Starting September 1, 2026, new notification forms for hiring and dismissing foreign workers will come into effect, approved by Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Order No. 290 dated May 12, 2026. At the same time, new income requirements for labor migrants will take effect from January 1, 2027, and from March 1, 2027, the minimum salary threshold for highly qualified specialists will increase significantly. Here's what is changing and how your business should prepare.
What Changes from September 1, 2026
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has updated the notification forms that employers must submit when hiring and dismissing foreign workers. The differences from the current forms are minimal, but there are important details.
In the notification of concluding an employment contract (appendices No. 7 and 8 to the order), you now need to state its term. This is a new requirement worth noting.
In the report on salary payments to highly qualified specialists (appendix No. 5), a field for the specialist's Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) has been added, while information about their profession has been removed.
Additionally, separate consents for personal data processing must now be attached to notifications. Previously, such consents were included within the forms themselves. This change requires employers to pay extra attention to document preparation.
The new forms will remain valid until September 1, 2032.
New Income Requirements for Migrants from January 1, 2027
The State Duma has passed a bill in its third reading that significantly tightens requirements for labor migrants in Russia.
From January 1, 2027, foreign nationals working in Russia will be required to support themselves and their family members living in Russia at a level not lower than the regional subsistence minimum, adjusted for regional coefficients.
The Federal Tax Service will send income data for foreign nationals to the Ministry of Internal Affairs quarterly, starting October 1, 2026. If the information is not provided or the income falls below the required level, patents will not be issued or will be revoked. In such cases, foreigners with minor children will be required to leave Russia within 15 days, unless they have other grounds for temporary stay.
Similar rules will apply to work permits. The only exception is for foreign specialists applying for such documents for the first time.
Low income over the course of a year may also become grounds for refusing or revoking a temporary residence permit. This rule does not apply if a foreigner has been dismissed and then rehired within 3 months, provided that their income during the work period did not fall below the minimum threshold.
What Changes from March 1, 2027
From March 1, 2027, the salary thresholds for highly qualified specialists are set to be updated.
The minimum remuneration for most HQS will increase nearly threefold to 717,000 rubles per month (currently — 750,000 rubles per quarter). For certain categories — research scientists, teachers, medical professionals, and some others — the threshold will be set at 358,500 rubles per month. Currently, this amount varies depending on the category of personnel.
The new amounts are planned to be indexed annually based on the growth rate of average monthly wages in the country.
In practice, this means migration authorities will require salary compliance with the new minimum levels from January 1, 2027. Employers will need to amend employment contracts for previously hired HQS.
What Fines Apply for Violations
Failure to comply with the procedure or form for notifying the hiring or dismissal of a foreign worker carries significant fines:
for officials — from 35,000 to 50,000 rubles;
for organizations — from 400,000 to 800,000 rubles, or suspension of operations for 14 to 90 days.
Violations in reporting salary payments to highly qualified specialists carry even higher fines:
for officials — from 35,000 to 70,000 rubles;
for legal entities — from 400,000 to 1,000,000 rubles.
How to Prepare Your Business
Update notification forms. From September 1, 2026, use only the new forms approved by Ministry of Internal Affairs Order No. 290.
Verify the income of foreign workers. From January 1, 2027, their income must meet the regional subsistence minimum, adjusted for regional coefficients.
Review employment contracts with HQS. Ensure salaries meet the new minimum thresholds that will take effect from March 1, 2027.
Amend contracts for previously hired HQS if their current salary does not meet the new threshold.
Arrange for separate consent for personal data processing to be attached to notifications.
Set up internal processes for timely and accurate completion of the new notification forms.
How Acsour Can Help Your Business
Acsour experts are ready to help you adapt to the new requirements:
provide advice on completing and submitting notifications using the new forms;
audit employment contracts with foreign workers for compliance with new requirements;
assist with amending contracts and setting up processes for interaction with migration authorities.
Submit a request — our experts will audit your documents and help you adapt to the changes.