The Labor Code is to regulate internships

The draft law that passed the third reading in the Russian State Duma on 8 July 2026 introduces a regulatory framework for internships.

According to the proposed changes to the Russian Labor Code, internship shall be deemed to denote work activity carried out under a fixed-term employment agreement to gain primary experience and practical skills in a vocational or professional field or to adapt to working life.

Any person that has received or is receiving secondary vocational education or higher education or further vocational or professional education under an advanced training program, or that has taken or is taking a vocational or professional training course may become an intern.

A fixed-term internship agreement may be concluded not later than one year after receiving relevant education for a duration of up to six months. The agreement shall specify the employee’s job title as an intern.

The employer is required to arrange for coaching support during the internship period to help interns master relevant skills. The coaching and internship processes, the procedure for evaluating internship results and the scope of the intern’s individual work shall be documented in the employer’s internal policies and regulations.

Where the intern subsequently gets a permanent job at the same employer, there shall be no probation period.

The changes will come into effect on 1 March 2027, provided the draft law is approved by the Federation Council and signed by the President of the Russian Federation.