Work permit for HQS (Highly qualified specialist)

Work Permit for Highly Qualified Specialists in Russia

In the context of economic globalization and intense competition for highly skilled personnel, Russian companies increasingly face the need to attract foreign specialists of the highest caliber. Our company offers comprehensive legal services for processing work permits for Highly Qualified Specialists in full compliance with Russian legislation.

Before beginning the work permit application process, we invite you to review the advantages and differences between hiring foreign employees under the Highly Qualified Specialist program versus the standard procedure in the following article on our website.

What is a Highly Qualified Specialist Work Permit?

A Highly Qualified Specialist work permit is a special document allowing foreign professionals to work in Russia under preferential conditions.

Maximum Validity Period:

Unlike standard procedures where permits are valid for up to one year, Highly Qualified Specialist permits are issued for up to three years with unlimited extension possibilities without leaving Russia, valid for the duration of the employment or service contract.

Key Characteristics of Highly Qualified Specialist Permits:

• Fastest processing (work may begin within one month of application)
• Work visas issued for the permit duration (up to three years), including for family members
• Exemption from foreign labor quotas
• Permit validity across multiple Russian regions (for companies with branch offices)
• Simplified migration registration procedure
• Eligibility for simplified permanent residency application

Requirements for Highly Qualified Specialists (Article 13.2 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ):

Employment Terms and Minimum Salary Requirements for Highly Qualified Specialists:

Effective March 1, 2024, the minimum quarterly salary requirement is 750,000 rubles. Exceptions apply for certain categories:

Category	Minimum Monthly Salary
Standard Highly Qualified Specialist	250,000 rubles
Researchers and Teachers	83,500 rubles
IT Specialists	83,500 rubles
Technopark Residents	58,500 rubles
Skolkovo Project Participants	No requirements

What Constitutes Highly Qualified Specialist Salary?

The salary of a Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) is the primary criterion for classifying a foreign worker as an HQS. In accordance with Article 129 of the Russian Labor Code, wages (employee remuneration) consist of compensation for labor based on the employee’s qualifications, complexity, quantity, quality, and working conditions, as well as compensatory payments.

Under Article 129 of the Labor Code, wages include:

1. Base salary (fixed rate)

2. Incentive payments (bonuses, rewards, etc.)

3. Compensatory payments (allowances and additional payments of a compensatory nature), such as:Work in special climatic conditions

• Work in areas with radioactive contamination
  

• Use of the employee’s own tools/equipment

• Work in hazardous or dangerous conditions
  
• Handling state secretsWork under irregular conditions (e.g., multi-skilled tasks, job combinations, overtime, night shifts, etc.)
  
• Other payments stipulated by the wage system

Income of a Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS)

The income of an HQS refers to all payments received by the specialist from a Russian tax agent. This includes payments under both employment contracts and civil-law contracts (e.g., service agreements).

Tax Rates on HQS Income in 2025

For both residents and non-residents classified as HQS, personal income tax (NDFL) is withheld at the following progressive rates:

• 13% – on annual income up to 2.4 million ₽
• 15% – on income between 2.4–5 million ₽
• 18% – on income between 5–20 million ₽
• 20% – on income between 20–50 million ₽
• 22% – on income above 50 million ₽
• 30% – on other non-employment income (e.g., dividends, rental income, etc.)

Reporting HQS Income in Form 6-NDFL
HQS income must be reported in Sections 1 and 2 of Form 6-NDFL:

• Line 115 – Total income accrued to HQS
• Line 142 – Total NDFL calculated and withheld from HQS

You can review the 2025 Unified Social Fund contribution rates for foreign nationals working in Russia in the following article on our website.

Who Can Hire Highly Qualified Specialists?

• Russian commercial organizations
• Accredited branches of foreign companies
• Scientific and educational institutions
• Healthcare organizations
• Sports organizations

Note: Non-profit organizations and individual entrepreneurs cannot hire Highly Qualified Specialists.

