Russia softens visa norms for skilled foreigners

The new law lowers taxes for foreign specialists and simplifies the complex process of obtaining work permits, creating more attractive environment for highly-qualified specialists.The law also regulates employment rules for workers from countries with which Russia has a visa-free travel regime.

Obtaining work permits will be easier for skilled foreign professionals in Russia, according to a new law amendments signed by President Dmitry Medvedev, the Kremlin said Thursday.

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The new law lowers taxes for foreign specialists and simplifies the complex process of obtaining work permits, creating more attractive environment for highly-qualified specialists, it said.

The law also regulates employment rules for workers from countries with which Russia has a visa-free travel regime.

Russians will be allowed to employ foreigners "for private, household and other needs that are not connected with entrepreneurial business." Such foreigners will need to have a special license to work in Russia for which they will have to pay a monthly advance payment of 1,000 rubles ($33).

The amendments were already approved by the Russian parliament.