Authorities in St. Petersburg have expanded the list of sectors in which foreign nationals working under labor patents are prohibited from working through the end of 2026.
The new restrictions cover healthcare, hairdressing and beauty services, retail trade, fitness and wellness activities.
Employers have until December 15, 2026, to bring staffing into compliance with the expanded rules.
The measure applies specifically to foreigners working under Russia's labor-patent system rather than to all foreign nationals.
Citizens of Eurasian Economic Union member states, for example, do not need labor patents. The restrictions also do not apply to foreigners working under work permits, including highly qualified specialists.
St. Petersburg had previously barred foreign workers with labor patents from taxi services and courier delivery work.
The new decree was published on October 15.