Economic Overview, Eurasian Energy Resources & Software Talent
Russia combines vast mineral, natural gas, and petroleum resources with deep engineering and algorithmic software talent.
Key Economic Clusters
- Software Engineering & Deep Tech: Algorithmic software development, search engines, cybersecurity, and game design in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
- Oil, Natural Gas & Petrochemicals: World-scale petroleum extraction and petrochemical refining.
- Metals & Industrial Mining: Nickel, palladium, titanium, and aluminum smelting operations.
Employment Contracts, Labour Code (TK RF) & Probation
Regulated by the Labour Code of the Russian Federation (TK RF).
- Mandatory Written Contracts: Must be in Russian within 3 days of commencing work.
- Probation Period (*Ispytatelny srok*): Maximum statutory probation is 3 months (up to 6 months for CEOs, chief accountants, and heads of branches).
Working Hours, Leave & Unified Social Fund (30% Employer)
- Standard Hours: 40 hours per week (8 hours/day over 5 days).
- Annual Leave: Minimum 28 calendar days paid vacation per year.
- Public Holidays: 14 official national public holidays (including the 8-day New Year holiday period).
- Maternity Leave: 140 calendar days (20 weeks) (70 prenatal + 70 postnatal) paid at 100% via the Social Fund.
Why Use an Employer of Record (EOR) in Russia
- Rapid Regional Hiring: Onboard software engineers and technical specialists in Moscow or Novosibirsk in days.
- Social Fund & FNS Tax Compliance: Full administration of 30% unified social contributions and NDFL tax withholdings.
Hiring in Russia? Key Resources
Whether you are evaluating entity setup vs. using an Employer of Record, or looking for the best international payroll solution, our guides give you transparent benchmarks:
