The Russian government has approved an increase in quotas for foreign workers for 2026. The corresponding Decree No. 1920 was signed on November 28, 2025.
The quota for the next year is set at 278,940 invitations for entry and 278,940 work permits for foreign citizens arriving in Russia on the basis of a visa.
The quota volume has increased by 19%. Compared to 2025, the government has raised the limit by 44 thousand permits. This decision is aimed at covering the labor shortage in economic priority sectors and professional skill groups.
The previously approved quotas for 2025amounted to 234,958 work permits. The new figures demonstrate a significant increase in attracting visa-based foreign specialists to the Russian labor market.
Frequently asked questions:
1: What quotas for foreign workers are approved for 2026?
For 2026, quotas of 278,940 invitations for entry and 278,940 work permits are approved for foreign citizens arriving in Russia on the basis of a visa.
2: How much have the quotas increased compared to 2025?
The quotas have been increased by 44,000 units, which is a 19% growth compared to 2025, when the limit was 234,940 permits.
3: When does the submission of applications from employers for the 2026 quotas begin?
Typically, applications from employers start being accepted at the end of the current year or the beginning of the planned year.
4: What is the liability for violating quotas for attracting foreign workers?
Hiring a foreign worker without a work permit entails administrative liability for the employer under Article 18.15 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, with substantial fines, and in some cases, suspension of activities.
Photo source: https://ru.freepik.com/
For more information, please contact the consultants of the Confidence Group company.
* The texts of the newsletters are intellectual property of Confidence Group, protected by the copyright laws of Russia. The information may not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without linking to this web site or to pages of this website.
