Labour migration to Russia

Russia's economy is likely to be facing a labour shortfall of 3.1 million workers by 2030. Attracting labour migrants from non-CIS countries, including India, is increasingly important if this issue is to be addressed. Around 110,000 Indian citizens are currently employed in Russia, and the demand for workforce from India is expected to grow in the near future.

Below, we look at which skilled workers are particularly sought after in the Russian market and how to go about finding a job in Russia.

Demand for both labourers and engineers

At least 15% of Russian employers are interested in hiring workers from India, according to a study shared by Alexander Veterkov, deputy CEO of recruitment service Rabota.ru.

Indians coming to Russia for work commonly find jobs in construction, garment manufacturing, agriculture, and mining. Indian nationals are also hired by retail companies looking to fill shortages in positions such as loaders, warehouse workers, sorters, and order pickers.

Typically, entry-level employees earn about 500–600 US dollars per month. Highly qualified professionals, also in high demand, tend to garner a monthly salary of 1,000 US dollars or more.

Russian employers value the adaptability and diligence of their Indian employees. In addition, many Indian workers are uniquely skilled, says Victoria Pavlyushina, partner at the Agency for Economic Transformation and Development (AETD). “Indians are proficient in cutting-edge green construction technology and have extensive international experience, including the construction of infrastructure facilities for the Dubai Expo. Their experience in implementing digital solutions—such as using drones in agriculture for irrigation and fertiliser application—is also proving valuable in Russia,” she explains.

Top 10 sectors in Russia with the greatest labour shortages, Q1 2025

Source: Superjob.ru

To enable Russian companies to hire more foreigners, the Ministry of Labour has increased the quota for recruiting skilled workers from non-CIS countries: in 2025, 235,000 permits will be issued (compared to 156,000 the year before). A significant portion of these are reserved for hiring workers on large infrastructure projects and in the industrial sector.

“In the fourth quarter of 2024, 9,400 Indian nationals arrived in Russia for employment,” says Pavlyushina, referencing data from the Russian FSB Border Service. “This is 2.5 times more than the previous year, so the interest in labour migration to this country is evident.”

Employment specifics

Russian companies use online platforms to find employees, mainly LinkedIn, Indeed, and Naukri.com. Recruitment agencies are engaged to find highly skilled specialists.

To get a job in Russia, a foreign worker must first obtain an entry invitation from their future employer and apply for a work visa. After arriving in the country, they must sign an employment contract with the company. The employer will ensure that the employee is issued with a work permit and registered with the migration authorities.

How to avoid risks when seeking employment in Russia

Recommendations from Alexander Veterkov, Rabota.ru:

• Use only licensed recruitment agencies with a good reputation.
• Research the employer and read employee reviews about the company.
• Make sure the employment contract clearly states working conditions, salary, and social benefits.
• Be cautious: reputable employers do not charge potential employees fees for job placement, paperwork, or training.
• Learn Russian: even basic knowledge will make living and working in Russia significantly easier. Russian language centres in Russia and India are a useful resource.
• Don’t hesitate to seek advice from lawyers or organisations that protect the rights of labour migrants. Depending on the issue, this may be the Federal Service for Labour and Employment (Rostrud), the tax service, or the prosecutor’s office.