Moving to Russia

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the Russian visa and residence permit system is a crucial first step, and the process can vary significantly based on your nationality. For citizens of most Western countries, a visa is required for entry, even for short stays. EU citizens may have different agreements or simplified procedures compared to non-EU citizens, but a visa is still generally necessary for long-term residency.

Typical routes for obtaining a long-term visa or residence permit include:

• Work Visa: Sponsored by a Russian employer, this is a common path for professionals.
• Family Reunification Visa: For those joining family members who are Russian citizens or legal residents.
• Study Visa: For individuals enrolled in Russian educational institutions.
• Temporary Residence Permit (TRP): This is often a stepping stone to a permanent residence permit (PRP) and can be obtained under various circumstances, sometimes with quotas.
• Permanent Residence Permit (PRP): Allows for long-term stay and more rights, often after holding a TRP for a certain period.

It is absolutely essential to verify the most current requirements and procedures with the official Russian embassy or consulate in your home country, or directly with the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) once you are in Russia. Requirements can change, and specific documents, processing times, and eligibility criteria are subject to official regulations.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Russia, particularly in major cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg, can be done through various channels. Online portals, local real estate agencies, and word-of-mouth are common methods. Many expatriates opt for furnished apartments, especially for shorter stays, while unfurnished options are available for those planning a longer residency.

The typical rental process involves:

• Viewing Properties: It's advisable to view several options before making a decision.
• Lease Agreement: A formal lease agreement (dogovor arendy) is standard. Ensure it's in both Russian and English if possible, and that you understand all clauses.
• Deposit: A security deposit, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, is common. This is typically returned at the end of the lease, provided the property is in good condition.
• Advance Rent: Often, the first month's rent is paid upfront.
• Utilities: Clarify whether utilities (electricity, water, heating, internet) are included in the rent or paid separately.
• Registration: As a foreigner, you will need to register your address with the authorities. Your landlord typically assists with this, and it's a legal requirement.

Consider whether you need temporary housing upon arrival, such as a serviced apartment or hotel, while you search for a long-term rental. This can provide a smoother transition and allow you to explore different neighborhoods before committing to a lease.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Russia is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. Decluttering and only taking essentials can significantly reduce expenses.
• Distance: The geographical distance from your current location to your new home in Russia plays a major role. International moves involve complex logistics and transportation costs.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months) can sometimes be more expensive due to higher demand for moving services.
• Access and Logistics: The ease of access at both your origin and destination properties (e.g., stairs, narrow doorways, parking availability) can affect labor and equipment needs.
• Shipping Method: Options like air freight are faster but more expensive than sea freight. The choice depends on your timeline and budget.
• Customs Duties and Taxes: Be aware of potential import duties or taxes on your household goods when entering Russia. Research these in advance.
• Additional Services: Packing and unpacking services, specialized handling for fragile or valuable items, storage solutions, and insurance will add to the overall cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, request a free quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

Planning your move to Russia effectively requires a structured approach. Here's a general checklist over a 4-8 week period:

8 Weeks Before Moving:

• Declutter: Go through all your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This reduces moving volume and cost.
• Research Visas & Residence: Confirm all requirements and start gathering necessary documents.
• Get Quotes: Contact moving companies for free quotes for international relocation services.
• Organize Documents: Gather passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, medical records, and any other vital documents. Make copies and keep them separate from your main belongings.

6 Weeks Before Moving:

• Book Movers: Confirm your chosen moving company and schedule your moving date.
• Notify Landlord/Sell Home: Give notice to your current landlord or begin the process of selling your home.
• Medical Check-ups: Arrange for any necessary medical appointments and get prescriptions refilled.
• School/Work Notifications: Inform your children's schools and your current employer of your departure.

4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you won't need immediately, labeling boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
• Utilities & Services: Arrange for disconnection of utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) at your current home and set up new services in Russia if possible.
• Forward Mail: Arrange for mail forwarding to your new address or a trusted contact.
• Financial Matters: Inform your bank of your move and explore options for banking in Russia.

2 Weeks Before Moving:

• Change of Address: Update your address with relevant institutions (banks, insurance, subscriptions).
• Pack Essentials Box: Prepare a box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes).
• Confirm Travel: Finalize flights and temporary accommodation in Russia.

1 Week Before Moving:

• Final Packing: Finish packing all remaining items, except for your essentials box.
• Clean House: Arrange for professional cleaning or clean your current home thoroughly.
• Confirm with Movers: Double-check all arrangements with your moving company.

Moving Day:

• Supervise Loading: Be present to answer any questions and ensure everything is loaded.
• Final Walk-Through: Do a final check of your empty home.
• Travel: Begin your journey to Russia with your essentials and important documents.

For a seamless relocation, request a free quote on relocation123.com today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

Get help with your move →

Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Russia: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Russia involves navigating specific customs regulations for your personal belongings. This guide breaks down the process, helping you understand what to expect and how to prepare for a smooth transition.

