Tvoy Raschet

Highly qualified specialist (HQS): what it is

A foreigner hired for a high salary. For them there is a simplified work permit, personal income tax (НДФЛ, NDFL) of 13% from day one, and an easier route to a VNZh for the whole family.

In Russian: Высококвалифицированный специалист (ВКС)·Vysokokvalifitsirovanny spetsialist (VKS)

Moving to Russia Checked by the editorial team Checked: September 2026
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Key rules

Russia

The status is granted under Art. 13.2 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ. Since 1 March 2024 the salary must be at least 750,000 ₽ per quarter (for scientists and teachers — 83,500 ₽ a month). Law No. 241-FZ introduces a threshold of 717,000 ₽ a month from 1 March 2027, with annual indexation. The rules change — check the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (МВД) and Gosuslugi.

Sources: Federal Law No. 115-FZ on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens («О правовом положении иностранных граждан»), ConsultantPlus, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Main Directorate for Migration Affairs («МВД России, ГУВМ»)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Prepared by our editorial team, last checked: September 2026. Found an error? Write to us.

Related terms

Tax residentA person who has spent at least 183 days in the country within 12 consecutive months. The status, not citizenship, decides the personal income tax (НДФЛ) rate: usually 13% for residents and 30% for non-residents.Residence permit (VNZh)A document that gives a foreigner the right to live in Russia permanently, work without a patent and enter and leave freely. It is usually a step before applying for citizenship.Employment contractA written agreement between employee and employer on the position, pay, schedule and other working conditions. It gives you rights under the Labour Code: leave, sick pay and protection from dismissal.Work patentA document that lets a foreigner from a visa-free country work legally in one region of Russia. A fixed advance payment of personal income tax (НДФЛ, NDFL) is paid for it every month.

More in “Moving to Russia”

Temporary residence permit (RVP)Admission to Russian citizenshipMigration registrationRegistration of residence (place of stay and place of residence)Migration cardSNILS (pension insurance number)Gosuslugi (government services portal)Compulsory health insurance policy (OMS)Medical examination and fingerprinting for foreignersExam in Russian language, history and lawNotarised translation of documentsApostille and legalisationVisaNotice of a foreigner's employmentWorkers from EAEU countriesRegister of controlled persons

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