IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Russian government has suspended simplified visa issuance for certain travelers from specific countries.

 Key Points:

  • As of April 4, journalists, diplomatic passport holders and members of official delegations from EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the U.S. can no longer use simplified application processes to apply for Russian visas.
  • The suspension of the simplified visa process does not apply to business travelers or close relatives of foreign nationals living in Russia.

Additional Information: Additional entry restrictions may be placed on other foreign nationals and stateless persons who are deemed unfriendly. Russian authorities have canceled one-year visas for official delegations and journalists as well as five-year visas for certain government officials.

BAL Analysis: The Russian government has suspended the simplified visa issuance program in response to the sanctions imposed on the country, following the war in Ukraine. Employers and employees are reminded that actions taken as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine can change with little or no notice.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – HIGH

A number of European countries have suspended certain visas for Russian nationals. The visa suspensions include:

  • Czech Republic. The government of the Czech Republic announced on Feb. 25 that it will no longer be accepting or processing visa applications, long-term permits and permanent residence permits for Russian nationals until further notice. More information regarding this suspension is available here.
  • Greece. The Greek government has suspended its golden visa program for Russian nationals. Russian nationals will no longer be able to renew or apply for residence permits for investment purposes. Russian business executives can no longer apply for residence permits in Greece until further notice. More information regarding Greece’s visa suspensions is available here.
  • Iceland. The Icelandic government has announced that it has suspended visa processing for Russian business travelers, government officials and diplomats, among others. More information regarding Iceland’s visa suspensions is available here.
  • Latvia. The Latvian government has suspended the issuance of visas to Russian citizens indefinitely except in cases related to special humanitarian crises. More information regarding Latvia’s decision to suspend visas for Russian nationals is available here.
  • Lithuania. The Lithuanian government has suspended the issuance of new visas to Russian foreign nationals indefinitely. More information regarding Lithuania’s decision to suspend visa issuance for Russian nationals is available here.

BAL Analysis: Immigration policies related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine may change with little or no notice. BAL will continue to monitor developments regarding the invasion and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

Reports on the salaries paid to highly qualified specialists (HQS) during the fourth quarter of 2021 (October through December) must be submitted by Jan. 31.

 Key Points:

  • Salary reports must be submitted in person or mailed to the Ministry of Internal Affairs on or before Jan. 31.
  • The reported salary should not be less than the minimum HQS level (in standard conditions) of 167,000 rubles per calendar month or 501,000 rubles per quarter.
  • Violations of the established notification procedures can result in fines for the employer.

BAL Analysis: Companies should ensure that they submit their quarterly reports on time and that the salaries comply with wage thresholds for HQS workers. Failing to pay the minimum salary established for HQS employees can result in a company being banned from employing new HQS employees for two years.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Russian government has amended rules for medical exams required to obtain work and residence permits.

 Key Points:

  • As of Oct. 31, visa-required foreign nationals must submit medical documents confirming the results of their medical exam in Russia to receive a work or residence permit.
  • Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS) are no longer exempt from the medical exam requirement.
  • Individuals must submit the medical documents within 30 days of entering Russia to avoid work permit cancelations.

Additional Information: Individuals needing a temporary residence permit (TRP), a permanent residence permit (PRP), or those applying for work patents must submit the medical documents as part of their application. The amended law does not apply to existing permit holders or those applying for work permit renewals or corrections.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals who are applying for a work permit or a residence permit in any visa category including HQS, TRP and PRP should be aware of the amended medical exam requirements. Those who fail to meet the requirement risk having their work permit canceled.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Russian government announced that it would implement nine “non-working days” from Oct. 30 to Nov. 7. The non-working period may affect visa application processing and immigration services.

Key Points:

  • Government services centers and other state-run businesses may be closed or operate at reduced capacity during this time.
  • Individual states retain the right to modify the dates of the “non-working days” and the extent in which the policy will be applied to businesses.
  • Individuals should check with their local authorities for exact dates and closures during the “non-working days.”
  • The Russian government maintains the right to extend the “non-working days.”

Background: The “non-working days” regime was first implemented in March 2020 and lasted for a month. During that time, the acceptance of immigration documents was significantly limited and carried out using electronic resources or by preliminary appointment.

BAL Analysis: The decision to institute nationwide “non-working days” is intended to slow the spread of COVID-19. Individuals should check with their local authorities to find location specific details. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Russian government will require fingerprinting, photographing and medical exams for foreign nationals intending to work or stay in Russia beginning Dec. 29.

Fingerprinting and photographing:

  • Beginning Dec. 29, foreign nationals intending to work in Russia or stay longer than 90 days will be required to undergo fingerprinting and photographing.
    • Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) nationals and standard work permit holders must be fingerprinted and photographed within 30 days of entering the country.
    • Foreign nationals who stay longer than 90 days must be fingerprinted and photographed within 90 days of entering the country.
    • Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS) visa holders must be fingerprinted and photographed when they receive their work permit.
    • Work patent holders must be fingerprinted and photographed upon filing an application for the patent.

