HQS Card
What is the HQS status?
According to Article 13.2. of Federal Law No. 115, a foreign national with work experience, skills or achievements in the particular sphere can be recognized as a highly qualified specialist (HQS).
To confirm the mentioned skills and achievements a foreign national shall receive the HQS card (work permit).
Who is eligible for the HQS card?
Research and teaching staff who are invited to work at HSE can obtain the HQS card if:
- they are foreign nationals
- their salary is no less than 83,500.00 Russian roubles per month
- their passport is valid for at least 18 months from the projected starting date of their Russian visa
What are the advantages of having the HQS card?
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Multiple Entry Visas
HQS work visas are issued for the entire duration of an employment contract, but no longer than for three years.
The HQS card and the visa can be renewed multiple times for up to three years each time, depending on the duration of the employment contract.
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Migration Registration
No registration is required for staying in Russia for up to 90 days (Clause 4.1., Article 20, Federal Law №109-FZ of July 18, 2006 “On Migration Registration of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Russian Federation.”).
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Residence Permit
The HQS status may serve as a reason for obtaining a residence permit.
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Family Members
Family members accompanying a highly qualified specialist have the same rights as the highly qualified specialist:
- multiple entry visas;
- no registration is required for staying in Russia for up to 90 days;
- residence permit.
To work in the Russian Federation, a family member has to obtain a personal HQS card.
Nota bene
A highly qualified specialist is not authorized to work in Russia without the HQS card (even if he/she has signed an employment contract).