Country News

The Bank of Russia and the Supreme Court have issued new guidance on deposits and countersanctions, while the requirements for highly qualified specialists have also been updated, changing the rules for banks, employers and foreign nationals.

Foreign nationals will need an electronic permit to enter Kazakhstan, while new digital rules for businesses and investors will streamline project support but strengthen oversight in several areas.

Belarus has expanded the grounds for subsidiary liability: owners, founders and directors can now be held liable for unpaid wages, personal injury claims and civil contract fees even without proof that they caused the bankruptcy.

Russia has approved new rules for highly qualified foreign specialists: from March 2027, most will need a minimum monthly salary of RUB 717,000 to qualify for HQS status, requiring employers to review hiring terms.

Russia’s Supreme Court clarified that splitting payments over RUB 10 million to recipients in “unfriendly” jurisdictions to bypass restrictions is illegal, increasing legal risks for Russian companies, banks and foreign creditors.