The self-employed have become a key force in the new economy: who are they and why their number has grown to 14 million
In a few years, self-employed status has transformed from a small tax experiment into one of the most massive and successful reforms in modern Russia. This regime has become a bridge between informal employment and full-fledged entrepreneurship, allowing millions of people to work legally while remaining independent of the traditional labor model.
The legal basis for the status was laid in 2018 by Law No. 422-FZ, which marked the start of a pilot project on the application of NAPS. At first, the regime worked in only four regions, but the rapid growth in the number of participants showed that the state had guessed the right format. The ease of registration via the mobile app, the lack of reporting, the reduced tax rate and clear rules have made this format one of the most convenient ways to get out of the "shadow".
Today, the self—employed are not only freelancers and private professionals, but also a significant part of small businesses that provide flexibility in the labor market. According to recent data, the number of registered NAP payers has grown to 14 million people, a figure comparable to the population of a large European state. In fact, a new socio-economic stratum has emerged that unites independent specialists, artists, service industry professionals, consultants, and representatives of digital professions.
Since the launch, many changes have been introduced that have expanded the capabilities of the mode. In 2020, the NPA became available throughout the country, and in 2021, banking interaction was simplified, allowing the self-employed to freely use the services for settlements and loans. In 2023, sole proprietors were able to switch to NAP without closing their status, and in 2024, average tax savings became a significant advantage compared to other regimes.
Despite talks about the abolition of the NAP in 2025, the state confirmed the preservation of the regime until at least 2028, recognizing its effectiveness and relevance. However, regulatory development continues. In 2026, two scenarios are being discussed at once: the launch of voluntary insurance programs that will allow the self-employed to receive social guarantees, and strengthening debt collection mechanisms.
Experts note that the self—employed are becoming an important part of the Russian economy, and their behavior and level of financial literacy are a factor influencing the sustainability of entire industries. Tax changes often become a test for this category, because legislative updates require constant attention: to miss an innovation means to face a fine or an error in calculations.
Thus, the institution of self-employment continues to transform the labor market, creating more flexible and convenient work models. In the coming years, further expansion of opportunities for the self-employed and the development of digital infrastructure are expected, which will form the basis for a new economy of individual labor.
