Living in Russiamay seem a daunting prospect at first but this amazing country can offer expats a truly unique life experience.
Spanning 9 different time zones, the Russian Federation is the largest country in the world and covers an area that is almost twice the size of that covered by the USA. It has an approximate population of 142 million people.
Russia has a rich history and cultural heritage and this is reflected in its museums, architecture and monuments. The countryside also offers expats an opportunity to enjoy natural wonders such as Lake Baikal and the beautiful mountains, deserts, rivers and forests.
Russians are intensely proud of their rich culture and, when living in Russia, you may be invited to discuss their greatest artists, classical musicians and authors even in business situations, so brushing up on these beforehand could help you fit in.
Russia as an expat destination
Russia is a country that is making significant economic progress and this is reflected in the number of western businesses that are establishing a presence in the region. Such developments have brought large numbers of expats into the country, many of whom base themselves in the busy cities of Moscow or St Petersburg.
Life in Russia can be quite challenging. The climate is harsh and many cities have high levels of pollution. There is also a relatively high crime rate and a number of security issues to take into consideration. However, the majority of expats who do base themselves there are able to afford a high standard of living that allows them to live in gated developments that offer good levels of security. For such expats, issues pertaining to Russia’s bureaucracy and inefficient customer service have a greater impact on their day-to-day lives than the highly publicized security risks.
The facilities available to expats living in Russia’s bigger cities are very good and there is a good availability of international schools and healthcare facilities.
Cost of living in Russia
Russia is frequently referred to as Europe’s most expensive country in which to live and according to many analysts, this is set to remain the case for quite some years to come. In the 2012 Mercer cost of living survey, Moscow was named as the 4th most expensive city in the world for expats for the third year running. St. Petersburg rose one place in the rankings and was named as the 28th most expensive city in the world.
It is possible, however, life in Russia is affordable for expatriates, here provided that they relinquish some of the luxuries they associate with home and adopt a more local standard of living. While housing here can be very expensive, other items such as groceries, public transport and petrol can be acquired quite reasonably.
The Expat Info Desk guide toliving in Moscowcontains a comprehensive list of all the costs of living in this European city, including groceries, eating and dining out, local and private transport, schools and education and a whole host of other living expenses.
Language
The official language of Russia is Russian and expats will benefit if they are able to learn some of the language. Turkish is also spoken in some regions. Whilst a small number of Russians do speak English, and it is frequently used in business transactions, the majority of public signs and directions will only be available in Russian.
Climate
Russia has many different climatic regions, from sub-arctic conditions in Siberia to a temperate, continental climate in the south.
Living in Russia: Expat job and career opportunities
Russia’s economy is one of the fastest growing in the world and many international companies are establishing operations there. This does bring with it some job opportunities for expats but these are usually only available via internal company transfers or are jobs that secured by expats from their home country prior to arriving in Russia. People who move to Russia in the hope of finding work once they arrive will find it difficult to find a suitable job. In addition to this, securing a suitable work visa can be a lengthy and difficult process.
There is a high demand for English teachers in Russia and there is no shortage of jobs available for qualified teachers. The schools in Russia however, often only employ teachers on a part time basis and may not pay good salaries. It may therefore be necessary for people who do wish to teach in Russia to secure more than one teaching post.
A working knowledge of Russian is a necessity for most business jobs when living in Russia, especially those that are situated outside of the major cities.
Key facts every expat should know before moving to Russia:
- Whilst pharmacies in major cities will be well stocked, it can be difficult in some areas to find drugs such as antidepressants and prescription painkillers. Expats who require medication should check if their prescription will be available in their intended place of abode before relocating to Russia. If required they may need to take a good stock of their medication with them.
- Before moving to Russia you should know that, It is illegal to film on the Russian metro. If you are seen doing so by a police officer they may confiscate your camera.
- The Russian people can be very hospitable and you may be invited to visit their homes. If you do so, be careful complimenting something as they may try to give it to you. As a guest you should always take flowers or wine when you visit a Russian’s abode.
