1)

According to President’s Order № 583, from January 2016 work permits which allow Turkish nationals to work in the territory of the Russian Federation, are no longer issued by the Federal Migration service. As a result, Turkish citizens cannot be officially employed by companies which are registered and operate in Russia.

However, due to numerous applications and high demand from business for Turkish labor force, the Russian government has produced a list of companies, as of January 01.2016, stating legal entities which are still allowed to hire Turkish nationals for work and service performance in the Russian Federation. It contains 53 companies. Also organizations which operate under the jurisdiction of Turkey are prohibited to perform a series of operations in the Russian Federation.

The list is available following the link: http://www.garant.ru/hotlaw/federal/688367/

Starting from April 16, 2011, Turkish citizens were allowed to enter Russia and stay on its territory for up to 30 calendar days in without any visa. The number of entries was not limited however the total amount of days should not have exceeded 90 days within each 180 days period.

As of January 01, 2016, the visa-free regime with Turkey was suspended. Turkish nationals now require visa despite the purpose and duration of their stay in Russia. However Federal migration services have currently stopped receiving applications for invitations for any types of visas for Turkish nationals and at the moment it is not possible to submit an application for any type of invitation.

Those Turkish nationals, who have already obtained the permissive documents, are still allowed to stay on the territory of the Russian Federation, for the period of validity of the documents issued.

2) Citizens of Belorussia. Simplification of migration regime.

Due to the Federal Law 296, starting from 03.12.2015, Citizens of Belarus may stay in Russia without address registration up to 90 days, instead of 30 days as it was previously.

Also according to Federal Law 465 as of December 30, 2015, the procedure of obtaining the temporary residence permit and residence permit was simplified for the citizens of Belarus Republic. They are now exempt from the obligatory procedure of passing the exam of knowledge of Russian language, history and law.

Therefore the certificate of knowledge will not be required for application for a residence permit or temporary residence permit.

3) Simplification of visa regime for Georgian citizens.

As of December 23, 2015 the citizens of Georgia started to obtain  business, work, educational and humanitarian visas of any multiplicity, as well as private visas, despite the presence of kinship between the host and invited party, based on the original invitation, made through the Russian Federal Migration Service.

Previously only close relatives in Russian Federation could apply for letters of invitation for private visas for Georgians.

Therefore this simplification provides more opportunities for Georgian citizens who would like to visit Russia and makes it easier than it used to be previously.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation even consider the possibility to abolish visa regime with Georgia that may improve cooperation between two counties.

4) Reminder: Notification about hiring and dismissal of foreign assignees.

We would like to issue a reminder once again about the recent requirement for all employers to submit a notification about signing of a labor agreement with a foreign national or dismissal within 3 business days term. The notification, duly filled in, should be submitted to the local Federal migration authority on a paper or electronically on a portal of governmental services.

This regulation refers to Federal Law # 357 as of 24.11. 2014 and came into force staring from January 01, 2015.

It is important to submit a notification in a timely manner and keep the submission confirmation on file, as it may be required further on for different application/prolongation of permissive documents of foreign assignees. Also failure to notify migration authorities in time or lack of the notification may lead to serious fines and penalties.

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On 14^th September 2015 the European Union Visa Information System (VIS) started to be in effect for applicants to Schengen visas in Russia.

The introduction of the VIS had been urged to increase the security of visas issued, as well as to incorporate measures aimed at the prevention of illegal immigration, terrorism and other unlawful activities.

Applicants for a Schengen visa will be required to provide prints of their 10 fingers as well as a digital photograph. Applications can only be submitted only in person.  Fingerprints are not required for children under 12 years of age nor for persons who are physically unable to provide them. VIS stores biometric data of applicants for 5 years.  Thus travelers will not be required to provide it every time they apply for a new Schengen visa during that period.

For further information please check the following link:
http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/visa-information-system/index_en.htm

Citizens of Kyrgyzstan to work in Russia without work permits

From 12^th of August 2015 citizens of Kyrgyzstan can work in Russia without the need for a work permit.

The Agreement of Accession of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Treaty of the Eurasian Economic Union was signed on the 8^th of May, in Moscow, by the presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. (The original signatories of the treaty, in May 2014, are Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, with Armenia joining in January 2015.)

Kyrgyzstani citizens are now able to work in Russia without work permit/patent. The duration of the temporary stay (residence) is determined by the length of the employment or civil law contract concluded with their employer. In the event of termination of contract after 90 days from the date of entry to Russia, they are entitled to stay for further 15 days to sign a new contract.

