How to employ a foreign citizen: a step-by-step guide

Employing foreign citizens is a long and complicated procedure, which consists of several stages, requires many documents, and may be different depending on the details. Read our step-by-step guide for employing a foreign citizen to get an idea of the process.

Categories of foreign workers

A foreign citizen can work as a highly qualified specialist, as well as get an above quota or quota position. Each requires a different procedure.

1. Highly qualified specialists receive wages of more than 2 million rubles a year, which is starting at 167 thousand rubles a month. They can hold any position.
2. Above quota employess receive less than 2 million rubles a year and can occupy one of the positions from the list of professions, which changes annually.
3. Quota employees receive less than 2 million rubles a year, and their positions are not included in the list of above quota professions. To employ them, the company must receive a quota.

How to employ highly qualified specialists

Highly qualified specialists’ employment process is simplified:

1. Submit documents for a work permit to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as the notice of signing an employment contract.
2. Receive confirmation that the Ministry of Internal Affairs received the documents.
3. Apply for a business invitation without waiting for the work permit to be issued.
4. Receive a work invitation and use it to get a work visa at the Russian Consulate abroad.
5. Pick up the work permit in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, accompanied by our representative.

Read more about the employment of highly qualified specialists in the section. «How to formally employ an HQS». All the steps above are included in the main package of services for employing highly qualified specialists with Travelmart .

How to employ quota and above quota specialists

The procedure for employment of foreign citizens for quota and above quota positions is the same, except for the first stage:

1. For quota positions: apply for a quota in the Department of Labour and Employment. Wait for their decision.

For above quota positions: register a vacancy at a local employment centre. Wait till the application is processed.

2. Submit the documents to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for obtaining a permit to employ foreign labour. We will receive the issued permit by proxy.

3. Submit documents to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for a work permit. If a foreign worker arrives from a country with a high risk of immigration, the company's general director must be interviewed by the Ministry of the Internal Affairs. Our representative will accompany you at the interview.

4. Submit the documents for accreditation of the company to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

5. With the confirmation that the documents for receiving a work permit were submitted, apply for a working invitation. Get a 3 month work visa at the Consulate of the Russian Federation abroad.

6. Obtain a work permit and issue a renewal of a work visa for a period of the work permit.

7. Submit a notice of employment within 3 days after the permit is issued and the employment contract is signed.

Read more about the quota and above quota employment in the sections «Above quota employment» и «Quota employment».