Highly Qualified Specialist Application Process:

1. Employer evaluates specialist qualifications

2. Employment/service contract is signed

3. Documents are submitted to MVD

4. Employer notifies MVD of contract

5. Employer registers with MVD

6. Work visa invitation is processed

7. Specialist applies for visa at Russian consulate

8. Specialist enters Russia

9. Migration registration is completed

10. Medical examination and fingerprinting are conducted

11. Specialist receives work permit in person from MVD

Processing Cost:

From 50,000 rubles, plus:

• 4,200 rubles state fee
• Document translation and notarization
• Medical examination and dactyloscopy procedure services
• Visa processing
• Other necessary services

1.   Consulting Support:

• Analysis of candidate qualifications for the Highly Qualified Specialist program
•  Explanation of all aspects of labor and migration legislation
•  Assistance in determining the optimal processing scheme

2. Document Preparation:

• Assistance in drafting and reviewing employment contracts
•  Preparation of employer petitions
•  Drafting of guarantees and commitment letters
•  Document legalization and translation

3. Government Agency Interaction:

• Submission of documents to migration services
•  Monitoring of processing timelines
•  Resolution of issues with officials
•  Collection of completed documents

4. Additional Services:

• Medical insurance processing
•  Work visas for family members
•  Assistance with medical examinations and fingerprinting
•  Migration registration support
•  Tax consultation services
•  Permit extension services

Processing Timeline:

Standard work permit for HQS processing time is 14 working days from the date of submitting documents to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD).

Total Timeline for Full Legalization is from 1.5 Months.

When hiring an HQS, employers must account for additional steps, including:

• Contract Preparation & Signing
• Drafting and signing the employment/civil-law contract (must meet HQS salary requirements).
• Work Visa Invitation
• Submission and approval of the work visa invitation (processed by the MVD).
• Work Visa Issuance
• The foreign specialist must apply for a work visa at a Russian consulate abroad (processing time varies by country).
• Medical Examination & Fingerprinting
• Mandatory medical tests (for infectious diseases) and fingerprinting in Russia (after arrival).

Can Processing Be Expedited?

In some cases, certain steps may be accelerated. For tailored solutions and faster processing, consult Confidence Group’s immigration experts.

Required Documents:

1. Employer petition (original with stamp)

2. Expense reimbursement guarantee

3. Employment contract (3 originals)

4. Notarized passport translation

5. Photo (30×40 mm color)

6. Notarized company documents

7. Health insurance (valid for contract duration)

8. State duty payment receipt

Employment Contract with a Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) – Key Requirements

1. Language Requirements - Must be drafted in Russian or as a bilingual version (Russian version is mandatory).

2. Position & Classification - Must specify that the employee is hired as an HQS in a position corresponding to OKPDTR* (Russian classifier of occupations).

Note: The job title in the work permit may differ from OKPDTR. In such cases, the MVD Migration Department will list the official OKPDTR title on the permit and note the actual position under "Special Remarks."

3. Contract Duration - Indefinite-term (unless a fixed-term contract is justified under Article 59 of the Labor Code).

4. Effective Date - The contract becomes valid only after the HQS obtains a work permit.

5. Minimum Salary - At least 250,000 ₽/month (in RUB only), except for special cases (e.g., IT specialists, researchers, etc.).

6. Employer’s Obligations - Provide private health insurance (DMS) for the HQS and family members (even if they are not accompanying the specialist).

7. Signing Requirements - Must be signed by both the employer and the HQS.

8. Employee’s Full Name - Must match the notarized passport translation, petition, and employer’s guarantee letter.

9. Number of Copies - 3 original copies (all equally valid).


Additional Notes

•  Fixed-term contracts are allowed only under Article 59 of the Labor Code (e.g., temporary projects, seasonal work).
• Employers may also use a civil-law contract (GPC) with an HQS (subject to separate requirements, find in the foolowing article on our website).

Requirements for Voluntary Health Insurance (VMI) Policy for Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS)

A Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) and accompanying family members must be insured under a Voluntary Health Insurance (VMI) policy from the day of entry into the Russian Federation. Interruption of insurance coverage, even for a few days, throughout the entire period of the HQS’s employment (including for accompanying family members) is not permitted and may result in denial of documents for work permit renewal.

You can review the requirements for Voluntary Health Insurance (VMI) in the following article on our website.

Obtaining a Work Permit for a Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS)

A work permit is issued only upon the foreign national's personal visit to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) office. During this process, Confidence Group representatives provide full accompaniment for the foreign citizen to ensure a smooth and compliant procedure.

