International students employment
International students employment

International students employment

Students often combine their studies with work. Foreign citizens can work on an equal terms with their peers, but there are a few things to take into account.

In 2020, Russia simplified employment for foreign students: now, in order to conclude an employment or civil law contract, they only need to provide a confirmation from a university (college) proving that they are studying in Russia.

The procedure for employment of foreign citizens and stateless persons studying full-time in professional educational institutions and universities in the Russian Federation is regulated by the Federal Law of July 25, 2002 № 115-ФЗ “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation” with amendments introduced by the Federal Law of 06.02.2020 N 16-ФЗ.

Simplified employment for foreign students

According to Russian legislation, foreigners studying in Russia can legally work in the country without a patent or work permit. And employers, in turn, may engage foreign workers without obtaining a permit to hire foreign workers.

All foreign citizens may work in Russia without additional authorization documents (work permit / work patent) who:

  • are 18 years old or older
  • are full-time students
  • are studying in professional educational organizations and educational organizations of higher education
  • are studying under an educational program with state accreditation
  • in their free time

What documents are required by foreign students when applying for a job?

  • certificate from the university stating that you are full-time student of the higher education's program*
  • foreign citizen passport and its notarized translation into Russian
  • registration and migration card
  • health insurance (Polis DMS)
  • insurance certificate of compulsory pension insurance SNILS (it can also be made by the employer)

*BSU students can get the certificate in Student Human Resources Department
(office 104, Bld. 4, 11 Lenina St.).

Important: If the foreign student completes or terminates their education, the employer is obliged to terminate the employment or work contract.