Russia

Nationals of countries that form part of Russia’s visa-free regime don’t require a visa to enter Russia for short stays.[1] Travelers who are not part of this regime will require a visa, which should be arranged via the relevant Russian embassy or consulate before arrival. When entering Russia, tourists will also need to fill out a migration card. One half of the completed card is given to authorities when entering the country, and the other half foreigners must keep and return when exiting the country.

Once arriving in Russia, it’s mandatory that foreigners register their visa within seven working days of their arrival. Most of the time, a visitor's accommodation (hotel, guest house or hostel) will assume this responsibility; however, if staying with friends or renting a holiday apartment, then it's necessary to have the landlord register the visa at the local police or post office.[2]

Expats wanting to work in Russia are required to have a work permit, which is usually valid for one year. There are strict quotas in place with regards to the number of foreigners granted the right to work in Russia. Employers, both Russian and foreign, who wish to hire expats must apply for their own employment permit before they can legally employ non-locals.[3]

[1] https://www.visitrussia.org.uk/visas/getting-a-russian-visa/the-russian-federation-visa-free-regime/

[2] http://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/russia/visas-russia

[3] https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/russia/work-permits-russia

There is a surprising variety of accommodation on offer in Russia, although apartment living is the norm in the major cities. Options range from pre-revolutionary style apartments that tend to be spacious, with high ceilings and parquet floors, to Soviet-era blocks that are small and sparse. There are also Western-style apartments that have been renovated to remove the former Soviet-style décor and fittings, and these tend to be the favored option for expats. Detached houses are usually only available on the outskirts of cities and rural areas, some in the form of gated compounds.

Expats should utilize the services of a reputable real estate agent to help them find accommodation, especially if unable to speak Russian. Leases typically last between one and three years but may be negotiable depending on the landlord. The lease is written in both English and Russian and expats should insist that a translation is available before signing. The equivalent of a month’s rent is normally required as a security deposit.[4]

[4] https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/russia/accommodation-russia

Despite having one of the highest literacy rates in the world[5], the Russian public education system still suffers from the effects of the former Soviet period, with many schools underfunded and overcrowded. This, accompanied by the fact that lessons are mostly taught in Russian, leads most expats to send their children to private international schools.

Many of Russia’s major cities have a healthy selection of international schools, including American, British, French, Japanese and German schools. Some of these schools also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum alongside their home country curriculum. Expats moving to Russia should plan well ahead for their children’s education as fees at international schools can be high and many of the best schools have long waiting lists. Admissions are sometimes based on priority, with the children of diplomats and certain larger companies given the first available spots, while children of a certain nationality may also be given preference.[6]

[5] https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-highest-literacy-rates-in-the-world.html

[6] https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/russia/education-and-schools-russia

Climatic conditions vary across Russia’s vast landmass. In general, the country has a continental climate consisting of warm, dry summers and very cold winters. Heavy snowfall is experienced across most parts of the country in the winter months. The European parts of Russia have the most varied climate, with the mildest areas located along the Baltic coast. The climate gets more severe the farther one moves east, and as expat oil workers may discover, Siberia has harsh, long, bitterly cold winters. Autumn (October to November) and spring (April to May), though pleasant, are fleeting.[7] 

[7] https://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Russia.htm

Russian is the official language, but there are also numerous minor dialects and languages spoken across the country, including Tartar, Ukrainian, Chuvash, Bashir, Mordvin and Chechen. English is not widely spoken in Russia, although it’s increasingly understood, and sometimes spoken among young professionals in the larger cities.[8]

[8] https://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/guide-to-russia-etiquette-customs-culture-business

Russia’s harsh climate means that colorful and fresh produce is sometimes hard to come by locally, especially in the winter months. Russian cuisine has developed around the need to use what one has available – often designed more for comfort than flavor. As such, the food tends to be quite simple and blander than what many expats may be used to.

Soups and stews are popular, with borsch being the most well-known Russian dish. It’s a beetroot soup made with meat and vegetables, typically served with a dollop of sour cream and can be eaten hot or cold. Pirozhkis, which are small baked buns that can be filled with potatoes, meat, cabbage or cheese, are another popular food.[9]

Shchi, made from cabbages, and solyanka, made from meat and vegetables, are two more popular soup dishes, while beef stroganoff, a rich stew made from strips of beef in a creamy mushroom sauce, also hails from Russia. Caviar, or ikra, is another well-known ingredient from Russia and is usually served on dark, crusty bread or with blini, a pancake-type bread.[10]

Those wanting a taste of home will likely find it in one of the international shops or restaurants scattered around Russian cities, but these tend to be expensive.

[9] https://www.livescience.com/44154-russian-culture.html

[10] https://www.tripsavvy.com/traditional-russian-foods-4173498

There is no doubt about the fact that Russia has a casual drinking culture. Public drunkenness is not as taboo in Russia as in many other countries and locals aren’t hard-pressed to find a reason to celebrate any occasion with a drink.

Vodka is one of the most popular drinks, while wine and beer are also heavily consumed. Russians enjoy making toasts and often the more solemn the occasion, the lengthier the toast. It’s customary to only lower one’s glass and take a sip once the toast is finished, with a clinking of glasses and everyone saying “Zdorvive” (to your health).[11]

[1] https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/russian-culture/etiquette-1f962645-fc82-4fef-9995-aa049e2ab68d#etiquette-1f962645-fc82-4fef-9995-aa049e2ab68d

Russia has a healthy distribution of public holidays throughout the year, which mostly commemorate significant dates in the nation’s history.[12]

New Year’s Break – 1-5 January

Russian Orthodox Christmas Day – 7 January

Day of the Defenders of the Motherland – 23 February

International Women’s Day – 8 March

Spring/Labor Day – 1 May

Victory Day – 9 May

Russia Day (Independence Day) – 12 June

National Unity Day – 5 November

[12] https://www.officeholidays.com/countries/russia

Russia has a competitive mobile market dominated by Beeline, MegaFon and MTS, among others. There isn’t really much variation between the three providers, as they all offer fairly similar reception and prices. Expats have the option of prepaid and contract packages.

