Labor migration in the Russian Federation is regulated by a number of laws - primarily Federal Law No. 115-FZ “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation”. While working in Russia, a foreign citizen is obliged to comply with established rules.

1. Registration of Permit Documents

Before starting work, a foreigner must obtain a number of relevant documents, such as:

- Passport or other identity document;
- SNILS (insurance number of individual personal account) and TIN (taxpayer identification number), if available;
- Visa for foreign workers from visa-required countries;
- Educational document, if special knowledge or training is required for a particular position;
- Certificate of no criminal record, if its provision is required by law for certain positions;
- Voluntary health insurance policy, if the foreigner is a highly qualified specialist;
- Work permit or patent, if required;
- Temporary residence permit or residence permit, if available.

Without these documents, employment is illegal; working without a patent or permit threatens fines and deportation from the country.

2. Patent Payment If a migrant works under a patent, it is necessary to make a monthly advance tax payment. The amount depends on the region and is indexed annually. Missing a payment cancels the patent - it will be impossible to continue working. The right to work can only be restored by obtaining a new patent.

3. Registration at Place of Stay Within 7 working days after entering the Russian Federation, a foreigner must register for migration accounting at the address of residence. If there is a change of housing - it is necessary to re-register within the same period. Violation threatens a fine and entry restriction.

4. Compliance with Stay Period The total period of stay without a residence permit or temporary residence permit is 90 days within every 180 days. It can be extended only if a patent or work permit is valid, and a temporary residence permit or residence permit is issued. Exceeding the period is grounds for an entry ban.

5. Employment by Profession and Region A patent or work permit is valid only in the region where it was issued. It is not allowed to work in another constituent entity of the Russian Federation or in a different specialty - this is a violation entailing cancellation of the document.

6. Notification of the Ministry of Internal Affairs about Employment Formally, this obligation lies with the employer (within 3 working days after concluding the contract), but the worker should ensure that the notification is submitted. Without it, employment is considered unlawful.

7. Compliance with Employment Contract and Company Rules A foreign worker is obliged to:
- perform duties specified in the employment contract; comply with internal labor regulations (schedule, safety regulations, etc.);
- timely inform the employer about changes in documents (for example, patent extension). Violation of contract terms may become grounds for dismissal and cancellation of permit documents.

8. Timely Document Renewal Patent, work permit, migration card have a limited validity period. 1-2 months before expiration, it is necessary to: extend the patent (by paying fees and submitting an application), reissue the work permit, update registration at the place of stay. Delay leads to loss of the right to work and stay. For non-compliance with obligations, the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation provides:
- fines (from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles);
- administrative deportation from the Russian Federation; entry ban.

Knowledge of one’s obligations is the key to safe and legal work in Russia. If you have questions, contact the territorial department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs on migration issues or a lawyer specializing in migration law.

Rights of Foreign Workers

Foreigners can freely choose their profession and work if they have the necessary documents, such as a patent or work permit. Russian legislation does not distinguish between citizens of the country and foreigners in terms of basic labor rights. This means that if a foreign worker is officially employed, they must be paid wages in full and on time, in cash or by card, provided with safe working conditions and provided with proper rest and social protection, as specified in the Labor Code of the Russian Federation.