The HQS process runs end to end — eligibility, MVD application, work visa, arrival registration. Getting your director or specialist legally in post on schedule, without a step going wrong and pushing the start date back, is the practical goal.
The role is senior or specialist and the salary clears the threshold — quota-free, fast, 13% from day one.
Eligibility confirmed, MVD application, work visa, arrival registration — plus family and renewals — each done in sequence so nothing stalls.
The HQS (Highly Qualified Specialist) work permit is the standard route for a foreign company to put a foreign director or specialist legally in post in Russia. It is threshold-based rather than quota-limited, which makes it predictable — if the salary qualifies, the path is clear. This guide walks through the sequence.
First confirm the role and salary meet HQS criteria — a minimum of ₽750,000 per quarter now, rising to ₽717,000 per month from 1 March 2027 — and review the employment contract. This is also where any risks are flagged before filing, because a threshold that cannot be sustained means status will later be lost.
The full application package is prepared and filed with the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) and tracked through the system. Standard processing is about 14 working days. A procedural point worth knowing: where the applicant is the company's own General Director, they cannot sign their own HQS application — a separate authorised representative signs via power of attorney.
Once the permit is approved, an invitation is issued to the Russian consulate in the employee's home city, and they apply for a single-entry work visa. This typically takes another five to ten working days plus travel arrangements.
Pick your situation — we'll tell you where you stand:
After the employee arrives, migration registration must be completed within seven days, the permit is issued, and payroll is set up so the quarterly salary threshold is met from the outset. Family members are registered alongside where applicable.
End to end, expect six to eight weeks from decision to the employee starting work: one to two weeks to prepare documents, about 14 working days for MVD processing, five to ten working days for the visa, plus travel. Running the permit alongside company incorporation, where relevant, keeps the timeline tight.
Typically six to eight weeks end to end: about 14 working days for MVD processing, five to ten for the consular visa, plus document preparation and travel.
No. Where the applicant is the company’s own General Director, a separate authorised representative must sign the application via power of attorney. We arrange this.
Within seven days of the employee arriving in Russia. It is part of the standard HQS sequence and we handle it alongside payroll setup.
This walks the full HQS process end to end — eligibility, MVD application, visa, arrival registration. Your question is how to run it so your director or specialist is legally in post on schedule, without a step going wrong and pushing the start date back.
Bringing a specialist in on HQS? Getting the steps right in sequence keeps the start date from slipping.
Practical support for international business in Russia.