Moving to Russia - How to Immigrate to Russia? (2024)

Russia has a great deal of history, tradition, and culture. It is no secret that Russia is one of the world’s largest countries, and it is becoming increasingly popular with travelers interested in discovering the culture of a truly unique country.

Moreover, it is one of the world’s most outstanding art and history destinations. It is known for its fascinating museums, enchanting architecture, and diverse wildlife and natural jewels, such as tundras, mountains, and lakes. If you want to know more about how to move there, this article will serve as a guide.

However, you must note that moving to Russia at the moment is not advisable due to its volatile political situation.

Quick Facts About Russia

Some quick facts about Russia are listed in the table below:

Do I Need a Visa to Move to Russia?

Anyone wishing to make Russia their newest home must apply for a Russian visa to enter the country. There are a few countries that can enter Russia visa-free, but they can stay only for a specific period of time.

Nevertheless, if you are a citizen of Belarus or South Ossetia, you can enter the country without a visa and stay there for an unlimited period.

How to Move to Russia?

To move to Russia, you must apply for an ordinary visa. You can choose from different types of ordinary visas depending on the purpose of your move to Russia.

Ordinary visas are usually valid for three months (90 days); therefore, in order to stay in Russia long-term, you must apply for a temporary residence permit (razreshenie na vremennoe prozhivanie) once you enter the country.

To move to Russia for long-term, you can choose from one of the following ways:

• Move to Russia to work.
• Move to Russia to study.
• Move to Russia to join a family member, or
• Move to Russia to invest.

Moving to Russia to Work

If you want to move to Russia to work, you must follow these steps:

1. Get a job in Russia. The first step is to find a job in Russia.
2. Get an invitation to work in Russia. After securing a job, your employer must get an invitation from the Russian Ministry of Interior.
3. Apply for a work visa. To move to Russia, you must obtain a work visa.

Once you enter Russia, at the port of entry, you will receive an immigration card indicating that you have entered the country legally. Then within seven days of arrival in Russia, you must register your visa. If you are staying in a hotel, they will do the registration; if you stay in a private home, the owner will have to do it.

Finally, you must apply for a temporary residence permit (TRP).* You must visit the nearest Ministry of Internal Affairs to obtain a TRP. The TRP will be valid for three years. After living in Russia for two years, you are eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit (PRP) which will lead to Russian citizenship after five years.

*After you receive the temporary residence permit, you are allowed to work only in the region in which you reside in Russia.

Moving to Russia to Study

You must apply for a student visa to pursue your studies in Russia. Firstly, you must enroll in a university in Russia and get a study visa invitation from the Russian Ministry of Interior.

Upon entering the country, you will receive an immigration card and must register your student visa. The owner of the place you live is responsible for registering your visa.

Following 2023, you can apply for a temporary residence permit with a student visa. To be eligible for a TRP, you must:

• Study full-time at a Russian university or scientific organization.
• Your studies must be toward obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree, specialty, residency program, or assistant internship.

You can apply for a permanent residence permit within three years of graduation on a temporary residence permit. Through the PRP, you can also be eligible for Russian citizenship.

Note: Eligible students are allowed to work with a temporary residence permit.

Moving to Russia for Family Reunification

To move to Russia and join a family member in 2020, Russia announced a new visa called the “Private Visa”. Thus, you must apply for a private visa if you have any family members in Russia and want to relocate there. Since September 2021, the private visa has been a multiple entry visa valid for 12 months.

After entering Russia, you will receive an immigration card at the entry port, and within seven days, you must register your private visa.

In addition, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at the nearest Ministry of Internal Affairs. The TRP is valid for three years. If you wish to become a permanent resident, you can apply for permanent residency after two years. Then after five years on a PRP, you can become a Russian citizen.

Moving to Russia for Investment

You can become a resident of Russia if you invest in the country. You can do it through the golden visa program. You will acquire permanent residence if you meet one of the following investment terms:

• ₽15 million (approx. $200,000) in “socially significant projects”.
• ₽30 million (approx. $400,000) in a Russian legal entity carrying out entrepreneurial activities.
• ₽20-50 million (approx. $270-680,000) in real estate investment.
• Business establishment as a sole founder contributing to at least ₽4 million annually.
• Business investment in an existing company contributing to at least ₽6 million annually.

How Can I Get Permanent Residency in Russia?

You can get permanent residency in Russia after two years with a temporary residence permit. You should apply for a PRP six months before the TRP expires. There is a five-year validity period for the Russian permanent residence permit, and it can be extended unlimited times. Still, it can only be issued up to the passport’s expiration date.

Can I Get Citizenship in Russia?

Yes, you can get citizenship in Russia. You can become a Russian citizen through the following ways:

• By birth. Those born outside the Russian Federation but whose parents were born in Russia can get citizenship by birth. It is enough for only one parent to be a Russian citizen.
• By marriage. You can get Russian citizenship if you marry a Russian citizen. You must be married for at least three years.
• By restoration. It is possible for Russian citizens who have voluntarily given up their Russian citizenship to gain it back after three years of residence in the country.
• By naturalization. The usual process of getting Russian citizenship is naturalization. There are a few requirements you must meet:
• You have lived in Russia for at least five years on a permanent residence permit.
• You agree to abide by the Constitution in Russia.
• You can provide financial means for yourself and your family members.
• You have basic knowledge of the Russian language.
• You have not lived outside of Russia for more than three months.
• You have renounced your citizenship in your home country (except for countries Russia has an agreement with).

