Reduction in the share of foreign workers in 2026: full overview

The Decree of the Government of Russia dated December 5, 2025 No. 1995 "On establishing for 2026 the permissible share of foreign workers used by business entities engaged in certain types of economic activities on the territory of the Russian Federation" has been published.

The document, signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, introduces new sectoral and regional limits.

Sectoral limits and new bans

According to the decree, key changes will affect the construction sector, agriculture, and trade. The share of foreign workers in construction is reduced fr om 80% to 50%. In vegetable growing and the forestry sector, the limit is lowered to 40%.

The employment of migrants in the retail sale of alcohol and tobacco in specialized stores is completely prohibited, with the exception of Moscow, wh ere their share must not exceed 15%. The ban on migrant work in markets, non-stationary retail outlets, and pharmacies also remains in place. In freight and passenger transportation, foreigners can account for no more than 24% of personnel.

Regional specifics and liability for violations

The quotas have a pronounced regional specificity. A number of regions have introduced additional bans on the use of foreign labor in certain industries.

Employers are required to bring the number of foreign employees into compliance with the new rules before the start of 2026. Non-compliance with the limits threatens companies with administrative liability: a fine fr om 800 thousand to 1 million rubles or suspension of activities for up to 90 days. Officials may be fined from 45 to 50 thousand rubles.

Read more in our article.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What new limits for foreign workers will be introduced from 2026?
   From 2026, the permissible share of foreigners in construction is reduced to 50%, in vegetable growing and the forestry sector - to 40%. In freight and passenger transportation - no more than 24%.

2. In which areas will migrant work be completely prohibited in 2026?
   Work is completely prohibited in the retail sale of alcohol and tobacco (except for Moscow with a 15% lim it), in markets, non-stationary retail outlets, and pharmacies.

3. Will there be regional exceptions in the new rules for migrants?
   Yes. For example, in Moscow, foreigners can be hired for alcohol sales (up to 15%).

4. What fine does a company face for exceeding the migrant quota?
   A company faces a fine from 800 thousand to 1 million rubles or suspension of activities for a period from 14 to 90 days. An official is fined 45-50 thousand rubles.

5. By what date must excess foreign workers be dismissed?
   Employers are required to bring the number of foreign workers into compliance with the new limits before the start of 2026.

6. Why are limits for foreign workers being tightened?
   According to experts, this is done to create priority for the employment of Russian citizens and reduce competition in the labor market.

7. Have the limits for foreigners in construction changed?
   Yes, the construction limits have been reduced from 80% to 50%.

For more information, please contact the consultants of the Confidence Group company.

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