Russia’s geographical location contributed to the country’s vast riches and high economic standing. They are a leading producer of oil and natural gas, owning about 30% of the world’s natural resources. They are the 5th largest economy in Europe and 11th largest in the world. The country’s citizens are some of the most successful in the world due to their economic stability and well-developed education system.
More information about average salaries in Russia can be found on SalaryExplorer.
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As of 2021, the minimum monthly wage is RUB 12,792. However, different areas, regions, or cities in Russia may have a higher minimum wage. For example, in Moscow, the minimum wage is RUB 20,589.
Usually paid bi-weekly.
13th month salary
Not mandatory.
Working hours are typically 8 hours a day and cannot exceed 40 hours per week.
Should not exceed 4 hours in 2 successive days and 120 hours per year.
Work during rest days (e.g. weekends and on public holidays) is paid at a minimum of 200% of the regular pay rate.
The 14 public holidays can be found here.
Employees are entitled to a total of 28 days of annual paid leave.
First 3 days of sick leave (confirmed by medical certificate) are paid for the employer.
4th day onwards is paid for at the expense of the Social Insurance Fund.
Sick leave allowance varies depending on the overall length of service, but it does not exceed RUB 2,301 per day.
Female employees are entitled to 140 days of paid maternity leave – 70 days before birth and 70 days after birth. If the employee has complications during birth, this may be extended to 86 days, and in the case of multiple births 110 days.
Can be taken until the child is 18 months old.
Granted to mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, and other relatives or guardians of a child. Only one parent/person can take parental leave.
Equivalent to 40% of the employee's average salary over the previous two years. A maximum amount is determined every year (RUB 27,984.66/month in 2020).
Falls under parental leave.
An employment contract can only be terminated in accordance with a strict list of general reasons, including:
Employment can only be terminated on the employer's initiative for certain reasons, including:
In general, under the current legislation, dismissal is not feasible without prior notice being served on the employee
The duration of notice periods depends on the grounds for termination. This ranges from 0 (if the employment contract is terminated for cause) to 2 months (in the case of liquidation of the employer organization).
The employee can terminate the employment on his/her own initiative by providing the employer with two weeks' prior written notice (for directors, one month's notice). The indicated notice periods cannot be extended in the individual employment contracts.
The severance payment rate depends on the reasons for the termination and generally amounts to an average month's wage.
Severance pay of two weeks' average earnings is paid to employees in the event of cancellation of an employment contract for the following reasons:
3 months for regular employees, up to 6 months for top executive employees (e.g. CEOs, chief accountants, branch head and/or representatives, and their deputies).
Russia’s Social Insurance Fund is a compulsory social security benefit for Russian citizens whereby employers are required to make contributions on behalf of their employees and contractors. The contributions are diversified into three fund categories: The Pension Fund, Social Insurance Fund and Medical Insurance Fund.
Employees are not liable to contribute to this state fund. Only businesses registered in Russia are obligated to provide this benefit for their constituents. For more information on the calculations for the funding, you may refer here.
Many companies in Russia offer share rewards as a long term incentive for employees. Some of the plans they offer are:
For more information regarding this benefit, please click this link.
The Standard VAT in Russia is 20%.