Russian President has signed the Federal law (#86 FZ from 19 May 2010) seeking to improve regulation of foreign labor migration.
The law also seeks to protect Russia's labor market from excessive foreign labor supply and envisages preferential treatment for migrants entering from countries which have a visa-free regime with Russia.
Under the law, a work permit is to be issued for highly-qualified workers for the duration of their labor agreement. The maximum duration of a work permit is set at three years. This period can be extended for up to three years each time. The law contains a requirement for the minimum annual salary of a highly-qualified worker, set at 2 million rubles (aprox. 55,000 euros).
A foreign specialist and all members of his or her family are required to have voluntary health insurance, valid for the period of their stay in Russia. The income of a foreign specialist is to be subject to a 13% taxat the same flat rate as residents (rather than the current 30 per cent. At present, only those foreigners who have worked in Russia longer than six months are entitled to an equal rate with residents).
Labor migrants who legally enter Russia from countries which have a visa-free regime with Russia and are registered at the place of their temporary residence must receive work permits at the Federal Migration Service. A work permit can be issued for up to one year.
To work for individuals, foreign citizens are required to buy a license from the Federal Migration Service for between one and three months. The license can be prolonged for up to three months each time, but has a limit of 12 months. The cost of the license is 1,000 rubles a month (aprox. 30 euros).
Employers are required to inform migration authorities about hiring a foreign worker, terminating a labor agreement with a foreign worker, and about providing an unpaid vacation lasting over a month during one year to a foreign worker.
These policies are targeted to encourage a 'brain influx' to Russia. They might boost foreign professionals' interest in Russia as a potential work destination.