Dear CERBA Members and Partners,

On the basis of the information kindly provided by CERBA Corporate Member – Intermark Relocation, starting September 7, 2020 changes to the Federal law No.109-FZ of 18.07.2006 "On the Migration Registration of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Russian Federation" will take effect.

What are the changes?

1. Foreign nationals who own a living premise in the territory of Russia may act as host parties for any other foreign nationals who actually dwell in this premise.

2. Aside from already existing means of submitting the address registration application (at migration office in person or via MFC or via post office) the new law introduces a new option to submit it in electronic form via Public Services Portal. In this case, host party must print the detachable part of the electronic notification received from state authority and pass it to the foreign national.

3. In case a foreign national’s host party that owns a premise is a Russian national permanently residing outside Russia, a foreign national or a foreign organization staying or located outside Russia then this foreign national is obliged to report their arrival to the migration office in person in order to perform their address registration. To this end, they will need to provide a notarized consent of the owner for their stay in the relevant premise. The form of consent is to be approved by the MIA of Russia.

4. When registering upon arrival at a hotel or similar organization (sanatorium, recreation center etc.) foreign nationals will no longer be automatically de-registered from their previous place of stay provided that the latter was not another hotel or similar organization.

5. The law provides that the residence registration for the holders of temporary or permanent residence permits, in addition to the option of visiting a migration office in person, is also available via Multifunctional center or in electronic form.

Who is affected?

Foreign nationals as well as companies or individuals who provide them with premises for actual dwelling.

According to World Bank estimate, Russia ranks № 40 in the world in terms of the complexity of setting up a company. This is due to both procedural features and the need to prepare a set of rules (charter), how to manage the company and how the company can conclude the contracts.

Significant investments in creating a complex charter, especially when entering the Russian market, are not always justified. Specifically, in order to simplify the setup of a limited liability company SCHNEIDER GROUP has developed a convenient tool for selecting a standard charter from 36 available options. Despite the fact that actually registering a company with such a charter under a special procedure is not yet possible, the standard charter can be used as a template and supplemented by individual information about the company during the registration for the common procedure.

SCHNEIDER GROUP bot allows you to select a standard charter, answering 7 questions, and gives detailed information about the features of each of the 36 standard charters.

Information in the bot is available in 3 languages: Russian, English and German.

INFORMATION:

Standard charters differ with one another in a set of the following options:

• the possibility of free business exit,
• the need to obtain the consent of other participants to transfer the share to third parties or other participants, as well as to transfer the share to the assignees,
• observance of preemptive rights,
• the ability to independently manage the business (alone or with partners) as a director,
• the ability to make decisions by participants without involving a notary.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6699202625147031552

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCHNEIDER.GROUP.ONLINE/posts/3589852584398776

Web-site: https://schneider-group.com/en/news/schneider-group-launches-a-telegram-bot-to-create-a-company-charter/

IMAX was among the headliners for the 23rd Shanghai International Film Festival, with a range of classic titles including the full "Harry Potter" series and IMAX exclusive documentaries "Pandas" and "Michael Jordan to the Max." All IMAX showings sold out in minutes, including more than 1000 tickets for the "Harry Potter" screenings which sold out in seconds.

Full article is available at the following link: https://www.imax.com/content/imax-begins-reopening-china-369-theatres-nationwide-sold-out-showcase-shanghai-international

On August 5, 2020, Federal law No. 16-FZ "On amendments to the Federal law "On the legal status of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation" comes into force.

Now foreign students who study on a full-time basis in educational institutions of higher education under a state-accredited program and work in their free time can work without obtaining a work permit.

If a foreign citizen has finished or stopped studying in such an organization, the employment contract concluded with him/her is subject to termination.

This is also to remind you that it is the obligation of the employer to notify the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia about the conclusion and termination (termination) of an employment contract with the foreign citizen.

For more details on the adopted Federal law, please follow the link.

Dear CERBA Members and Partners,

According to the information kindly provided by CERBA Corporate Member – Intermark Relocation starting August 1 additional changes clarifying the procedure for entering the Russian Federation for foreign and Russian citizens came into force. These changes include the requirements for testing for coronavirus infection.

Which law introduces the changes?

