Policy shifts in Russia aim to reshape domestic software registry and IT migration rules
A high-ranking official at the Ministry of Digital Development, Maksut Shadayev, forwarded proposals to the deputy prime minister, Dmitry Grigorenko, outlining measures to bolster the domestic economy through changes to the rules governing the inclusion of software in the national registry. The government newspaper Kommersant reports on the document, highlighting the proposed adjustments and their potential impact on the tech sector. (Kommersant)
Shadayev asserts that the central criterion for joining the registry should be governance and control, rather than the current metric which hinges on the share of participation by a Russian entity. In practical terms, the suggestion is to move away from a strict requirement that a Russian individual or firm must hold at least half of the equity in a software developer. The aim is to ensure that companies with robust Russian management and compliance structures can qualify even if ownership structures are more dispersed. The ministry notes that current rules are creating barriers that prevent a meaningful number of Russian firms from being listed in the registry. (Kommersant)
Grigorenko has replied by referring the proposal to the ministries of finance and economy for formal approval. The plan calls for a decision on the initiative by May 20. The decision hinges on balancing domestic industrial support with broader fiscal considerations, a move watched closely by technology firms operating in and beyond Russia. (Kommersant)
In a related segment of policy reform, the former Russian government introduced a bill to the State Duma aimed at simplifying the employment process for foreign IT specialists. The proposal envisions more straightforward pathways for these professionals and their families to obtain residence permits, signaling a potential tightening or easing of migration rules depending on implementation details. The broader intent is to maintain a competitive talent pool for Russia’s digital economy while ensuring oversight and governance. (Kommersant)
On the housing front, the government is considering a program to make mortgage borrowing more attractive for IT professionals who meet certain income thresholds. Those earning more than 100,000 rubles per month inside the country could access mortgage loans at a preferential rate of about 5 percent per year. The state is signaling a substantial commitment, with a stated allocation of 240 billion rubles to support these loans. The policy aims to stabilize housing costs for skilled workers and support ongoing talent retention in the domestic tech sector. (Kommersant)
Geographically targeted real estate credit limits are also under review. In cities with populations under one million, the maximum home purchase price under the program would be set at 9 million rubles. For larger urban centers with populations exceeding one million, the cap would rise to 18 million rubles. The adjusted caps reflect regional cost variations while preserving incentives for IT professionals to live and work in diverse parts of the country. (Kommersant)
These developments come as Russia continues to balance national control with the need to attract and retain high-skilled tech workers. Observers in Canada and the United States, where IT labor markets are also highly dynamic, will be watching how these measures influence cross-border collaborations, supplier ecosystems, and the wider global competitiveness of the Russian software industry. The overarching objective appears to be strengthening domestic leadership in software development, while offering targeted incentives to sustain growth in the tech workforce. (Kommersant)