The Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation issued a clarification regarding the handling of IT specialists under the preferential mortgage program, directly addressing questions about whether employees can be dismissed without a prior repayment of the concessional loan. The ministry’s explanation, disseminated through its Telegram channel, makes clear that the ability to move between accredited IT companies remains intact and that tax relief benefits linked to the mortgage will continue for the entire duration of the loan when a professional switches to another authorized employer. Experts cited by the ministry indicated that there is no requirement for IT professionals to quit their jobs or settle the loan in a lump sum simply to retain the mortgage’s favorable terms. In essence, the program’s rules have been adjusted to permit ongoing employment continuity across the industry while preserving the financial incentives that come with the state-supported loan. This nuance helps prevent interruptions in a worker’s career path and aligns with broader government aims to sustain IT sector stability during the mortgage program. (Attribution: Ministry statement via the official Telegram channel and accompanying expert commentary.)
According to the agency, workers can transition to other accredited information technology firms without losing the benefits tied to the mortgage. The guidance clarifies that the prior condition requiring a five-year tenure with the initial loan issuer has been superseded by a framework that allows continued employment with other eligible employers for the entire term of the loan. This is an important shift for many IT professionals who seek flexibility in their careers without forfeiting the subsidized rate or tax advantages. As the ministry notes, the key factor is the status of employment with an accredited IT company rather than a fixed relationship with a single lender, which broadens opportunities for career mobility while maintaining program integrity. (Attribution: Ministry pronouncements and expert analyses cited in the Telegram channel.)
Recent adjustments to the IT mortgage program include a cap on the interest rate at 6 percent and a geographic realignment that ends the program’s operations in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The loan size quota has also been standardized across all Russian regions, with the concessional amount limited to 9 million rubles nationwide. Previously, cities with populations exceeding one million could access loans up to 18 million rubles, while other areas were capped at 9 million rubles. These changes reflect a broader recalibration of the program to balance fiscal sustainability with the continued desire to attract and retain IT talent in diverse locales across the country. (Attribution: Official program updates and Ministry commentary, summarized for clarity.)
In late July, the government announced the extension of the Preferential IT Mortgage program through 2030, signaling a long-term commitment to supporting the technology sector alongside the housing initiative. This extension gives developers, engineers, and other IT professionals more time to plan long-term housing solutions aligned with their career trajectories. The extension also implies a steadier demand environment for IT mortgages, despite the tightening of certain conditions in recent years. Analysts who track housing and labor market interactions noted that policy refinements often affect demand, but the extended horizon may help stabilize expectations for both lenders and borrowers. (Attribution: Government notification and subsequent expert commentary.)
There has been ongoing discussion among industry observers about how demand for IT mortgages will respond to changes in program conditions. Some experts have warned that tightening terms could dampen interest, while others argue that the core benefits—lower interest rates, tax relief, and career flexibility across accredited firms—remain compelling for many professionals. The balance between loan affordability, job mobility, and geographic reach continues to shape the mortgage program’s attractiveness. Throughout this period of adjustment, stakeholders have emphasized the importance of clear guidance and consistent rules to ensure applicants and current borrowers can navigate the system with confidence. (Attribution: Market analyses and expert opinions compiled from official statements and sector commentary.)