Andrey Shkadov, manager of corporate practice in FBK Legal about the fees of foreign stars in Russia

Andrey Shkadov, manager of corporate practice in FBK Legal offered some live comments on Russian visa policy for RBC TV channel. To go on tour to Moscow many foreign actors are forced to obtain another foreign passport. The price of one day work permit is fairly high. In order to simplify the task many promoters bring foreign celebrities under a tourist visa — it is much easier to get. However the Federal Tax Service intends to stop this practice. According to tax officers, due to this violation of the law the budget annually receives tens of thousands dollars less than is due. However Andrey Shkadov maintains that the budget still receives the money, since, in any case, celebrities engagements are recorded in contracts specifying the star’s fee. “If it is specified in the contract, it is paid officially via a bank transfer. Stars do not receive cash in suitcases or Xerox boxes. Besides, these amounts are taxed accordingly”, - the expert emphasizes.