of the decision. -
What income data does the Federal Tax Service transmit to the Interior Ministry?
The tax service transmits information on accrued payments and remuneration from insurance contribution calculations for 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. For self-employed migrants (professional income tax), annual data from the "Moy Nalog" app. -
What happens if a foreign worker's income turns out to be insufficient?
This will become grounds for the refusal to issue, refusal to reissue or annulment of the patent (work permit), and from 1 March 2027 – for recognising the employment contract as terminated. The foreign national and their family will have to leave Russia within 15 days.
For more information, please contact the consultants of the Confidence Group company.
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