Russia May Expand Grounds for Foreigners to Obtain Residency
The Ministry of Economic Development’s draft law on expanding grounds for simplified residency (permanent residence permit) in Russia represents a significant step in the country’s migration policy development. Current legislation limits the simplified residency process primarily to university graduates who completed full-time studies with honors.
The proposed changes substantially broaden this category, which, according to the developers, is expected to improve the “quality of migration flows,” attracting highly qualified specialists and contributing to Russia’s economic development.
The draft law proposes granting simplified PRP rights to foreigners who have obtained education in Russian state educational institutions, regardless of the study format (full-time, part-time, evening classes) and without requiring an honors degree.
This applies not only to higher educational institutions but also to vocational institutions – technical schools, colleges, training institutes, lyceums, and to graduates of research organizations who have completed relevant training and obtained qualifications. In this case the range of potential PRP recipients significantly expands to include specialists of various profiles and qualification levels.
However, the simplified PRP procedure will not be automatic. Foreign nationals must meet several conditions to be eligible.
The key requirement is an employment in a specialty obtained at a Russian educational institution. The law says that the foreigner must work for at least six months in Russia in their field of study before applying for PRP. This employment period must be confirmed by a formal employment contract and by the employer’s contributions to the Pension and Social Insurance Fund (PSIF). This condition is essential as it confirms the foreign specialist’s real integration into Russia’s economy and their contribution to the social security system.
The purpose of this requirement is to screen out those seeking PRP merely for residence without intending to work and contribute economically. The requirement for an employment period and social insurance contributions ensures verification of the applicant’s sincerity and genuine interest in long-term residence in Russia. Additionally, this allows the government to control migration flows and ensure that the simplified PRP procedure is genuinely used as intended.
The proposed changes are made to Article 8, Paragraph 2 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation.”
Including conditions for employment in the specialty and social insurance contributions in the draft law enables more effective migration management, focusing on attracting in-demand specialists. This approach promotes a more qualified migration flow aligned with the needs of the Russian economy and its development.
Following the necessary procedures, including public discussions on the Federal Portal of Draft Regulatory Legal Acts, the draft law will be submitted to the State Duma for consideration.
It is anticipated that the law’s adoption will significantly simplify the PRP process for qualified specialists who have received education in Russia, thereby facilitating the recruitment of foreign talent across various economic sectors.
It is worth noting that PRP, which grants the right to permanent residence in Russia and visa-free entry, is a considerable advantage. However, the proposed changes do not eliminate the need to meet other migration requirements. Foreign nationals must still fulfill general requirements, including no criminal record, sufficient financial resources, and compliance with all procedural norms.
Moreover, the proposed mechanism may be further expanded in the future.
For example, consideration could be given to including criteria assessing the demand for specific professions in the labor market, allowing for more efficient migration flow direction into sectors of highest need.
Additionally, the possibility of extending this simplified procedure to graduates of private educational institutions meeting certain quality standards may be examined.
Overall, the Ministry of Economic Development’s draft law represents a comprehensive approach to regulating migration processes aimed at attracting skilled professionals and enhancing Russia’s economic potential. Its implementation could significantly impact the labor market and promote the integration of foreign citizens into Russian society. However, it will be necessary to carefully monitor the effectiveness of these changes and make timely adjustments based on practical experience.