Work and business communication in Russia

Employment in Russia: documents

Russia is a country with huge potential and many opportunities for foreigners seeking to find a job. Every year, thousands of people from all over the world come to Russia in search of work and new prospects.

For example, in 2022 alone, our country had about 4 million foreign employees. This article will tell you how and where you can get a job for foreign citizens.

The procedure for employment of foreign citizens and people without citizenship permit is regulated in Russia by No. 115-FL Federal Law of July 25, 2002 “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation” (О правовом положении иностранных граждан в Российской Федерации), as amended. The full text of the law is available here.

Foreign citizens can get a job in Russia in international and Russian companies in dynamically developing areas such as information technology, tourism and hotel business, construction, infrastructure, culture and art, sports, etc. Of course, when choosing an area of employment, it is important to consider the requirements for a visa and work permit.

If you come from the EAEU countries

If you come from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia or Kyrgyzstan, the employment procedure will be the same as for any Russian. You will need to present your migration card, temporary residence permit (TRP), or permanent residence permit (PRP). Citizens of the Republic of Belarus need to present their Belarusian passport only.

You also need to collect a standard package of documents for the employer:

passport
employment record book;
individual personal account insurance number (SNILS; СНИЛС);
taxpayer identification number (TIN);
education document;
voluntary health insurance (VHI) or compulsory health insurance (CHI) policy;
certificate of no criminal record

You can use “Rabota v EAES” (Работа в ЕАЭС) mobile app for employment. It facilitates online processing of necessary documents, as well as interaction with employers and authorities of the host state.

“Работа в ЕАЭС” mobile app

We recommend familiarizing yourself with the basics of labor law:

Depending on the type and the period of work, and other circumstances listed in Article 59 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, a written employment contract for an indefinite period of time or a fixed-term employment contract is concluded between a foreign worker and the employer.
The probationary period varies from 2 weeks to 6 months (for managers, deputies, chief accountants). For pregnant women and women who have children under the age of one and a half years, persons who first entered employment in their specialty within one (1) year from the date of education in a secondary or higher educational institution, persons who are invited to work as a transfer from another employer by agreement between employers, persons who have concluded an employment contract for a period of up to 2 months, a probationary period may not be established.
Citizens of foreign states, members of the EAEU, are prohibited from being employed in the state and municipal service, as crew members of a vessel sailing under the State Flag of the Russian Federation, as a commander of a civil aircraft of the Russian Federation, as a chief accountant or other person who keeps accounting records in an organization in the absence of a temporary or permanent residence permit and for some other positions.

Please see more information on the Federal Service for Labor and Employment of the Russian Federation website.

If you come from other countries and you have a TRP or PRP

You can apply for a work permit without a patent. You can also register your company (e.g., become an individual entrepreneur), enter and leave Russia freely. However, you can only work in the subject of the Russian Federation (RF) for which you have been issued a temporary residence permit. If you have left Russia for 6 months or longer, your TRP can be canceled. These conditions are due for the period of 3 years.

Business and work visas

There are more than 10 types of visas under which foreign citizens are allowed to enter Russia. Some of the most common are business and work visas. The table below summarizes their main features.

The full list of visas, their features, and the required documents is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Visa types.

The good news is that it is quite easy for foreign students to get a job in Russia. To conclude an employment contract or a civil law contract (CLC), one must provide a certificate from a university or secondary vocational education institution, which confirms that they are studying in Russia on a full-time basis on the basis of an accredited program.

Places to look for a job

When looking for a job in Russia, you can use one of the following methods.

Method 1

Suitable for highly qualified personnel. An employment period of up to 3 years, and pre-tax salary starting from 3 million rubles per year. An employment contract or civil law contract (CLC) will be concluded with you. Please mind the exceptions. You shall not work for individual entrepreneurs (IE), in spiritual organizations (religious and educational), organizations of preschool (kindergartens, nurseries, groups of temporary stay of children) and school education. You will need a work visa and a work permit.

Method 2

Employment under the quota. The number of occupational quotas is limited and depends on the region.

Method 3

Employment without a quota is limited to a list of professions. You can familiarize yourself with it at this link.

How do you look for a job?

Foreign citizens can find work in Russia in several ways. Here are the main ones.

On Internet, or by telephone

There is plenty of online platforms and websites where you can find job opportunities. Some of these sources are tailored to foreign workers. These sites and online platforms provide information in different languages and help with the employment process.

On platforms like “SuperJob”, “Avito” (Авито) or “HH.ru” you can browse the offerings simply by setting the desired options (region, your age, experience, business profile, etc.).

This service offers an extensive job database and will help in finding well-paid jobs. It has an intuitive interface for finding the desired position by a set of options. You’ll find useful tools and sections here: online resume writing, assessing your desired salary match (a salary meter function called “Зарплатомер”), online training courses announcements, and tips for job seekers.

Special attention is paid to those who are just starting their labor journey. The “Старт карьеры” (Career Start) section contains job offerings and internships for employees with no experience.