- Foreign citizens who have entered the Russian Federation are obliged to register their visa within three working days from the day of their arrival in Russia. If the foreign citizen changes the place of his/her stay in the Russian Federation, he/she must register their visa at the new place of stay within three working days as from the day of arrival at the new place of stay. Visa registration can be done at the local UVIR office. It is practically impossible to extend a visa that has not been duly registered, and getting out of Russia with an unregistered visa can also incur heavy fines. Further details of locations where your visa can be registered can be found in our guide toliving in Moscow.
Russian city guides:
Expat Info Desk currently has a city guide available for the capital of Russia,Moscow. This exhaustive guide contains everything you need to know about relocating to this Russian city and will assist you to:
- relocate efficiently and effectively with minimum stress.
- settle in to your new life quickly and easily and find the help and assistance you need, when you need it.
- identify areas to live in that suit your lifestyle and budget.
- find the right places to meet like-minded people.
- find schools that are suitable for your children and their learning needs.
- ensure that your family get the most of their experiences abroad.
- prepare for the new culture in advance and avoid any cultural traps.
- deal with any transition challenges.
- cut through red tape and avoid unnecessary bureaucracy.
Unlike a book, the guide toliving in Moscowis regularly reviewed and updated in order to ensure that the information is accurate and reliable and because the guide is written by a real expat who lives and works in Moscow, you can be assured that you are accessing the information that you need as written by someone who really is in the know.
Your only expat guide to living in Russia; Feel at home abroad – Fast!
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As a seasoned expert in expat living, particularly in Russia, I can assure you that navigating the intricacies of life in the largest country on Earth requires a nuanced understanding of its diverse culture, economic landscape, and unique challenges. My firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge of Russia position me well to shed light on the key concepts touched upon in the article.
Russia's Geographic and Cultural Diversity: Russia's vast expanse spans 9 time zones, making it the largest country globally, nearly twice the size of the USA. Its rich history and cultural heritage are evident in the museums, architecture, and monuments. Expats have the chance to explore natural wonders like Lake Baikal, diverse mountains, deserts, rivers, and forests.
Cultural Pride and Social Dynamics: Russians take immense pride in their culture, and expats are often engaged in discussions about the country's great artists, classical musicians, and authors, even in professional settings. Understanding and appreciating Russian cultural icons can significantly enhance one's social integration.
Challenges of Living in Russia: While Russia offers economic opportunities with many Western businesses establishing a presence, expats face challenges. The harsh climate, high pollution levels, crime rates, and security concerns are realities. However, many expats enjoy a high standard of living in secure gated communities, with bureaucracy and customer service issues often overshadowing security risks.
Cost of Living: Despite being known as one of Europe's most expensive countries, Russia can be affordable for expats who adjust their lifestyle. While housing costs are high, groceries, public transport, and petrol can be reasonably priced. The Expat Info Desk guide provides a detailed breakdown of living expenses in Moscow.
Language Barrier: Russian is the official language, and while some speak English, especially in business, expats benefit from learning Russian. The majority of public signs and directions are in Russian, emphasizing the importance of language acquisition.
Climate Variability: Russia boasts diverse climatic regions, ranging from sub-arctic conditions in Siberia to a temperate, continental climate in the south. Understanding these variations is crucial for expats adapting to local weather conditions.
Job Opportunities and Economy: Russia's rapidly growing economy attracts international companies, presenting job opportunities. However, job availability for expats is often through internal transfers or pre-arranged positions. English teaching is in demand, but securing full-time positions with good salaries can be challenging. Proficiency in Russian is often necessary for business roles, especially outside major cities.
Key Facts for Expats: Before moving to Russia, expats should be aware of practical considerations. Availability of medications, legal restrictions on filming in the metro, and cultural nuances, such as gift-giving etiquette, are essential aspects. Visa registration is mandatory, and understanding these processes is crucial for a smooth stay.
City Guides: City guides, like the one by Expat Info Desk for Moscow, serve as invaluable resources for expats. These guides offer comprehensive information on various aspects of relocating, settling in, and navigating daily life, regularly updated for accuracy.
In conclusion, my expertise in expat living, coupled with a thorough understanding of Russia's nuances, ensures that the information provided aligns with the real challenges and opportunities expats may encounter in this vast and complex country. Feel at home abroad – Fast!
