Questions and answers

In Russia, self-employment is a special tax regime called professional income tax: you register through the "Moy nalog" app, your income is capped at 2.4 million roubles a year, and you cannot hire staff on employment contracts. A sole proprietor registers with the tax service, can hire employees and can choose a tax regime, such as the simplified tax system.

Under Federal Law No. 422-FZ, the rate is 4% on income from individuals and 6% on income from legal entities and sole proprietors. The special regime is valid until 2028, so long-term plans should be checked against current information from the Federal Tax Service of Russia.

Hiring employees on employment contracts is not allowed under this regime. If your business needs staff, consider registering as a sole proprietor or using another legal form, and discuss it with an accountant in advance.

The base rates of the simplified tax system are 6% when taxed on "income" and 15% when taxed on "income minus expenses". Regions may set lower rates, so check the rules for your region on the Federal Tax Service of Russia website.

Gather facts about your results, find out what similar work usually pays, and decide in advance on the minimum you will accept and what you will do if you cannot reach agreement. Talk about the value of your work, not your personal circumstances.

Nerves are a normal reaction. What helps is a clear structure of three or four ideas, rehearsing out loud with a timer, and preparing answers to likely questions in advance. It is worth learning your opening lines almost word for word.

A mentor is useful when you have a specific task and need feedback from someone with experience. Agree on the goal, how often you will meet and the format from the outset. Mentoring does not have to be paid: it can also be mutual, between colleagues.

It is if the programme matches your goal, the organiser is known and the refund terms are clear. Work out the full cost, including travel and time, and compare it with the alternatives: recordings of talks and open meetings.

Under Article 256 of the Russian Labour Code, leave to care for a child until the age of three can be taken by the mother, the father or another relative who actually cares for the child. The right is not reserved for just one parent.

It is a separate type of leave provided for by Article 255 of the Russian Labour Code. Its length and how it is arranged are set by law; check the exact conditions in the current wording of the Code and with your employer.

Article 3 of the Russian Labour Code prohibits discrimination at work: an employee's rights cannot be restricted on grounds unrelated to their professional qualities. If you believe you have faced discrimination, keep the documents and contact a lawyer or the labour inspectorate.

Get in touch with your manager in advance, find out what has changed at work and discuss your schedule. Make a list of the professional skills you need to refresh, and agree with your family on how household tasks will be shared.