Immigration
A patent-based labour migration system with strict registration
Entry and stay are governed by the 2002 Law on the legal status of foreign citizens. Visa-free nationals from most CIS states work on a monthly patent, others need a work permit or highly qualified specialist status, and migration registration is mandatory.
Key rules
- Visa-free CIS nationals must obtain a patent and pay its monthly advance to keep it valid.
- Highly qualified specialist status requires a salary threshold and gives simplified treatment.
- Migration registration at the place of stay is the host's duty and is fineable.
- Temporary residence permits are quota-limited; residence permits are now generally indefinite.
Governing law
- Federal Law No. 115-FZ on the legal status of foreign citizens (2002)
- Federal Law No. 109-FZ on migration registration (2006)
- Federal Law No. 62-FZ on citizenship (2023)New citizenship law from 2023.
In practice
A patent lapses automatically if a single monthly payment is late, and the loss of status is what turns a working migrant into an overstayer with an entry ban, so the payment receipts matter more than the card.