When arriving in Russia with purpose of visit stated as “work”, Kyrgyzstani citizens and members of their families are exempt from the obligation registering their address for up to 30 days from the date of entry. Likewise they are not required to fill in the migration card at port of entry.  Furthermore, Kyrgyzstani citizens are now exempt from carrying out the legalization procedures for Russian recognition of diplomas issued in their country.

For further information please check the following link:
http://www.fms.gov.ru/press/news/news_detail.php?ID=157273

Qualified foreigners to get Russian citizenship faster under new rules

As of 7^th of August 2015 foreign specialists in 74 professions can obtain Russian citizenship through a simplified scheme (Order of the Russian Ministry of Labour of #446N dated 13/07/2015).

Applicants for citizenship under this order must have been residents in Russia and worked in the profession for at least 3 years before applying (as opposed to the standard 5-year requirement).  Among the 74 professions are doctors, engineers, mechanics, machinists, electricians, mathematicians, chief project engineers and directors of economic activities, etc.  The list features mostly industrial occupations.

For further information please check the following link:
http://www.rosmintrud.ru/docs/mintrud/orders/410

Notification of second citizenship can be submitted by authorized representative

From 24^th August 2015 Russian nationals taking up a second citizenship can use an authorised representative to submit a notification to the Russian authorities (as per Order of the Federal Migration Service on July 20, 2015 N 348 “On Amendments to the Order of the Federal Migration Service of Russia on July 28, 2014 N 450“.  Notification can submitted through a local FMS office or any post office in Russia.

Under this scheme, the authorised representative must attach to the application a copy of his own passport as well as a certified copy of the power of attorney authorizing him for the submission.

As a reminder, such notifications should be submitted to the FMS within 60 days from the moment of obtaining a second citizenship.  Penalties for failing to comply are up to RUR 200,000 or 400 hours of compulsory work.

For further information please check the following link:
http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/Document/View/0001201508130047

If you would like further assistance with this information or any services in Russia, please email us at russia@moveoneinc.com.

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Applicants must register online to use the service by logging in to the Customer Portal:

https://ugyintezes.magyarorszag.hu/szolgaltatasok/ugyfelkapu.html.
An exception to this is the moral control of the certificates, which can be used without registration.

Costs depend on the type of service and fees must be paid by electronic bank transfer. Checking criminal record information is free and applying for a criminal record certificate carries a fee of HUF 3,100.

For further reference on application possibilities of criminal record certificates please visit the following website: http://www.nyilvantarto.hu/hu/erkolcsi_heb

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New regulations about the responsibility of foreign citizens and their employers came into force on 29.06.2015. These regulations oblige, in the case of personal documents change (passport) to submit application for modification of such  documents (work permit, patent, visa) within 7 days upon entering Russia with new documents. If the new passport was received in Russia, the application for permissive documents modification has to be submitted with 7 days after issuance of new passport.

By legal published act  the  government also specified that in the case of a job position change, work permits have to be modified. Despite the fact the time frame for modification of a work permit in such cases is not set, it is highly recommended to proceed with modifications of work permit before the foreign citizen starts employment under a new job position.

Violation of immigration legislation can lead to fines for foreign citizen and the company and deportation of foreign citizen from Russia and not allowing a company to apply for HQP work permits for their employees for period of time up to 2 years.

2.  Notification forms to the FMS have been changed.

Starting 12.03.2015 according to the FMS Order №149, the following notifications must be submitted to the Federal Migration Service under the new form:

- notificaitons upon salary for HQP specialists (submitted each quarter);

- notificaiton upon dismissal of foreign employee,

- notificaiton upon signing of Work Contract.

3. Notification to FMS can be sent via Post Office.

According to recent changes as per the FMS Order #149 from 12.03.2015, the following notifications can be sent to the relevant migration authority via Post Office or can be submitted to the FMS directly:

- notificaitons upon salary for HQP specialists (submitted each quarter);

- notificaiton upon dismissal of foreign employee,

- notificaiton upon signing of Work Contract.

4. Invitation Letter for business visa, to Russian obtained via the FMS can be issued in electronic format.

According to recent changes in the FMS procedures, business invitation letters can be issued electronically and sent to the applicant by email.  In spite of the fact that the procedure of obtaining electronic invitation was stated in the law earlier (FMS Order №390 dated 30.11.2012) there were difficulties in the applying it by the authorities, however from 27.04.2015 the FMS started issuance of electronic invitations. The procedure is the same as for ordinary invitation (on FMS blank), but the e-mail address, where the electronic version of invitation is to be sent, must be indicated in the application.When foreign a visitor gets such confirmation, he should print is out and add to the application, submitted for the Russian business visa in the consulate. Please note, that transferee can obtain his visa only in the city that was mentioned in application form for Invitation Letter.

