Working in Russia as an international student

Can you work while you study?

Yes, in many cases, and often without a work permit. The rules are in the Russian law on foreigners (Federal Law 115-FZ, article 13). Under its current version, you do not need a work permit if:

• you are a full-time student in a state-accredited program, from college to postgraduate level, and you work in your free time;
• you work during your official holidays (this applies to any student);
• you work at your own university, or at a company that belongs to it (this also applies to any student).

There is one exception. These rules do not cover people who entered Russia on a work visa, or who came without a visa to work.

Some older web pages, including some university pages, still say that every student needs a work permit. For the cases above, this is out of date. If a page and this guide disagree, ask your international office.

If you are in the preparatory year

The preparatory year is not a state-accredited degree program. So during the preparatory year you can only work during the holidays and at your own university. In practice, your main job that year is learning Russian. Read more in our Preparatory year guide.

What your employer must do

Work must be legal and on paper. Always ask for a written contract before you start.

The employer must notify the migration authorities (the Ministry of Internal Affairs, MVD) within 3 working days of signing your contract. It must do the same within 3 working days of the contract ending. If you are expelled from your university, the contract must end.

This notification is the employer’s duty, not yours, but it protects you. Ask your employer to confirm that it has been sent, and keep a copy of your contract. Be careful with anyone who offers cash work “without papers”. Working outside the rules can cause serious problems with your migration status.

These rules are due to change in 2027

Parts of article 13, including the employer notification rule, are being rewritten from January 2027. We have not seen the new text yet, so we cannot say what will change. If you plan to start or change a job in 2027, check the rules with your international office or an official source before you sign anything.

Typical student jobs

What you can find depends on your city, your Russian level and your timetable. Common options are:

• Tutoring. Teaching your own language, or helping school pupils and other students with a subject you know well.
• Jobs at your university. Helping at the international office, in a department, a laboratory or a library, or at events and open days. Ask your department and the international office what exists.
• Hospitality. Cafés, restaurants and hotels, especially in big cities, often need staff in the evenings and at weekends. Most of these jobs need everyday Russian.

We do not give salary figures. Pay varies a lot by city, employer and type of job, and it changes often. Compare offers carefully and make sure the pay is written in your contract.

Better Russian opens more doors, both for jobs and for friendships. Our Russian courses and weekly speaking club can help you get there.

Keep your studies first. Your visa depends on your student status, and missing classes or failing exams can put that status at risk.

Your tax number (INN) and bank account

In Russia, each taxpayer has a tax number called the INN. An employer will usually ask for it, and banks often ask for it when you open an account. Ask your international office how to get one in your city, and keep a copy with your other documents.

Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards do not work in Russia. To receive your pay, you will most likely need a Russian bank account with a Mir card. Many students open one through their university’s partner bank. Each bank has its own list of documents, so ask before you go.

Working after graduation

After you graduate, the student rules no longer apply. Your stay can be extended for up to 30 days after graduation. To keep working in Russia, you need a work permit, or highly qualified specialist status, which requires a minimum salary set by law. Some graduates can also apply for permanent residence.

All of this is explained in our Legal pathways guide. Start planning a few months before your final exams.

Your next step

Rules on work are one part of your legal status. Read the Legal pathways guide next, so you know what to keep in order from your first week to your graduation.

If you have a question about your own situation, tell us about it through the Start Your Journey form. We reply by email in your language. We do not find jobs for students, but we can help you understand your options.