The Ultimate Guide to Hiring Employees in Russia

Employees in Russia are entitled to 28 calendar days of paid leave annually, with a minimum of 14 consecutive days. Certain employee categories may receive additional leave. Vacation pay, equivalent to the average salary of the past 12 months, must be paid at least 3 days before leave, and any unused vacation days carry over for an extra 12 months.

In Russia, pregnant employees receive a 708.23 RUB early registration allowance for the first 12 weeks, while maternity leave allowance, capped at 340,795 RUB for 140 days, is calculated based on average daily wage. Childbirth allowances and childcare leave up to 3 years, with a maximum allowance of 29,600.48 RUB for 1.5 years, are directly paid by the social fund to employees.

In Russia, employees are entitled to sick leave for illness or injury. Employers cover the sick leave allowance for the first 3 days, and from the fourth day onward, the Social Insurance Fund takes over. The daily allowance, depending on the employee's service length, does not exceed 2,301 RUB but can be higher if chosen by the employer, applicable even for those caring for a sick child or relative.

Employees are granted 5 days of paid leave in the event of the death of a family member.

Employees pursuing higher education are eligible for 40 days of paid leave in the initial two years of study and 50 days of paid leave for the subsequent term, with the employer covering the allowance.

Relatives or guardians caring for a child up to 18 months receive paid parental leave covered by the Russian Federation's Social Insurance Fund. They are entitled to 5 days of unpaid leave after the child's birth and, when raising the child without the mother, receive benefits akin to those offered to women.