The decree of Chief sanitary officer of Russia dated July 27, 2020 N 22

What are the changes?

FOREIGN CITIZENS:

1. Option for Covid-19 testing after arriving in Russia is no longer available.

When boarding the plane and when crossing Russian border the foreign citizen must present negative test results for the Covid-19 test (done by PCR method). Such test needs to be done no later than 3 calendar days before arriving in Russia.

2. If it is impossible to present test results in English or Russian language, it can be issued in the official language of the country where the medical institution is registered. In this case the translation must be certified by a Russian consular officer.

3. Before crossing the borders foreign citizens will be obliged to fill-in the questionnaire for arrivals. Questionnaire example is available on the official website of Rospotrebnadzor.

NB! Please keep in mind additional requirements for foreign workers:

- Foreign citizens entering Russia for labour (work) purpose must undergo obligatory 14-days quarantine, regardless of whatever test results they have on their hands

- Employers must verify that their foreign employees have negative test results for Covid-19, with test itself passed no later than 3 calendar days before their arrival in Russia.

RUSSIAN CITIZENS ARRIVING VIA AIR FLIGHTS:

1. Russian citizens must register as arrivals on the official State Services website (before flight check-in), and also fill-in the paper application (before crossing the border).

2. Within 3 days after arrival Russian citizens must pass the test for Covid-19 (done by PCR method). After passing the test they must register the results on the State Services website.

Who is affected?

All foreign citizens, their employers, and citizens of Russia.

On July 6, 2020, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan approved Decree No. UP-6019 “On additional measures to further develop the competitive environment and reduce government involvement in the economy” (Hereinafter – “Decree UP-6019”) which provides for the following points:

Firstly, the Anti-Monopoly Committee (hereinafter - the Committee) is accountable to the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and the President in its activities.

Secondly, the Committee regularly submits information directly to the President on the implementation of the tasks set out in Decree UP-6019.

Third, the Decree identifies the Cabinet of Ministers' subdivisions and other state structures with which the Committee cooperates in solving its tasks to create a free and competitive market in the country.

Fourthly, it establishes a procedure in accordance with which from October 1, 2020:

• The main task of the authorized bodies of the state administration in branches and spheres is to improve the competitive environment and its development;
• It is not permitted to establish economic entities with the participation of the state, as well as its affiliates and state institutions authorized to conduct economic activities (except those established for the purposes of defense and national security) in the following cases:
• 1. In areas where five or more private business entities operate in the same commodity market;
  2. In areas where public bodies themselves have been granted licensing, registration and accreditation powers;
• There are also other conditions aimed at developing a competitive environment.

Fifth, it establishes a procedure for the adoption of draft regulatory legal acts containing points that establish additional barriers to business or hinder the development of a competitive environment. They are adopted only if the Ministry of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction and the Ministry of Justice reach conclusions, or the Committee itself reaches the conclusion, that the regulation is necessary to create a competitive environment.

Sixth, the Ministry of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction together with the Committee is instructed to develop and submit to the Cabinet of Ministers within one month a Regulation on the assessment of the impact on regulation of draft regulatory acts.

In addition, Decree UP-6019 approved:

More information available at: https://www.dentons.com/en/insights/alerts/2020/july/23/government-involvement-in-the-economy-will-be-limited-in-uzbekistan 

CERBA NATIONAL WEBINAR “DOING BUSINESS IN CANADA” 

On the 28th of July (Tuesday), 2020, CERBA has held the National webinar on Doing Business in Canada organized by CERBA Kazakhstan and Toronto Chapters.

The webinar aimed to support businesses and future partners from the C.I.S. region interested in exporting their goods to Canada by sharing information on investment opportunities, business immigration, regulations and support measurers.  About 80 participants got nswers and shared ideas with the panel of experts on doing business in Canada, and got the latest overview of the most promising sectors.

The webinar was moderated by Mr. Gordon Haskins, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of the Al Hilal Bank Kazakhstan and CERBA Kazakhstan Board Director.

Mr. Norman Storm, CERBA Kazakhstan Board Chair and General Director of the Condor Petroleum, welcomed the webinar participants and shared his extensive (over 25 years) experience of doing business in Kazakhstan.