Work Visa for Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS)

The HQS work visa is issued for the validity period of the work permit (maximum 3 years). It is granted based on:

• An invitation letter for entering Russia for employment purposes, which is processed simultaneously with the HQS work permit application; or
• An extended HQS work permit.

Key features:

• Maximum duration: 3 years (matching the work permit validity)
• Issued either with initial work permit processing, or when renewing an existing permit

The visa allows multiple entries to Russia throughout its validity period.

For detailed information about HQS work visa requirements and processing, please refer to the dedicated section on our website.

⚠️ The visa expiration date cannot exceed the work permit's validity period. Early visa termination occurs if the work permit is revoked.

Work Visa Invitation for Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS)

Validity Period:
The invitation is issued for the duration of the employment or civil law contract for work/services, but not exceeding three years.

Processing Time:
Standard processing takes 14 working days. The invitation is issued after submission of documents for the work permit application and is sent electronically to the designated Russian Consulate.

Key Requirements:

Company Registration: The employer must register with the relevant MVD (Ministry of Internal Affairs) office. This requires submission of a specified set of documents and personal visit by the company director for fn introductory interview, signing a document acknowledging employer liability for violations of foreign national employment and stay regulations

For detailed information about HQS work visa invitation requirements and procedures, please visit the dedicated section on our website.

Medical Examination, Fingerprinting and Photo Registration Procedure for HQS

Mandatory Procedures: Fingerprinting registration, Photographing, Medical examination (including tests for infectious diseases and drug use)

Deadline for Completion: 

• Must be completed within 30 calendar days after entering Russia

•  Must be finalized before obtaining the work permit

Submission of Results: All medical certificates and biometric data must be submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD)

Important Notes:

• The medical examination must be conducted at accredited medical institutions recognized by Russian authorities
• Fingerprinting is performed only at authorized MVD centers
• Delays in completing these procedures may result in: Fines, Work permit application rejection, Potential deportation

Special Considerations:

•  Some medical tests may require multiple visits (e.g., TB testing)

•  HIV test results are valid for 3 months only

•  The entire process typically takes 3-5 working days to complete

For detailed information about: List of authorized medical centers, Required documents, Exceptions and special cases, please refer to the dedicated article on our website. Our experts can also provide personalized guidance on navigating these requirements efficiently.

Employment Restrictions for Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS)

Highly qualified specialists cannot:

1. Hold positions in municipal service
2. Be part of crews on vessels under the Russian flag (according to the Merchant Shipping Code), Russian warships, or state aviation aircraft
3. Engage in other types of activities with restricted access for foreigners
   
4. Work as:

• Commanders of civil aircraft (except in cases provided by law)

• Employees in organizations related to ensuring Russia's security (as per the Government's list)

Specifics of Engaging Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS) in the Trade Sector

For employment in the trade sector, HQS must comply with:

• The list of approved positions (per Order of the Ministry of Labor No. 475n dated September 23, 2013)

• Qualification requirements

⚠️ Even for HQS, restrictions on the permissible share of foreign workers apply for certain types of activities (by OKVED codes). Confidence Group consultants verify the possibility of engaging an HQS before initiating the documentation process.

Restrictions for HQS in Specific Activity SectorsReligious Activities:

Strict prohibition on engaging HQS for:

• Preaching/proselytizing
• Conducting religious services/rituals
• Religious education/upbringing

Exception: Permitted in secular educational institutions

Accounting:

• Chief accountant positions may only be held by foreigners who:
• Are temporary residents (with Temporary Residence Permit - RVP) or
• Are permanent residents (with Permanent Residence Permit - VNZh)

HQS with temporary stay status cannot hold these positions.

Categories of Foreign Nationals Exempt from HQS Work Permit Requirements

1. Staff of Foreign Representations:

• Accredited employees of foreign company representative offices
• Diplomats and consular officers
• Personnel of international organizations
• Domestic staff of diplomats
  

2. Technical Specialists

• Installation and service engineers of foreign manufacturers

• Equipment warranty service specialists

3. Special Professional Categories

• Accredited journalists
• Students working during academic breaks
• Visiting professors (excluding religious educational institutions)

4. EAEU Citizens

• Nationals of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan

⚠️ These categories are subject to special employment regulations that differ from standard HQS procedures.

Need confirmation of your exempt status? Confidence Group provides eligibility assessments.

