The right to multiple entry into the Russian Federation of foreign employees, Highly Qualified Specialists

LEGAL DIGEST, NEWS \ 25.02.2021

The Government of the Russian Federation has abolished the restriction on the single entry into the Russian Federation of persons engaged in labour activities as highly qualified specialists, and members of their families in its Edict.

In order for a highly qualified specialist (HQS) to enter the Russian Federation, the employer has to send an informational letter to the relevant Ministry to which the company’s activities relate. The letter must contain the following information:

• name of the employer company, its taxpayer ID number (Russian acronym – INN) and legal address;
• full name of the specialist and his / her passport data;
• the country of origin and citizenship of HQS;
• reason for entry;
• date and place of border crossing;
• itinerary of travel;
• period of stay;
• address of the intended place of stay;
• availability of a visa.

Copies of documents confirming the status of the entrants should be attached to the letter (passport, valid labour contract or civil law contract, work permit and visa, if available).

After receiving the letter, the Ministry sends the list of HQS to the bodies of the Federal Security Service and of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. If the application is approved, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation informs the employer that the foreign specialist is included in the list and it is possible to proceed to the procedure for issuing an invitation and a work permit (in the absence of these documents). The bodies of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation send the received lists to the Border Inspection Post of the Russian Federation within 5 working days.

Please note that if the HQS is not included in this list, then he or she will not be able to enter the Russian Federation. In the matters of registration of foreign specialists, please contact Acsour Legal Department.