Starting in 2026, Russia is implementing new policies affecting labor migrants and their employers. The changes include increased costs for work permits, employment restrictions, limited access to healthcare, and new oversight of migrant children. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes.
Work permit costs increase
As of January 1, 2026, the cost of work permits (patents) for migrants has increased in many regions due to annual adjustments tied to labor cost indices.
In Moscow, the price has risen from 8,900 to 10,000 rubles, and in St. Petersburg — from 6,000 to 8,000 rubles.
Stricter access to free healthcare
The required legal stay period to qualify for the state health insurance (OMS) has been extended from three to five years.
This means that during their first five years in Russia, migrants will have access only to paid medical services or private insurance.
Free healthcare under OMS will be available only in emergency situations threatening life or health.
New employment restrictions
From 2026, migrants are banned from working in alcohol and tobacco sales across all regions except Moscow.
Similar restrictions already apply to pharmaceutical sales, non-permanent retail points, and markets.
New quotas limit the number of foreign workers in certain sectors:
· Passenger and freight transport — no more than 24%
· Construction — capped at 50% (down from 80%)
· Agriculture and forestry — limited to 40% (previously 50%)
Employers who exceed these quotas must reduce their foreign workforce. Starting March 1, 2026, this will become an official legal ground for dismissal.
Oversight of migrant children and potential future changes
Starting January 28, 2026, Russia will introduce a data-sharing system between the Interior Ministry and educational institutions concerning the children of migrants.
The Interior Ministry will provide schools with information on whether a foreign child is registered for migration purposes or removed from the register. In turn, schools will report whether parents have applied for enrollment, whether the child was admitted, and whether they passed a Russian language proficiency test.
Authorities say the measure will allow for more accurate tracking of migrant children and help identify those who are living in the country but not attending school.
Changes under consideration for the future
In 2026, Russia’s State Migration Policy Concept for 2026–2030 comes into force. While the document does not introduce immediate bans, it outlines the government’s strategic priorities for the next five years.
Expanded digital monitoring
The authorities plan to complete the creation of a “Digital Profile of a Foreign Citizen” — a centralized electronic file managed by the Interior Ministry. It will consolidate all data on migrants, including biometric information and records from the ruID system.
Stricter integration requirements
Migrants are already required to demonstrate knowledge of the Russian language, history, and basic law to obtain work permits, temporary residence, or permanent residency.
Under the new policy concept, the emphasis on integration is expected to increase, likely leading to higher language and civic knowledge requirements.
Priority for organized recruitment
The government intends to encourage employers to rely more heavily on targeted, organized recruitment of foreign workers for specific projects and enterprises. Officials believe this approach will help reduce illegal and unregulated employment.
