Russia may abolish the patent system for migrants

In Russia, there is a need to consider the issue of abolishing the patent system for labor migrants.

This was stated by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with faction leaders in the State Duma.

“Abolishing the patent system for migrants — we need to think about it. It is widely applied. I do not rule anything out. I will ask you to work on this together with your colleagues,” Putin said in response to a proposal from the chairman of the party “Just Russia — For Truth,” Sergey Mironov.

The chairman of the party “Just Russia – For Truth,” Sergey Mironov, stated that a law to abolish the patent system for migrants will be adopted in the autumn session.

Earlier, on March 20, Putin signed a decree allowing migrants to work in Russia without a patent under certain conditions. These include undergoing fingerprinting, medical examinations for drugs and dangerous infectious diseases.

Prior to this, the Ministry of Labor proposed to change the system for attracting foreign workers, including abandoning their free entry into the country and reforming the work patent. In particular, it is proposed that upon dismissal, a migrant will have to return all expenses incurred for them, including for medical examinations and training.

Currently, the patent system is one of the main legal forms of labor activity for citizens of countries with a visa-free regime. To obtain such a document, migrants must complete the paperwork within 30 days of entering Russia and pay a monthly fee.

In Moscow alone, since the beginning of this year, the cost of a patent is 8,900 rubles per month.

In 2025, the requirements for obtaining a patent also became more complicated — migrants must pass more difficult tests in the Russian language, with a minimum passing score established.

Previously, Putin had already allowed migrants to work without a patent in certain territories captured by Russia, such as the cities of Donetsk and Luhansk, until the end of 2025.

After Putin’s statement about the possible abolition of the patent system, lawyers and economists have expressed various forecasts.

On one hand, abolishing patents could reduce migrants’ expenses and simplify official employment procedures. This is especially important for citizens of Tajikistan, who make up a significant portion of labor migrants in Russia.

On the other hand, experts do not rule out that instead of patents, other forms of work and residence permits may be introduced, which could be accompanied by new checks and restrictions.

Some experts believe that Putin’s statement is more political in nature and aimed at calming domestic society rather than implementing real reforms.

It is also emphasized that even if patents are abolished, the main problems faced by migrants — such as unfair treatment, legal difficulties, and harsh working conditions — will remain unresolved.