Work patent for foreign nationals who entered Russia visa-free
Article 13.3 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ
Foreign nationals aged 18+ who entered Russia without a visa (other than EAEU citizens) need a patent to work for companies, sole traders or private households. The patent is issued by the MVD in the region where the person will work. It stays valid only while the monthly fixed income-tax advance is paid. It runs for 1 to 12 months and can be reissued once before 12 months are up.
Life in Russia
Money
3
Currency
Russian Ruble
RUB
Russian Ruble
Cost of living
37
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
13–22%
Income tax (national)
VAT 22%
Resident scale since 2025: 13% up to RUB 2.4 million, 15% to 5 million, 18% to 20 million, 20% to 50 million, 22% above.
Living
1
Happiness
#77 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Nationals of countries with visa-free entry to Russia (excluding EAEU citizens) who want to work in one Russian region, usually in roles that do not qualify as HQS.
Eligibility
Visa-free entry
The foreign national must have entered Russia without a visa and be lawfully present. EAEU citizens do not need a patent.
Minimum age 18
You must be at least 18 years old, because employers may hire only patent holders aged 18 or over.
18
Minimum age · Art. 13.3 p.1
Official wording
Employers may hire only patent holders who are at least 18 (Art. 13.3 p.1).
Apply within 30 days of entry
File your patent application and complete a medical examination within 30 calendar days of entering Russia.
30 calendar days
Deadline after entry · from date of entry
- A fine applies if documents are filed late (Art. 13.3 p.2)
Official wording
The application and a medical examination are due within 30 calendar days of entry. A fine applies if documents are filed late (Art. 13.3 p.2).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementWork as purpose of visit
- Document checklistPatent application
- FeesFixed monthly income-tax advance for the patent (base amount)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 6 more requirements
- 11 documents
- 1 fee
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Russia
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
- Federal Law No. 115-FZ, consolidated text, Art. 13.3 (pages 15–16) – Government of Russia
- Federal Law No. 115-FZ, Art. 13.3 continued – Government of Russia
- Gosuslugi – Issuing a patent (service card)
- Federal Tax Service – 2026 deflator coefficients (Order No. 734)
- Official publication – Minekonomrazvitiya Order No. 734 of 06.11.2025
Other routes to Russia
- Visit & tourismRussia unified e-visa
- StudyStudy visa for Russia, including study within the Russian Government quota
- Work permitsWork permit for a highly qualified specialist (высококвалифицированный специалист, HQS) under Article 13.2 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ
Work permits in other countries
- RwandaTemporary Residence Permit for Employment - Class H2 (Employer-Sponsored Skilled Worker) / H1
- Solomon IslandsWorking resident visa - long-term employment
- SeychellesGainful Occupation Permit
- SwedenWork permit for employees
- SingaporeEmployment Pass
- St. HelenaSt Helena Work Permit with Long Term Entry Permit
