New rules for hiring migrants in Russia

On January 1, 2027, a new procedure for hiring foreign workers comes into force in Russia, which will change the labor market. A ban on unrestricted hiring will be introduced in 87 regions, with the exception of Moscow and the Moscow Region. Foreign nationals will be recruitable only through organized recruitment overseen by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The system предусматривает the creation of registers for employers and foreign workers, which will allow the state to monitor labor migration more effectively. Employers must register in a special register, while migrants must register in the Register of Foreign Workers (RIR). Accounts are valid for one year, creating additional barriers to legal employment. Each participant will receive an identification card, and the period of stay for foreign nationals will depend on their visa or the validity of their account.

If a foreign national changes region, occupation, or employer, they will be removed from the RIR. A new application can be submitted only after one year. Removal is also possible if the employer is unable to establish the migrant’s whereabouts for more than 3 working days.

Organized recruitment will be paid. The fees will be:

🔹 30,000 ₽ to change the purpose of a visit to employment;  
🔹 15,000 ₽ to add an organization to the register of employers;  
🔹 1,000 ₽ for individuals and to add a migrant to the RIR;  
🔹 5,000 ₽ for an identification card.  

The Ministry of Internal Affairs expects annual revenues of 22 billion ₽ from the new measures. Personal income tax for a foreign worker will be a fixed advance payment of 1,200 ₽ per month, indexed by region, with an additional payment for dependents.

The initiative is aimed at legalizing migrants’ illegal work. If successful, a larger number of migrants will begin paying personal income tax. Spontaneous migration is gradually being replaced by managed formats, and the employer’s role in migration policy is growing. Businesses are being made responsible for the legal status, adaptation, and actual employment of foreign workers.