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Russia’s Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) program is one of the most popular routes for companies looking to hire skilled foreign professionals.?It allows employers to recruit foreign experts faster, with simplified procedures and reduced bureaucracy — but the process is regulated by specific quotas and eligibility criteria.
This guide explains how companies in Russia can apply for HQS quotas, what requirements they must meet, and how to maintain compliance with migration laws.
1. What Is a Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS)?
A Highly Qualified Specialist is a foreign national employed in Russia for a skilled position with a monthly salary of at least 167,000 RUB (approximately €1,600).
The HQS category is designed to attract professionals in fields such as:
• Engineering and IT
• Science and research
• Medicine
• Oil and gas industry
• Finance and consulting
• Management and education
HQS employees benefit from:
• Simplified work permit processing (usually within 14 days)
• No labor market test or quotas for most sectors
• Three-year work and residence permits (renewable)
• Tax benefits (13% income tax from the first day of employment)
2. Do Companies Need HQS Quotas to Hire Foreign Specialists?
Unlike standard foreign labor hiring, HQS employment is generally exempt from the annual foreign labor quota system.?This means that most Russian employers do not need to request quotas in advance when hiring under the HQS category.
However, some companies — especially those in specific regulated industries or regional projects — may still be required to register their hiring intentions and provide justification for hiring foreign specialists.
3. Eligibility Criteria for Companies Hiring HQS Workers
To employ HQS workers legally, a company must:
• Be legally registered in Russia (as an LLC, JSC, or branch of a foreign company).
• Have a clean record with no prior violations of migration or labor laws.
• Offer a monthly salary of at least 167,000 RUB (or a lower threshold for specific sectors such as science or education).
• Ensure the job position requires advanced qualifications or experience.
For companies in research, education, or technology, the minimum salary threshold may be reduced to 83,500 RUB per month.
4. When HQS Quotas May Apply
While HQS hiring is typically exempt from quotas, companies may need to apply for approval or inclusion in quota plans if:
• They are hiring under a special economic zone (SEZ) program.
• They participate in government-approved industry projects.
• The position falls under a regionally restricted sector requiring pre-authorization.
In these cases, regional authorities coordinate with the Russian Ministry of Labor to allocate quota spaces for HQS roles.
5. Step-by-Step Process for HQS Application
If your company qualifies and wishes to hire an HQS, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Job Offer
Draft a detailed employment contract stating:
• The job title and description.
• Minimum monthly salary (167,000 RUB or higher).
• Contract duration (up to 3 years).
Step 2: Submit an Invitation Request
The employer must apply to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) for an invitation letter for the foreign specialist.?Required documents include:
• Copy of the company’s registration certificate.
• Tax identification number (INN).
• Employment contract draft.
• Proof of salary compliance.
Step 3: Apply for a Work Permit
Once the invitation is approved, apply for the HQS work permit through the MVD’s migration department.?Processing usually takes 10–14 working days.
Step 4: Register the HQS Employee
After arrival, the company must:
• Register the employee’s place of stay within 7 working days.
• Submit copies of the employee’s passport, visa, and work permit.
• Maintain quarterly reports on salary payments and employment status.
Failure to report can result in fines or cancellation of the company’s right to employ HQS workers.
6. Required Documents for Companies
To apply for an HQS work permit or quota (if applicable), the employer must submit:
• Application form from the MVD or local migration office.
• Company registration documents.
• Tax registration certificate (INN).
• Power of attorney (if applying through an agent).
• Proof of payment of state duty (3,500 RUB).
• Employment contract draft.
• Letter confirming compliance with HQS salary requirements.
7. Reporting and Compliance Obligations
Employers of HQS workers must follow strict reporting rules, including:
• Quarterly salary reports to the MVD.
• Immediate notification of contract termination or employee departure.
• Proof of timely salary payments meeting the minimum HQS threshold.
Failure to comply can lead to fines of up to 1,000,000 RUB and suspension of the company’s hiring privileges.
8. Renewal and Reapplication
HQS work permits and visas are valid for up to three years and can be renewed.?Companies must reapply at least 30 days before expiration, providing:
• Updated employment contract.
• Confirmation of salary payments and tax compliance.
Renewal is typically straightforward if there are no violations.
9. Key Benefits of Hiring Under the HQS Scheme
• Faster processing: Work permit in 2 weeks instead of months.
• No annual quota restrictions for most companies.
• Spouses and children of HQS workers receive dependent visas and residence rights.
• Simplified pathway to permanent residence after 3 years.
• Lower income tax (13%) from day one.
This makes the HQS category one of the most efficient and business-friendly hiring options for international recruitment in Russia.
Key Takeaway
Companies in Russia can hire Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS) without going through the traditional quota system in most cases.?Employers must ensure proper registration, salary compliance, and timely reporting to maintain eligibility.?The HQS program remains one of the most effective tools for attracting global expertise to the Russian labor market.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, or tax advice.?HQS salary thresholds and documentation requirements may change under Russian labor or migration law.?Always verify the latest rules with the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) or a licensed migration consultant before applying.
November 10, 2025