Work in big cities

To find a job in big cities and regional centers of the country one can use “Rabota.ru” (Работа.ру) online platform. It contains vacancies by profession and offers directly from employers in the region you are interested in. Select a city or all regions, enter “работа для мигрантов” (work for migrants) in the search field, and use filters to specify the search parameters: experience, schedule, salary, and other features.

There is a separate tab that contains vacancies from “Sber” (Сбер), the country’s largest financial organization. To submit a resume, you need to register using either social media, cell phone number, or your e-mail address.

The portal is a nationwide information and educational recruiting platform for foreign citizens from CIS countries. It promotes the employment of migrants. Here you will find experts who conduct online seminars on migration legislation. The forum for employers and job seekers is the place where HR specialists and visa officers will answer your questions.

Recruitment agencies and employers

Recruitment (or staffing) agencies provide access to jobs that are not publicly advertised, can mediate salary and working conditions, ensuring you get a fair wage.

When you contact the agency, your skills and experience will be carefully evaluated to identify jobs that best match your profile. You will then be put in touch with your employer. Note the need to pay the agency fee. To choose a company with a good reputation, you can use this online portal with vacancies from the key Russia agencies.

Many companies and organizations, especially those that have business ties with other countries, are actively hiring foreign workers, posting current vacancies on their websites. Look for reputable companies in your area of interest directly. A good example from the retail trade sphere is the “Pyatyorochka” (Пятёрочка) company, which operates in all regions of the country. Browse to its website, specify your city, find the “Вакансии” (Vacancies) section, select a suitable position, and enter your contact details.

Public relations and recommendations

Networking with people who are already working in Russia can be a useful way to find vacancies and get information about job offers that are not always publicly available. Discuss employment experiences within your diaspora and fellow-countryman groups.

If you still have questions, check out forums for foreign job seekers and employers, such as the Forum for Foreign Citizens and Employers: list of questions from foreign nationals. To start communicating, just register.

When you apply for a job in Russia remember to consider the requirements and rules for obtaining visas or work permits. Be prepared to provide the necessary documents and follow the established procedures. It is also advisable to seek help from migration specialists, recruiters or lawyers to get specific information and advice.

Employment interview

In most of the cases, you will have an interview (sometimes several) before you get the job. This could be a face-to-face meeting in the office or an online meeting with a company’s manager, or the head of HR unit. If you have submitted your resume, then there is already some information about you. If not, then it’s time to introduce yourself and “offer” yourself on the job market.

As a rule an interview consists of several stages.

1

Invitation to the interview and preparation of the candidate. You will be notified of the time and place of your appointment. Research company information, and think through answers to typical questions for your employment area in advance.
2

Greetings and introductions. A stage where both parties talk briefly about themselves, ask questions to create a comfortable environment.
3

Questions about qualifications and experience. The employer will ask you about your work experience, qualifications, and skills. You can present your portfolio, and tell about your achievements and projects.
4

Behavioral questions or tests. The employer may ask questions that are designed to determine motivation, your personality traits, and problem-solving abilities. Be prepared to give real-life examples and demonstrate your skills in various situations. This stage can be replaced by a test, a role-playing game, or a practical task.
5

Applicant’s questions. At the end of the interview, ask questions that interest you: about the company, your rights and obligations, the content of the employment contract, and working conditions.

Following the interview, the employer will let you know when to expect feedback.

Types of employment contracts

Employer-employee relations, their rights and obligations are regulated by the Labor Code of the Russian Federation. Its text is available here..

1

Fixed-term

For a period of up to five years (the date of termination of employment must be specified).

2

Open-term

For an indefinite period of time.

3

Civil law contract

Concluded for the performance of specific one-off work for a certain period of time.

Example of an employment contract with a citizen of Uzbekistan.

The contract shall specify: last name, first name (patronymic, if any) of the employee and the name of the employer, place and date of the contract conclusion, place of work, labor function, date of commencement of work. If a fixed-term employment contract is concluded, the term of its validity, remuneration (wage rate or salary, additional payments, allowances, incentive payments), working hours and rest periods, special nature of work (e.g., traveling), workplace conditions, guarantees and compensations, personal data shall be specified.

The employment contract is concluded in writing, in 2 copies, each signed by the parties. One copy of the employment contract is given to the employee and the other is kept by the employer.

A CLC contract differs from other contracts by the absence of a number of essential conditions (see the table). This is something to keep in mind.

Work schedule and calendar: a working day in Russia

Russia has several work schedules:

1

Five or six-day work week

Monday through Friday or Saturday, 5-day or 6-day respectively.

2

Part-time employment

Part-time work, e.g., from 09:00 to 13:00.

3

Flexible schedule

You have to do certain amount of work, but the employer does not expect you to spend all your working hours at the office.

4

Shift schedule

You work with partners on different days, times of the day, making a schedule ahead, for example, day after three.

5

Rotational method

Periods of work from two weeks alternate with equal or longer periods of rest.

Work can also be telecommuting (online, remote), where you are present online and perform job duties during working hours, i.e., you are not at the company’s office.

The length of the work week in Russia is no more than 40 hours (in the case of overtime work, the addition to the duration cannot exceed 4 hours for 2 consecutive days, totaling 120 hours per year). With a 5-day schedule, it is customary to work 8 hours a day from 08:00 to 17:00 or from 09:00 to 18:00. Most often, the days off are Saturday and Sunday. With a 6-day working week, it’s always Sunday.

