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Russia proposes sharp hike in migrant fees, warns of potential labor shortages

28 April 2026 12:15 (UTC +04:00)

Russia’s Ministry of Finance has proposed increasing state duties for migrants, APA’s Moscow bureau reports.

A government commission has approved a draft law by the Ministry of Finance on a sharp increase in state duties for foreign citizens.

According to the draft, in some cases the fees will increase by up to 12 times. The changes are expected to come into force on July 1, 2026.

The fee increase will apply to multiple-entry visas. Thus, for migrants wishing to stay in Russia for up to 90 days, the fee will more than triple to 6,000 rubles. The fee for an entry invitation for one person will increase eightfold to 8,000 rubles, while a residence permit will rise fivefold to 30,000 rubles. The fee for obtaining or renouncing Russian citizenship will increase from 4,200 rubles to 50,000 rubles.

It is proposed to increase the fee for permits to employ foreign workers by 1.25 times, raising it to 15,000 rubles per worker.

Professor Alexander Safonov of the Financial University under the Government says that the changes may reduce the overall flow of migrants from traditional labor-supplying countries such as Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

He believes this could lead to a growing labor shortage in the construction, agriculture, housing and communal services, and trade sectors.