5. Foreign visitors to Vladivostok will be able to receive short-term visa upon arrival to the city.

According to the Government meetings from 04.06.2015 Mr Medvedev announced that a simplified visa regime will be introduced to foreign businessmen and investors. As per the Law-in-draft dated 30.04.2015 regarding “the modifications to the Russian legislation due to the providing Vladivostok city with the status of free port” foreign nationals coming to Vladivostok will be issued with the short-term visa upon arrival in Vladivostok with the maximum validity of up to 8 days. Terms are being considered by the government and expected to come into force in the beginning 2016.

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Foreigners who have multiple Schengen visa or European Union member state visa or residence permit of the Schengen Agreement country or  European Union member state, if for these passport holders a visa is required, they can stay up to 15 days (until last year it  was 7 days ) in Bosnia and Herzegovina without visa under condition that they enter in Bosnia and Herzegovina from the Schengen Agreement country, European Union member state or from the country with which Bosnia and Herzegovina has an agreement on readmission in force.

Diplomatic Service or ordinary passport holders accredited with the Department of Diplomatic Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and who have been issued a special card, are visa exempted for entry/transit/stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Citizens of all other countries are required entry visa when entering Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Citizens of the following countries may enter to Bosnia and Herzegovina up to 90 days over a period of six months starting from the date of first entry, unless they hold the passport or a valid identification card proving identity and citizenship of:

1)     Member States of the European Union,

2)     States Parties to the Schengen Agreement and

3)     Andorra, Montenegro, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Serbia, the Holy See (Vatican) and Switzerland

On average it takes approximately 3 month in order to receive all necessary permits to start employment.

Citizens of the European Union Member States, citizens of countries that signed Schengen Agreement and citizens of Andorra, Montenegro, Lichtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Serbia,  Holy City & Switzerland can use their Identity Cards as a travel document to enter, exit and pass over BiH.

LIST OF COUNTRIES THAT ARE NOT REQUIRED BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA ENTRY VISA
Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,  Australia, Austria,  Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium,  Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Czech Republic, Chile, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Guatemala, Holland, Honduras, Croatia, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Costa Rica,  Korea – Republic, Canada, Qatar, Cyprus, Kuwait, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Norway, Germany, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia*, United States of America, Salvador, San Marino, Seychelles,  Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Holy See, Serbia, St. Christopher and Navis, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, Ukraine**, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Venezuela

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Sofia in the Spring is a good time to visit. You will find the city blooming with flowers Streets are full of  friendly people drinking coffee, home made lemonade, wines or beers during the sunny days on the Vitosha Boulevard street, walking or relaxing in the green spaces in the parks like Borisova gargen and South Park. You will find the most cheerful people you’ve ever met.
Sofia has a compact and manageable city centre with some rather pretty Neo-Classical and Secession buildings, antique gold treasures in the museums and Roman ruins dotted around the place.
If you are planning to stay in Sofia you should not miss the night life. What practical information do you need to know about living in one of Europe’s most affordable, and most charming, cities? Read on.

Although rental prices have increased by an average of 5% since spring 2014, compared to major European cities, they are still the most affordable in whole Europe. The centre of the city , Oborishte street (Park Zaimov), Izgrev and Lozenets are one of the most wanted areas for expats to rent an apartment due to their excellent location and the easy acces to public transport as well as the international schools and kindergardens. If you would like to rent a house in a calm and cosy area with nice view not far from the center you should choose Dragalevtsi, Boyana, Simeonovo or Pancharevo, especially if you are together with your family.

According to the statistics salaries have been increased since 1st January 2015, and most of the living costs (utilities, phone bills, public transport, etc.) remain largely on the same level as in 2014.

From 8th of  May 2015 there is a new metro line from the Airport Terminal 2 to the center of Sofia. It is very useful and way cheaper than using Taxi or Uber.

Expats with families have a choice of international kindergardens, schools, from pre-school to university level, with curriculum being taught in English, German, Italian and French.
Top rated are the “Anglo-American School”, “American College of Sofia”, “St. George” and French lyceum “Victor Hugo”.

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As of 24 June 2014 the Act No. 326/1999 Coll. on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic came into force. This latest amendment introduced an Employee Card – a new type of long-term residence permit in the territory of the Czech Republic where the purpose of the foreign national’s stay (longer than 3 months) is employment.

The Employee Card is intended for foreign nationals from all the countries around the world, but not for

• citizens of the EU/EEA Member States and Switzerland and
• their family members who are citizens of other states but hold a residence card for a family member of a citizen of the EU/EEA and Switzerland or those who have applied for such a card.

