Russia's St. Petersburg government has proposed setting the 2027 coefficient used to calculate work patent fees for foreign migrants at 3.225428, which would increase the cost of the document from 8,000 rubles (about $94) approved for 2026.

The city government has drafted a bill establishing the coefficient, which reflects the specifics of St. Petersburg’s labor market. The indicator is used to calculate the final cost of a work patent for foreign nationals, according to tsargrad.

Under the proposed legislation, the coefficient would be set at 3.225428. The base amount would be multiplied by this figure to determine the final patent fee.

The coefficient has been revised several times in recent years. In 2024, it stood at 1.597223, while the patent cost 4,600 rubles (about $55). In 2025, the coefficient increased to 1.927525, raising the cost to 6,000 rubles (about $71). For 2026, authorities approved a coefficient of 2.570034, bringing the patent cost to 8,000 rubles.

A work patent is required for foreign nationals who enter Russia without a visa and want to work legally. The requirement applies to citizens of countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union, including Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Moldova.

However, the patent does not allow migrants to work in every sector. St. Petersburg has already banned migrants holding this type of document from working in taxis and delivery services.

In September, city authorities proposed expanding the list of restricted sectors. Potential additions include retail trade, fitness centers and sports clubs, hairdressers, beauty salons, massage facilities, sanitary and epidemiological services, and forensic medical organizations.