On Foreign Citizens Sent to Work in Russian Branches Of Companies Registered In WTO Countries

In view of Russia becoming a member of the WTO, Federal Law #390-ФЗ from December 28, 2013, established special procedures for obtaining work permits by employees of foreign commercial organizations registered in WTO member countries. This will affect those delegated for work as key personnel in Russian branches or representative offices of these organizations.

Multi-entry work visas for these employees are processed on the basis of visa invitations issued by the abovementioned representative and branch offices of foreign companies and are valid for the term of labor contract (but not exceeding three years), subject to renewal. Work permits are issued for the same term.

The number of such employees in each representative and/or branch office is limited to five. The law also prescribes criteria for qualifying employees as key personnel (position, salary, level of qualification and knowledge). These procedures may be applied to employees who have worked in the sending organization for at least one year prior to being transferred to the Russian office.