From 29 October 2026, employers hiring foreign nationals should take into account that cash salary payments to a foreign worker may be made if card issuance is delayed. Under the Labour Code of Russia (ТК РФ), the payment date cannot be postponed; an available payment method must be provided on time.
A bank card does not change the established payment date
Under the Labour Code of Russia, timely payment of wages remains the employer's obligation. According to the clarification, a bank's delay in issuing a card is not grounds for postponing the date of an advance payment or final settlement — the rule applies equally to Russian and foreign workers.
For HR and accounting departments, the risk arises not when the bank refuses to issue the card, but earlier: when the payment date has already been established in the documents and the payment method is actually unavailable. According to the clarification, a company or individual entrepreneur should provide an interim payment option for a new employee in advance.
Wages are paid at least twice a month
Under the Labour Code of Russia, wages must be paid at least twice a month. As follows from the clarification, the final settlement for the second half of the month must be made no later than 15 calendar days after the end of the period for which the money was accrued.
The employer sets the specific schedule: the dates are established in the internal labour regulations, the collective agreement, or the employment contract. Therefore, an HR specialist cannot rely only on the standard banking cycle: the date specified in the documents of the particular employer must be checked.
Payment deadlines are monitored using the employer's local documents
When hiring a foreign national, it is useful to immediately compare the date of their next advance payment or salary payment with the expected card issuance date. According to the clarification, card issuance should be planned before the next payment date, not after the employee has already started work.
For internal monitoring, the deadlines can be consolidated in a working table. It helps the accounting department see when a backup payment procedure is required and avoid replacing the established date with waiting for a response from the bank.
| Control case | Rule |
|---|---|
| Payment frequency | At least twice a month |
| Payment for the second half of the month | No later than 15 calendar days after the end of the month |
| Specific payment date | Established in the internal labour regulations, collective agreement, or employment contract |
Cash payments and another account make it possible to pay on time
According to the clarification, if transferring money to a salary card on the established date is impossible, the employer may arrange for the money to be paid in cash through the cash office. For this purpose, the accounting department should prepare cash disbursement documents and obtain the employee's signature confirming receipt of the amount.
Another option specified in the clarification is transferring the money to another bank account of the employee. In this case, the employer must obtain the employee's written bank details and application for the transfer, and also check that the chosen method complies with the employment contract and local regulations.
A card-related delay results in compensation and employment risks
According to the clarification provided, a salary delay caused by an unissued card is considered a violation of labour legislation. The employer must pay the employee monetary compensation for the delay; an employment dispute, an inspection by the state labour inspectorate, and administrative liability are also possible.
The practical solution is to include card issuance in the onboarding process for a foreign worker, but not make the card the sole condition for the first payment. According to the clarification, the HR process must notify the accounting department of the risk of delay in advance so that an alternative payment method is ready by the established date.
Frequently asked questions
Can salary payment be postponed while the bank is issuing the card?
No. According to the clarification, a delay in card issuance does not release the employer from making the payment on the established date. Wages are paid at least twice a month.
When must wages for the second half of the month be paid?
Under the Labour Code of Russia, they must be paid or transferred no later than 15 calendar days after the end of the relevant month. The employer establishes the specific date.
Can money be transferred to another account of the employee?
Yes, this option is provided for in the clarification. The employee provides written bank details and an application for the transfer, and the employer checks that the payment method complies with its documents.
What to check
- Compare the next advance payment or salary payment date with the internal labour regulations and the employee's employment contract.
- Check with the bank the status of the salary card issuance and the expected date it will be ready.
- If the card may not be ready, notify the accounting department and cash office before the established payment date.
- Prepare the cash payment and cash disbursement documents.
- Obtain the employee's signature confirming receipt of the amount in the case of a cash payment.
- If transferring money to another account, obtain the employee's written bank details and application.
- Compare the actual payment method with the employer's employment contract and local regulations.