Medical examinations:

  • Beginning Dec. 29, foreign nationals must undergo a medical examination at an approved Russian medical institution if they intend to work or stay longer than 90 days.
    • Foreign nationals entering for work must have the exam completed within 30 days of entering the country.
    • Foreign nationals staying in Russia longer than 90 days for non-work related reasons must have the exam completed within 90 days of entering the country.
  • Certificates will be issued to foreign nationals if they pass the medical exam. Medical check-ups will be required within 30 days after the certificate’s expiration date.

Additional Information: Dependents who intend to stay in Russia longer than 90 continuous days will be subject to the new law. The law exempts citizens of Belarus, children under six, and employees and family members of intergovernmental organizations or foreign diplomatic missions (subject to reciprocity). If fingerprinting, photographing or medical examinations are not performed, officials will reduce the amount of time foreign nationals can stay in the country.

BAL Analysis: The new law complicates the work and immigration process for foreign nationals by requiring in-person procedural steps. Once the law is in effect, foreign nationals will need to satisfy the requirements in order to remain in Russia without penalty.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Russian government recently published a federal law that allows close relatives of Russian citizens and qualifying foreigners to apply for new visas through simplified procedures.

Key Points:

  • Russian citizens can submit a written application to obtain a 12-month, unlimited entry, standard private visa as opposed to the previous three-month, single entry, standard private visa for the following relatives:
    • Children, including adopted children.
    • Children’s spouses.
    • Siblings and half-siblings.
    • Grandchildren.
    • Grandparents.
    • Parents, including adoptive parents.
    • Spouses.
  • An invitation letter from the Ministry of Internal Affairs is no longer required to obtain a private visa.
  • Family members (spouses, minor children or disabled adult children) of foreign nationals receiving education from state accredited programs in Russia can obtain an ordinary student visa. The ordinary student visa can be extended as many times as needed in one-year increments.
  • Family members (spouses, minor children or disabled adult children) of foreign nationals can obtain ordinary work visas if the foreign national works in a profession on the qualified specialist list, and they have the right to receive Russian citizenship in a simplified manner. These visas can be renewed as needed in one-year increments.

BAL Analysis: The new visas will make it easier for some family members of Russian citizens and foreign nationals to have the ability to live with their family member, study or work during the time they are in the country.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Russia has added China, the U.S. and eight other countries to its COVID-19 “green list,” lifting entry restrictions.

Key Points:

  • As of June 28, entry restrictions have been lifted for citizens and permanent residents of Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Lichtenstein, North Macedonia and the U.S.
  • While China has been green listed, regular air traffic between China and Russia has not yet resumed. Citizens and permanent residents of China can enter Russia via another green-listed country.
  • Citizens and permanent residents of the aforementioned countries can enter Russia if they fly directly from any “green list” country.

Additional Information: Prior to the addition, citizens and permanent residents from the aforementioned counties would not be able to obtain a visa or enter the country without an entry exemption.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

Russia has stopped granting dependent status to family members of foreign nationals coming to the country on standard work permits.

Key Points:

  • Family members of standard work permit holders will no longer be able to obtain dependent visas. Dependent family members will be able to visit Russia for up to 90 days on guest or tourist visas; however, issuance of these visas is significantly limited at this time because of COVID-19.
  • Family members of standard work permit holders who currently have a dependent visa will be permitted to maintain their status, but will not be eligible to apply for renewed status when their visas expire.
  • Family members of Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) Permit holders will still be permitted to obtain dependent visas.

Analysis & Comments: While the change will restrict the ability of some family members to live and work in Russia, it will have a minimal impact on high-skilled workers because it does not apply to HQS permit holders.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Russia will launch a program to provide single-entry e-visas to nationals of 52 countries on Jan. 1.

What does the change mean? While the change will eventually ease travel to Russia for eligible foreign nationals, it may be of limited immediate benefit to many foreign nationals if current COVID-19 travel restrictions remain in place. Once restrictions are lifted, foreign nationals holding the visa will be able to stay in Russia for up to 16 days when traveling for business, tourism or humanitarian reasons. The e-visa program is an expansion of a pilot program and will be open to nationals of the same 52 countries who are currently eligible for the pilot.

  • Implementation time frame: Jan. 1, 2021.
  • Visas/permits affected: E-visas for business, tourism or humanitarian visits.
  • Who is affected: Eligible foreign nationals traveling to Russia for business, tourism or humanitarian visits.
  • Impact on processing times: The change will save business travelers time in the visa application process.

Background: The e-visa program is an expansion of a pilot program that was introduced in or Russia’s Far Eastern Federal District in 2017 and expanded to St. Petersburg and the Leningrad and Kaliningrad regions in 2019. Under the pilot program, visa holders could only travel within these specific regions. On Jan. 1, the program will be expanded nationwide, but travelers will be required to enter through specific ports of entry. E-visas will be valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, but the maximum duration of stay in Russia will be 16 days.

Analysis & Comments: The e-visa program will ease business, tourist and humanitarian travel for eligible foreign nationals visiting Russia. Travelers should note, however, that travel to Russia remains limited because of COVID-19 and travel from some countries may remain off limits even after the e-visa program is officially implemented. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.