Working on non-working holidays is prohibited:

January 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 are the New Year holidays

New Year holidays

January 7

Nativity of Christ

February 23

Defender of the Fatherland Day

March 8

International Women’s Day

May 1

Spring and Labor Day

May 9

Victory Day

June 12

Russia Day

November 4

National Unity Day

The exception is employment in the service and entertainment industries, where working on these days generates high profits for companies, and in companies with continuous production. Overtime premium is calculated separately. According to the requirements of the law, overtime work is paid as follows: at one and a half times the rate for the first 2 hours; at double the rate for subsequent hours.

Night time work (22:00 to 06:00) is also charged differently. The salary for such days is entitled to a minimum 20% increase. One cannot be forced to work 2 shifts in a row. Any shift worker is required to rest at least 42 consecutive hours at least once a week.

In Russia, lunch break usually takes place from 13:00 to 14:00. This is exactly an hour, as the proverb says! No important appointments are scheduled for this time.

The length of the leave depends on the business profile. An employee is entitled to 28 days of paid vacation per year under an employment contract (this rule is not applicable to a CLC). If necessary, you can take unpaid leave (the so called “at your own expense” leave) with the employer’s consent.

Gazeta.ru (Газета.ru), Source: Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation (Минтруд РФ)

Business etiquette and dress code

Russian business etiquette is based on international rules, but has a number of its own feats. Be mindful of these peculiarities, and you will successfully integrate into the business community and have pleasant and professional relationships with colleagues and partners.

Verbal communication etiquette

Men typically shake hands when meeting. Be confident and polite, but avoid shaking hands too firmly. Between female colleagues, and between a man and a woman, a smile and a greeting phrase are usually accepted.

For example, you can wish good morning by addressing a person by their first name and patronymic, or simply by their first name.

As a rule, senior colleagues and superiors are addressed by their first name and patronymic.

During business meetings or negotiations, be attentive and participate in the conversation. Stick to constructive and polite language.

In everyday conversations with peers it is acceptable to discuss domestic and family topics, but without unnecessary details. Make sure the other person is interested in the topic.

You should avoid discussing issues and topics that may be considered unacceptable: personal life, health, religion, and politics.

If food is offered at business events, let know if you have any restrictions regarding individual ingredients or dishes. Men and women in Russia eat in the same room, and sit at the same table.

If there is an empty seat at your coworkers’ table, ask if you may join and take a seat.

Try not to talk loudly during working hours on the phone or video calls, especially on personal matters. Do not play music, it may distract colleagues or clients. It is also better to choose a neutral ringtone for your phone.

Business etiquette in writing

These best practices apply to writing both regular letters, and e-mails. It is recommended that e-mails be responded to within 24 hours of receipt. For a closer look at the rules and sample letters, click here..

Work chats

All organizations have work chats with colleagues and managers in social media or messengers. Being tactful in communication is always appreciated. When joining a chat room, study its rules, write short and clear messages during working hours, tag the addressee if your message refers to a specific person. Give complete responses to messages, avoid using links too frequently, or recording voice or video messages.

Observing etiquette will help you communicate successfully with colleagues and avoid misunderstandings.

How do you choose clothes for work?

Much attention is paid to the appearance and neatness of employees.

Dress code

The dress code depends primarily on your job title.

If you are an office worker

A business wardrobe or casual clothing is required. It is necessary to change your shoes indoors. Sporty elements in clothing are least suitable for office style.

An employer may establish appearance requirements in local normative acts. In such cases compliance with them is mandatory.

Other types of employment

In some service industries, such as medicine, transportation, etc., uniform is used. Often it comes with the company logo. You may be given branded office supplies and other work accessories. If you are not told about the appearance requirements upon your hiring, it is best to ask about them yourself.

Dress code for men

In a classic business style, it is customary to wear a suit (dark in winter, slightly lighter in summer). It is preferable that the shirt be of a lighter tone. A tie of understated color and design is acceptable. Clothes should be ironed.

Shoes should be clean and neat. The classic black or brown color is the most common. Socks should be of the same color as pants and shoes.

Dress code for women

Women in business settings often wear a jacket or blazer with tailored trousers or a below-the-knee skirt with a shirt or blouse. The colors can be calm, and accessories are acceptable as accents. It is not recommended to wear mini length and open shoulders even on hot days.

Shoes should be closed and have a low heel. The color of tights and shoes should match the clothes.

It is important to use discreet makeup, do a neat hairstyle. The jewelry should be minimalistic.

If religious or ethnic background regulates the appearance of working women (long dresses, headscarves), you will most likely not find a ban on such a dress code in Russia.

Foreigners are readily hired to work in Russia. Despite the large amount of paperwork you need to complete to get a job, new experiences, knowledge, connections and opportunities for fulfillment await you here. Pay attention to searching for vacancies through specialized resources, study the country and the Russian labor market, and master the language to communicate effectively with employers and colleagues.

Your efforts, responsibility and readiness to adapt to a new country will also play a key role in your successful employment in Russia. Welcome!