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Starting January 1, 2026, Russian employers are required to apply a new federal minimum wage (MROT) of 27,093 rubles. This constitutes an increase of 20.7% or 4,653 rubles compared to the current 2025 figure of 22,440 rubles. The law's goal is to ensure income growth for approximately 4.6 million workers.
For business, this change signifies not just a simple adjustment of figures in payrolls but also necessitates a comprehensive review of financial and personnel processes.
For business, this change signifies not just a simple adjustment of figures in payrolls but also necessitates a comprehensive review of financial and personnel processes.
What Changes in Practice for Business
The minimum wage increase is a systemic change affecting several key aspects:
- Increase in Labor Cost Expenditures: recalculation is required for all employees with salaries tied to the minimum wage. This will affect not only low-paid workers but may also require revising the entire pay scale to maintain gradations.
- Increase in Tax Burden and Contributions: the growth of the base for calculating social insurance contributions to the Pension Fund, Social Insurance Fund, and Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund will become a significant additional expense item.
- Automatic Revision of a Number of Payments: according to legislation, the amount of certain benefits (e.g., temporary disability benefits with insufficient service record) as well as regional minimum wage levels, which cannot be lower than the federal value, depend on the minimum wage.
- Need for Urgent Document Audit: employment contracts, addenda, staffing schedules, and remuneration regulations require verification and alignment with the new law before the start of 2026.
Risks of Inaction: failure to adapt promptly threatens serious consequences — from claims and fines by the State Labor Inspectorate (GIT) to additional assessments of insurance contributions and litigation with employees.
Businesses have only a few days left to prepare documents and calculations. Proactive measures will minimize operational complexities and financial risks.
- Our experts offer an Urgent HR and Legal Audit. We will check your employment contracts and internal regulations for compliance with the new minimum wage and compile an exhaustive list of necessary changes.
Important Clarification: Some regions of Russia (e.g., Moscow, St. Petersburg, northern territories) establish their own regional minimum wage, which cannot be lower than the federal one. Our experts will advise on applying the correct value in your federal subject.
Submit a request on our website to receive an express adaptation plan for your company to the new minimum wage. Acsour specialists will help you start 2026 confidently and in full compliance with the law.