Employer Obligations When Hiring HQS (Highly Qualified Specialists)

1. Notification of Contract Conclusion/Termination

• Deadline: Within 3 working days from the date of signing/terminating the employment contract.
• Where to Report: To the local migration authorities (MVD).

2. Quarterly Salary Reporting

• Deadline: No later than the last working day of the month following the end of the reporting quarter (e.g., for Q1, report by April 30).
• What to Report: Confirmation that the HQS received the minimum required salary (≥ ₽250,000/month).

3. Additional Employer Responsibilities

• Provide Private Health Insurance (DMS) for the HQS and family members (even if they are not in Russia).
• Ensure Compliance with Migration Laws (e.g., valid work permits, visa extensions, medical exams).
• Cover Deportation Costs (if the HQS violates migration rules and is expelled).

⚠️ Penalties for Non-Compliance:

• Fines (up to ₽1 million for legal entities).

• Ban on Hiring Foreign Workers (temporary or permanent).

• Revocation of HQS Work Permit.

Need Assistance? Confidence Group provides full legal support for HQS hiring, reporting, and compliance.

Obligations of a Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS)

1. Updating personal data

• Deadline: No later than 7 working days from the date of changes.
• What to update: Full name or passport details, сhange of position.

2. Employment restrictions

• Work only in the profession specified in the work permit.
• Activity only in the permitted constituent entity of the Russian Federation.
• Compliance with the stated purposes of entry when obtaining the visa.

3. Financial reporting (for Russian tax residents)

• Submission of information about foreign bank accounts;
• Compliance with currency control legislation.

4. Compliance with deadlines

• Period of stay in the Russian Federation;
• Validity of permits and authorizations.

⚠️ Violation of these obligations entails:

• For the employer: Fines up to 1 million rubles;
• For the specialist: Fines up to 7,000 rubles with administrative deportation from the Russian Federation.

Rights and Opportunities for Family Members of Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS) in Russia

Who is considered a family member of an HQS:

According to Russian legislation, family members of an HQS include: Spouse, Children (including adopted children), Children's spouses, Parents (including adoptive parents), Parents' spouses, Grandparents, Grandchildren.

Rights of HQS Family Members in the Russian Federation

Migration Registration Deadlines for HQS at Place of Stay

Federal Law No. 109-FZ establishes preferential migration registration rules for Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS) and their family members in Russia. Below are key regulations and deadlines to avoid penalties.

• For HQS already registered at a residence address or with migration authorities:
• ≤30 days in new region: No re-registration required
• >30 days: Must register at new address within 7 working days after the 30-day period ends

Key Requirement:
The 7-day countdown begins after the initial 30-day grace period expires.

3. How to Apply for Migration Registration (Registration)?

After the expiration of the grace period (90 or 30 days), it is necessary:

1. Find a receiving party (employer, hotel, landlord).

2. Submit a notification to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) or through the Gosuslugi portal.

3. Complete this within 7 working days - otherwise, a fine will be imposed.

Important: The fine for violation is up to 7,000 rubles (Article 18.8 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

You can familiarize yourself with the requirements for registering HQS for migration registration in the next section of our website.

Why Entrust Highly Qualified Specialist Processing to Professionals?

1. Guaranteed compliance with all migration law requirements

2. Minimized risk of permit denial

3. Reduction of processing times to the minimum possible

4. Full support at all stages of the procedure

5. Individual approach for each client

For further details regarding the registration of Highly Qualified Specialists, please refer to the next article on our company's website.

Challenges in Obtaining an HQS Work Permit

The process of securing a work permit for an HQS is:
✅ Highly complex – Requires coordination with multiple government agencies
✅ Time-consuming – Involves extensive document preparation and processing
✅ Legally intensive – Demands in-depth knowledge of migration legislation
⚠️ High-risk – Violations may result in fines of up to 1,000,000 RUB

Contact us today to streamline your HQS registration process.

Why Choose Confidence Group?

• Over 18 years of experience in migration law
• Guarantee of compensation for administrative fines caused by our errors
• 98% success rate in Highly Qualified Specialist cases
• Over 10,000 Highly Qualified Specialists processed
• Personal attorney assigned to each client
• Strict adherence to deadlines
• Confidentiality and personal data protection

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