Mr. Giovanni Gonzalez, Senior Business Development Specialist, Trade and Investment Division, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade talked about the current economic climate of Canada and trade diversification, as well as promising industries, such as Agriculture & Food, Construction, Life Science, ICT, Natural Resources, Manufacturing, and support measures for Investors.

Ms. Anna Balinsky, Managing Partner at KPMG Law LLP, updated the audience about the office registration types for foreign investors and legal requirements and licenses to obtain.

Ms. Maria Cherkasova, Senior Manager, Global Transfer Pricing Services at KPMG Canada, touched Corporations Taxation issues.  

Ms. Olga Miklas, Executive Director, Tax – Global Mobility Services at KPMG LLP, presented taxation of registered office employees and employees’ insurance regulations. 

Mr. Marc-André Séguin, Co-Founder/Partner at EXEO; B.C.L., LL.B., LL.M., Québec Bar, New York State Bar, shared information on Business Visitors & Temporary Foreign Worker Programs, as well as the requirements to participate in the immigration programs for investors in British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario (Immigrant Entrepreneur programs).

The webinar participants received advantageous packages of presentations and documents kindly offered by distinguished speakers and the Global Affairs Canada.

CERBA highly appreciates everyone who made this event successful and would like to mention the webinar sponsors and media partners:

The webinar video recording is available for your review on CERBA YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/8aXEsjlmg3c  

The webinar materials are available at https://www.cerbanet.org/event-3873174

For more information and support, please, contact:

Vera Dedyulya

Acting Regional Director

CERBA Toronto Chapter      

vera@cerbanet.org

Taskyn Koshman 

Regional Director

CERBA Kazakhstan Chapter

KCBC Coordinator 

taskyn@cerbanet.org

Bellerage Alinga is happy to present the updated version of our Guide to Doing Business in Russia. Foreign companies and entrepreneurs can quickly obtain an overview of the most important legal and fiscal aspects for commercial activities in Russia. Its compact format makes it suitable for executives considering entering the Russian market or expanding their activities there.

Doing Business in Russia is published in 4 languages: Russian, English, German and French.

Bellerage Alinga is price-quality leader in accounting outsourcing and No. 1 in 1C-based automation and process optimization solutions for international companies in Russia. We provide our clients with Accounting Outsourcing, Audit, IT-, Tax- and Legal Consulting. We are a founding member of XLNC, an international association of independent accounting, law and management consultancy practices. For more information, please visit: www.bellerage.com

Bellerage Alinga has improved its position in the Rating of Accounting and Tax Outsourcing Providers published by the independent rating agency RAEX-Analytics, by climbing from 5^th to 4^th place compared to the previous year.

The entire team of Bellerage Alinga would like to thank all its clients for their support and fidelity, without whom this new accomplishment would not have been possible.

Bellerage Alinga is price-quality leader in accounting outsourcing and No. 1 in 1C-based automation and process optimization solutionsfor international companies in Russia. We provide our clients with Accounting Outsourcing, Audit, IT-, Tax- and Legal Consulting. We are a founding member of XLNC, an international association of independent accounting, law and management consultancy practices. For more information, please visit: www.bellerage.com

Dear CERBA Members and Partners,

According to the information kindly provided by CERBA Corporate Member – Intermark Relocation, we would like to inform you that mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival in the Russian Federation for foreign and Russian citizens has been canceled. Instead, people will need to confirm their COVID-19-free status at the border or be tested upon arrival.

Which law introduces the changes?

Decree of Chief sanitary officer of Russia dated 07.07.2020 No. 18

What are the changes?

14-day quarantine upon arrival to Russia has been cancelled.Instead foreign citizens arriving to Russia must:

• Upon entering present a negative test result for the presence of coronavirus infection conducted no earlier than 3 days before entry.
• If they did not do the test beforehand they must undergo examination within 3 days from the date of arrival in Russia.

Russian citizens are also obliged to undergo testing for COVID-19 in 3 days after arriving to the country.

Employers must inform workers leaving Russia of the abovementioned requirements, and also check if foreign citizens involved in work activities have negative test results.The Decree does not impose any particular form of notification.

Who is affected?

All foreign citizens and their employers.