A draft law has been submitted to the State Duma that changes the procedure for paying wages to foreign citizens and stateless persons working in Russia. The document was published in the parliament's electronic database on October 28.
What the authors of the initiative propose
The draft law proposes supplementing Article 136 of the Labor Code of Russia with a new part four. According to the amendments, wages to foreign citizens and stateless persons must be paid only to a bank account opened in their name with a Russian credit institution. Payment of such wages in cash is proposed to be banned regardless of whether the employee holds a residence permit. The law is scheduled to enter into force on March 1, 2027.
How the issue is regulated now
Under the current part three of Article 136 of the Labor Code of Russia, wages are paid, as a rule, at the place of work, and are transferred to an account upon the employee's application - that is, cash is permissible. For foreigners, much depends on currency status: settlements in cash with employees who do not hold a residence permit (currency non-residents) are already not allowed in accordance with the law on currency control - the Federal Tax Service explained this in July 2026. Foreigners with a residence permit are classified as currency residents and are currently entitled to receive wages in cash.
Goals of the initiative
According to the authors' intent, a single requirement for all foreign workers and stateless persons will make it possible to monitor the actual amount and regularity of payments, as well as to verify whether the employer pays all taxes and insurance contributions. In addition, the amendments will ensure documented transfer of wages to bank accounts with Russian credit institutions and create additional opportunities for monitoring the actual amount of payments.
Frequently asked questions:
1. From what year will foreigners with a residence permit be banned from receiving cash wages?
Bill No. 21167-9 proposes introducing the ban from March 1, 2027. That is the date the authors of the initiative indicated as the planned date for the law to enter into force.
2. Who will be affected by the ban on cash payments?
All foreign citizens and stateless persons working in Russia, regardless of whether they hold a residence permit (RP). Currently the restriction applies only to foreigners without an RP (currency non-residents), while RP holders may receive wages in cash.
3. Can an employer currently pay cash wages to a foreigner without a residence permit?
No. Under Federal Law No. 173-FZ, foreigners without an RP are currency non-residents, and settlements with them must be made only through bank accounts with authorized banks. Paying cash wages to such an employee is a violation of currency legislation.
4. What fine is faced for paying cash wages to a foreigner without a residence permit?
Under part 1 of Article 15.25 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Russia, the fine ranges from 20% to 40% of the amount of the illegal currency transaction. For officials — from 20% to 40%, but not more than 30,000 rubles. Each cash payment constitutes a separate offense.
5. What is the difference between paying wages to a foreigner with and without a residence permit?
A foreigner with an RP is considered a currency resident - they may be paid in cash. A foreigner without an RP (including citizens of the EAEU) is a currency non-resident, and their wages are paid only by bank transfer. The new bill proposes to equalize both categories and ban cash for everyone.
6. What will change for employers after the law enters into force?
Employers will be obliged to transfer wages to foreign workers only to a bank account opened in the employee's name with a Russian credit institution. Cash payments will become impossible for all categories of foreigners.
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