Most apartment buildings are already wired for internet, so expats simply need to contact a service provider to connect them. As with mobile, the main internet service providers include Beeline, MegaFon and MTS. Connecting to the internet outside of home is also easy as most restaurants and cafes have free WiFi available. Most social media sites and messaging services are available in Russia, but the government occasionally blocks access to certain sites for political or security reasons.

The Russian postal service is operated by Pochta Rossii. However, there are many global courier services that operate efficiently for both in-country and international post.[13]

[13] https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/russia/keeping-touch-russia

Russia's economy is heavily based on natural resources, specifically oil and natural gas, and expats working in the fields of technology, science and education will likely find a market for their skills. The majority of expats working in Russia have moved over as senior executives for multinational companies based in Russia. They are often afforded high salaries and a high quality of life. Others have moved over to teach English or as part of the diplomatic corps.[14]

[14] https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/russia/working-russia

A tax resident is a person who is living in Russia for 183 days in a rolling 12-month period. Tax residents in Russia are taxed at a flat rate of 13% on their locally earned and worldwide income, while non-resident tax payers are charged at 30% of their income earned in Russia.[15]

[15] https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/ru/Documents/tax/foreign-nationals-coming-to-russia.pdf

Due to the harsh climate, high cost of living and ailing health infrastructure, Russia is not a popular destination for international retirees, unless they have close family ties in the country.

Relationship-building is essential to doing business successfully in Russia and expats should take the time to befriend the right people through face-to-face interaction. Russians, as with most businesspeople, like to do business with those they know and trust, and it’s not unusual for business meetings to extend into long social lunches where they have an opportunity to get to know new associates.[16] Russian business structures are hierarchical and center on a strong – usually male – figure, who retains nearly absolute decision-making power. While some consideration is given to the views and inputs of middle managers, to accomplish anything it’s usually necessary to ‘go straight to the top’.

Russian is the official language, but English is spoken by younger businesspeople in the main city centers. The option of hiring a translator is also always available. Dress is viewed as a sign of prestige in Russia and business attire is formal and conservative, with dark suits for men and suits or skirts and blouses for women.

Titles are important in Russia and although some people may only introduce themselves with their surnames, it’s always courteous to address businessmen as “Gaspadin” (equivalent to Mr) and businesswomen as “Gaspadja” (similar to Mrs or Miss) plus their surname. When greeting a Russian associate, a firm handshake and direct eye contact should be maintained.[17]

[16] https://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/guide-to-russia-etiquette-customs-culture-business

[17] https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/russia/doing-business-russia

Russia has an extensive transport system which makes getting around the country easy and affordable. It’s not necessary for expats living in Russian cities to own a car, although those living in more remote locations may find one useful.

A number of cities, including Moscow, St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg, have metro systems, which offer the best means of getting around. Entry to the metro is by token inserted into a ticket barrier; those who will be using the metro regularly should consider a monthly pass. Buses, trams and trolleybuses provide an alternative way of getting around many Russian cities, albeit slightly less comfortably than via the metro. A number of different taxis also operate across Russian towns and cities. Private cabs can be hailed in the street, booked via the telephone or hailed at a taxi rank, while minibus shuttle taxis, known as marshrutka, travel set routes.

Russia has the second largest rail network in the world. Long-distance trains connect Russian towns and cities, and Moscow and St Petersburg are linked by a high-speed train. The country is also home to the Trans-Siberian Express, a network of railways linking Russia to China, Mongolia and North Korea. 

Air travel is often the most convenient means to get between cities. Regular flights in and out of Russia are operated by Aeroflot, Russia’s national airline, as well as a number of other international airlines.[18]

[18] https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/russia/transport-and-driving-russia

The official currency in Russia is the Ruble, which is abbreviated as RUB. Each ruble is divided into 100 kopecks.

Money is available in the following denominations:

• Notes: 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 and 5,000 RUB
• Coins: 10 and 50 kopecks, and 1, 2, 5 and 10 RUB

Russia’s banking sector remains somewhat small and fragmented. Although service provision has become more comprehensive in recent years, there are still reports that banking policies are outdated. Foreign banks in Russia have fared poorly and, in recent years, some European and US banks have announced plans to close their doors or scale down their operations in the country.

Many expats choose to send their savings abroad, while maintaining a small Russian account for daily living purposes. In order to open a bank account, expats will usually need a copy of their passport and visa, a minimum cash deposit, and some banks also require a letter from an employer and proof of residence.[1]

[1] http://www.expatarrivals.com/russia/banking-money-and-taxes-in-russia

The cost of living in Russia is high, with Moscow featuring amongst the most expensive cities in the world for expats.[19] Fortunately, for those arriving as part of a corporate transfer, employment packages often include added allowances for accommodation, health insurance, a car or driver, and even schooling.

Accommodation is particularly expensive in Russia, especially in relation to the low quality found in most cities. Groceries are also pricey, especially in the winter months, when much of the fresh produce is imported. Expats with children will also have to factor in high tuition costs at international schools.[20]

[19] https://mobilityexchange.mercer.com/Portals/0/Content/Rankings/rankings/col2017a986532/index.html

[20] https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/russia/cost-living-russia