Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that simplifies the process of obtaining a residence permit for highly qualified specialists and foreign citizens who have signed contracts with the Armed Forces of Russia during a special military operation.
Highly qualified specialists and their family members are granted indefinite residence permits if they already reside in Russia based on a residence permit and have been working as highly qualified specialists for at least 2 years, paying all taxes.
Foreign citizens who have signed a one-year contract with the Armed Forces of Russia and their family members will also be able to obtain a residence permit through simplified procedures. In the event of the foreign citizen's death, their family members (spouse, children, and parents) will still be eligible for a residence permit. Participants of the special military operation, foreign citizens, are exempt from language proficiency exams, including knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history, and the basics of legislation when obtaining temporary residence permits and residence permits. They are also exempt from the obligation to reside only in the territory of a specific subject of the Russian Federation.
The law establishes clear rules and procedures for recognizing and revoking the status of a highly qualified specialist, based on factors such as salary and necessary documents for obtaining work permits and extending temporary stays in Russia. The law also defines the procedures for issuing residence permits and work permits and specifies the consequences of their violation.
A highly qualified specialist is granted a work permit that is valid for the duration of the employment or civil contract for work or services, not exceeding 3 years, with the possibility of multiple extensions, each for a maximum of 3 years.
If circumstances preventing the highly qualified specialist and their family from staying in Russia are absent, they must leave the country within 15 calendar days.