A foreign national who has gained the Employee Card is entitled:

• to reside in the territory of the Czech Republic and, at the same time,
• to work in the job for which the Employee Card was issued, or
• to work in the job for which the Department for Asylum and Migration Policy of the Ministry of Interior granted consent (in connection with changing employer, changing job, taking up employment with an additional employer or in an additional job).

The Employee Card is a plastic card with biometric features and is most often issued for the duration of the employer-employee relationship but not for more than 2 years, with an option to repeatedly extend its validity.

Approximate overall processing time to complete the Employee Card process is estimated to be 90-120 days.

With regard to professional qualifications, the Employee Card is intended for all types of employment regardless of the level of required professional qualifications.

However, the job vacancy for which an application for the Employee Card can be filed must come from the central register of job vacancies that can be filled by holders of Employee Cards. Subject to the consent of the employer, these vacant jobs can be published on the Internet Integrated Portal of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs where you can find them.

An up-do-date version of the Act No. 326/1999 Coll. on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic can be downloaded here (available in Czech only).

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Hungary: Immigration – Key points

Starting from the beginning of 2014 the immigration procedures had not changed significantly in Hungary and apart from the change in location of the immigration offices, the main procedures in general stayed the same.
If a local company is planning to hire a non EU citizen they should keep in mind the following points:
- the processing time to collect the combined work and residence permit takes around 90 days from the application submission date;
- a foreigner cannot officially be employed until the combined work and residence permit is issued and the Immigration office is notified about the employment/assignment start;
- for the work permit part of the process, the original of the applicant’s bachelor degree has to be officially translated by the Hungarian Official Translator Offices – copies or notarized copies are not accepted;
- for applicants on Hungarian payroll, both a tax and a social security number to be collected is essential since without those ID numbers,the applicant cannot be placed on the local company’s payroll.

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Date submitted: 17.02.2015

The processing time has shortened . Workers in IT sector, top 100 world schools graduates, those in process of obtaining the status of refugee or persons requiring additional support  will benefit. Work permit application process will now take 7 days instead of 15 days as earlier.

The application form has been changed to a newer one. For prolongation, documents should be submitted not later than 20 calendar days before the expiration date of the WP. All documents are now returned in case of work permit rejection.  Previously these documents were not returned  by the Ministry of Labor.

The Ministry of labour will now also inform of its decisions via email and post. The state fee payment deadline has also now been shortened to 10 working days. The employment contract should be submitted within 7 working days. Earlier, the  work permit process would take 15 calendar days while the work permit  prolongation should have been submitted not later than 30 calendar days prior to the expiration date of the WP

The Commission with the external personnel (from the State Migration Service, the Police, etc) is now canceled. The procedure of the decision making will be regulated by the Labour Office internally (either one person decision or the Internal Commission- it will not effect the company).

We see this a positive step from Ministry of Labor, and believe this will  speed up the process of  work permit obtaining and prolongation.

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Finding an apartment, or house, to rent in Prague is one of the first tasks our Relocation Consultant can assist you with. Although rental prices have increased by an average of 14% since spring 2014, compared to major European cities, they are still rather inexpensive. The city centre (Prague 1), Vinohrady (Prague 2), and Dejvice/Nebusice (Prague 6) are one of the most popular areas for expats. Zizkov (Prague 3) and parts of Smichov (Prague 5) are also attracting more foreigners due to their excellent location, easy access to public transport, as well as international schools and kindergardens.

According to the Czech Statistical Office, average salaries have increased since 1^st January 2015 (currently being around EUR 980 gross / month), allowing people to purchase more, despite a modest increase in groceries and real estate. Most of the other living costs (utilities, phone bills, public transport, petrol, etc.) remain largely on the same level as in 2014. Compared to London, New York or Sydney, the cost of living in Prague is around 50% lower.
Warm, sunny weather has already attracted many locals and expats to Prague’s numerous parks. In the Riegrovy sady (Vinohrady) beer garden, you can expect to get a beer for €1, watch soccer matches, and even movies (for free!) in the open-air cinema. Other popular parks are Letna (Prague 7), Ladronka (Prague 6), which is ideal for roller-blading, biking and running, as well as Stromovka, a huge park located right next to the Prague Expo and the amusement park.

Expats with families have a choice of international schools, from pre-school to university level, with curriculum being taught in English, German, and French. In August 2014, a new boarding school was opened in Karlovy Vary. The Carlsbad International School follows the International Baccalaureate academic program, and its residential model blends aspects of Swiss, UK and US boarding schools. New students can apply for the academic year 2015 – 2016.

For more information on relocation assistance contact Move One’s dedicated team of destination consultants on czechrepublic@moveoneinc.com or +420 233 321 406

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