Does Russia Accept Dual Citizenship?

Russia accepts dual citizenship, but over one condition. Russian dual citizenship is allowed only if Russia has agreements with the country. Otherwise, to obtain Russian citizenship, you must renounce the original citizenship.

However, on the other hand, Russian citizens can obtain citizenship in another country. They only have to notify the Russian General Directorate of Migratory Affairs.

Why Should I Move to Russia?

Like every country, Russia has advantages and disadvantages of moving there:

How Can I Move My Belongings to Russia?

You can move your belongings through different means of transportation. When choosing which method of transportation suits you best, you must prioritize time and cost. For example, shipping by air is the fastest option to relocate to Russia, but you can expect to pay more. If you have a longer time frame for your move, shipping by sea might be the best option.

Regarding custom regulations, there are a few things you need to know:

• Custom rules can change at any time without prior notice.
• All shipments are subject to inspection.
• You must provide a few documents for customs clearance:
• Your valid passport.
• Your Russian visa.
• A power of attorney.
• A letter to customs from your Russian employer.
• Russian TD10 customs form.
• The packing list.
• Temporary import obligation (for duty-free import of surface shipments only).

There are a few items that are prohibited from shipping to Russia:

• Fish and other fish products.
• Narcotics.
• Fruits and vegetables.
• Dairy and meat products from Armenia and Georgia.
• Ammunition and military weapons.
• p*rnographic materials.
• Photos or any printed material against the Russian Federation.

In addition, the clearance of customs in Russia may require special authorizations or customs taxes for specific articles. The items in this category include but are not limited to:

• Dairy and meat products (quantities are limited and must be in the original factory packaging).
• Cash in other currencies (limited amount).
• Medication (requires a prescription).

Can I Move With My Pets to Russia?

You can move with your pets to Russia, there will be no quarantine on your pets in Russia as long as you meet the following requirements:

• Each pet must be identified by means of a microchip or tattoo.
• All pets must have rabies vaccinations and certificates.
• Additional vaccinations include:
• Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus (DHLP).
• Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP).

The vaccinations must happen between 21 days and one before departure.

• All pets must undergo internal and external parasite treatment.
• Each pet must have a veterinary certificate for Russia.
• Pets other than cats and dogs require a special import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Note: The requirements for pet transport to Russia can change quickly with no warning.

Popular Cities in Russia for Expats

Some of the most popular cities in Russia for expats include the following:

• Moscow
• Saint Petersburg
• Yekaterinburg
• Novosibirsk
• Nizhny Novgorod

Moscow

As Russia’s political, cultural, and economic center, Moscow is an expat hotspot. Moscow has a long history as one of Russia’s most ancient cities. It is a land of culture and history. You will find plenty of world-famous sites, namely the Kremlin, the Kolomenskoe Museum, and many other places.

Among all Russian cities, Moscow has the largest expat population. This is because many foreigners are working in international companies in the Russian capital. Further, while Moscow is known for its expat-friendly central areas, its cost of living can be high compared to other parts of the country.

Saint Petersburg

Russia’s westernmost metropolis, Saint Petersburg, is also popular with expats. Not only does Saint Petersburg offer lots of employment opportunities, but it also has an active cultural life and beautiful architecture. In addition to the city’s history, its former status as the capital and seat of the Tsars over hundreds of years is also worth checking out.

Saint Petersburg is home to many offices and headquarters of major national and international companies, along with a large international port, earning it the title of “marine capital of Russia”. Additionally, St. Petersburg hosts the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an international economic business conference.

Yekaterinburg

Yekaterinburg sits on the border between Europe and Asia in the Ural region, resulting in a fascinating mixture of Siberian and Uralian cultures. In addition, this region is one of the most industrialized in the country, which offers plenty of opportunities for mining and retail professionals.

Although Yekaterinburg may lack some of the cultural advantages of other Russian cities, it is a great place to live for its greenery and outdoor activities. Compared to other Russian regions, living in Yekaterinburg is more affordable. The average living cost will be around $780.

Novosibirsk

Novosibirsk is located in southwest Siberia, where many large and medium enterprises are located. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for expatriates seeking new career prospects, particularly in the airspace and electronics sectors. In addition, there is significant historical and cultural wealth in Novosibirsk, affordable accommodation, a relaxed lifestyle, and vibrant nightlife.

In addition, with only 1.5 million people, Novosibirsk has good transportation links and a regional airport: Tolmachevo Airport, which offers flights to many countries in Europe and Asia.

Nizhny Novgorod

In the west of the country, this ancient city is only 400 kilometers away from Moscow and historically was Russia’s trade capital. Expats wishing to advance their careers in computing should consider Nizhny Novgorod. The city is Russia’s hotspot for producing software and hardware.

Nizhny Novgorod also offers beautiful architecture. It has many merchant houses from the 18th century and orthodox churches. Further, the city has many places worth visiting or moving in. Living there as a family of four, your monthly expenses will be around $1,800. At the same time, the monthly costs for a single person will be about $520.