Changes to the minimum wage from 2026 and current regional practices

From January 1, 2026, there will be a significant increase in the federal minimum wage (MW) in the Russian Federation. This change is established by Federal Law No. 429-FZ dated November 28, 2025, and is an important event for all employers and employees.

1. Key change at the federal level

• New amount: From January 1, 2026, the federal minimum wage will be 27,093 rubles per month.
• Current amount: For comparison, the federal minimum wage for 2025 is set at 22,440 rubles.
• Basis: Federal Law No. 429-FZ of November 28, 2025, “On Amending Article 1 of the Federal Law ‘On the Minimum Wage.’”

Legal significance: The monthly salary of an employee who has worked the full working hours and fulfilled their job duties (work norms) cannot be lower than the minimum wage. This applies to the salary as a whole (salary + compensation + incentive payments), not just the salary.

2. Regional minimum wage: a special area of focus

In accordance with Article 133.1 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, constituent entities of the Russian Federation have the right to set their own minimum wage (regional minimum wage) on the basis of tripartite agreements.

The main rule is that the regional minimum wage cannot be lower than the federal minimum wage.

Current practice: In many economically developed regions, the regional minimum wage already significantly exceeds the federal level for 2025.

Current examples (based on data for 2025):

• Moscow: 32,916 rubles (Agreement dated December 20, 2024).
• Saint Petersburg: 28,750 rubles (Regional Agreement No. 388/24-C dated August 19, 2024).

It is expected that the regional authorities of Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other constituent entities of the Russian Federation will review and approve new minimum wage values at the end of 2025 or beginning of 2026, which will be at least equal to the new federal level (27,093 rubles) and, most likely, will maintain the existing higher threshold.

3. Recommendations and mandatory actions for employers

To avoid the risk of violating labor legislation (Article 5.27 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation), employers must conduct:

1. Monitoring of regulatory acts: keep track of not only federal but also regional legislation. The official publication of the new regional agreement on the minimum wage for 2026 is mandatory for all employers in the region, except for those who have refused to join in writing within the established time frame.
2. Internal salary audit: immediately reconcile the salaries and guaranteed payments established in the organization with the new federal minimum wage (27,093 rubles), and, if adopted and published, with the new regional minimum wage.

3. 3. Adjustment of terms:

3. • Bring employment contracts, staffing tables, and remuneration regulations into line.
   • From January 1, 2026, the salaries of all full-time employees must be no less than the current minimum wage (federal or regional).
4. Supplement to the minimum wage: if the employee’s total income is lower, a mandatory supplement must be paid. Failure to pay such a supplement is a gross violation.

The increase in the minimum wage is a legislative measure aimed at raising the income level of the population. For employers, it entails specific administrative and financial obligations. Timely implementation of these measures will ensure legal security for businesses and compliance with employee rights.