Income, children, taxes and SIM cards. Putin signs package of laws tightening requirements for migrants in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a package of laws that significantly changes the rules for the stay and employment of foreign nationals in the Russian Federation. Migrants will be required to confirm that they have sufficient income to support themselves and their family members living in Russia who are dependent on them. The amount of such income must be no less than the regional subsistence minimum, taking into account an established coefficient, TASS reports.
Here is what the new requirements are about and who they will affect.
Mandatory Income LevelOne of the key changes involves new financial requirements for foreign workers.
Starting January 1, 2027, a labor migrant will be required to confirm that they are able to support not only themselves but also their family members living in Russia who are dependent on them. The minimum income must be no less than the regional subsistence minimum multiplied by an established coefficient.
If the income falls below the established level:

• the foreign national’s work patent or work permit will not be renewed;
• after the documents expire, they will be required to leave Russia;
• their minor children will also be required to leave the country along with them;
• 15 days are allotted for departure.

Migrants Will Be Required to Confirm Their Income AnnuallyIn addition to inter-agency information sharing, the obligation to confirm income also remains with the foreign national themselves. When submitting the annual notification of residence in Russia, one of the following documents must be provided:

• an income statement;
• a copy of a tax return;
• documents confirming the payment of personal income tax (PIT).

Oversight of compliance with the new requirements will become significantly stricter. Tax authorities will begin automatically transmitting information on foreign nationals’ income for three, six, nine, and 12 months of the calendar year to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The new system will allow agencies to promptly verify whether an individual’s income level meets the established requirements.
New Grounds for Cancellation of Temporary Residence Permits and Permanent Residence PermitsThe law expands the list of grounds on which a foreign national may be stripped of their temporary residence permit (TRP) and permanent residence permit (PRP). Grounds for cancellation may include:

• absence of income information;
• income below the established subsistence minimum calculated per each family member.

The same requirements will also apply to foreign nationals working for private individuals — for example, as domestic staff, caregivers, household assistants, and those performing other household work.

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