If you're a Russian citizen returning home

Russian citizens importing personal effects are generally subject to customs duties. However, you may qualify for duty-free import if you have been temporarily living and registered at a Russian Consulate abroad for at least 12 months. Your shipment's weight and value should be reasonable and consistent.

What you'll need

• Scan-copy of your Russian internal passport (photo and registration pages).
• Scan-copy of your international passport (photo, visa, and last entry stamp to Russia pages).
• Original Power of Attorney legalized by a Russian Notary.
• Scan-copy of your INN (Russian individual tax payer number).
• Original letter from the Russian Consulate proving registration abroad for over 1 year.
• Customs Declaration filled out upon entry to the Russian Federation (if importing duty-free).
• Scan-copy of all pages of your international passport to verify entry stamps to Russia.

Good to know

• Standard duties are 30% of the goods' value, but not less than 4 EUR/1 kg.
• Duty-free import is possible for personal effects up to 5,000 Euro if you meet the 12-month consular registration requirement.
• Customs may require your presence during clearance.
• A customs broker may cover duties if you have an agreement with them.

If you're a foreign citizen relocating

Foreign citizens moving to Russia will typically face customs duties on imported goods. It's crucial that the weight and value of your shipment are considered rational and consistent. Payment of duties can be made from your bank account, in cash at a bank, or via online banking.

What you'll need

• Scan-copy of your passport (photo page, Russian visa page, and entry stamp to Russia).
• Copy of your registration in the Russian Federation.
• Original Power of Attorney legalized by a Russian Notary.
• Scan-copy of your INN (Russian individual tax payer number).

Good to know

• Imported goods are subject to duties of 30% of their value, or not less than 4 EUR/1 kg.
• Customs may require your presence during clearance.
• A customs broker can potentially cover duty amounts on your behalf if an agreement is in place.

If you're moving as a refugee or for permanent residence

Individuals recognized as refugees, internally displaced persons, or those moving to Russia for permanent residence may qualify for duty-free import of used household goods under specific conditions. These conditions include importing goods within 18 months of arrival for permanent residence and that the goods were acquired before your official recognition or arrival date.

What you'll need

• Scan-copy of your passport (photo page, Russian visa page, and entry stamp to Russia).
• Copy of your registration in the Russian Federation.
• Original Power of Attorney legalized by a Russian Notary.
• Scan-copy of your INN (Russian individual tax payer number).

Good to know

• Duty-free import is possible for used household goods if recognized as a refugee, internally displaced person, or moving for permanent residence.
• Goods must be imported within 18 months of your arrival for permanent residence.
• Goods must have been acquired before your official recognition as a refugee/IDP or before your arrival for permanent residence.
• Standard duties for non-qualifying goods are 30% of value, or not less than 4 EUR/1 kg.

If you're relocating with diplomatic status

Staff of Embassies, Consulates, and other individuals with diplomatic status enjoy preferential customs treatment. They are generally exempt from import duties, with certain restrictions on items like alcohol. They can also import personal effects duty-free once per calendar year during their stay abroad, provided there is documentary evidence of the duration and purpose of their stay.

What you'll need

• Copy of Passport stamped by the Embassy (first page).
• Copy of Russian visa stamped by the Embassy.
• Copy of registration in Moscow stamped by the Embassy.
• Copy of diplomatic card stamped by the Embassy.
• Inventory of goods.
• Two Powers of Attorney stamped by the Embassy.
• Two letters to Russian customs with the Embassy seal.

Good to know

• Diplomatic personnel are entitled to duty-free import of personal effects (once per calendar year) if they have documentary evidence of their stay abroad.
• Works of art still require authorization from the Ministry of Culture.

If you've inherited belongings

Goods inherited outside the Customs Union territory can be imported on a duty-free basis. This is contingent on providing documentary evidence that the goods were received as an inheritance, in accordance with Russian Federation legislation.

What you'll need

• All standard documents required for your citizenship status (Russian or foreign citizen).
• Documentary evidence of the receipt of such goods in the inheritance, recognized by Russian law.

Good to know

• Inherited property is eligible for duty-free import if properly documented.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a vehicle to Russia has specific rules depending on your status. Diplomatic staff can temporarily import vehicles for the duration of their diplomatic card's validity, with extensions possible. Other individuals can import vehicles on a temporary basis for one year, after which compulsory export is required. Permanent import for non-diplomats incurs duties based on engine capacity and production year. Permanently imported vehicles must meet EURO5 environmental standards and be equipped with a GLONASS system; temporary imports are exempt from these requirements.

• For diplomatic status:
  • Passport copy stamped by Embassy (first page + Ministry of Foreign Affairs registration stamp).
  • Copy of Russian visa stamped by the Embassy.
  • Copy of diplomatic card stamped by the Embassy.
  • Two Powers of Attorney stamped by the Embassy.
  • Two letters to Russian customs with the Embassy seal.
  • Document confirming vehicle ownership.
• For other individuals:
  • Copy of the first page of passport.
  • Copy of visa (for non-residents).
  • Copy of registration in the Russian Federation.
  • Power of Attorney legalized by a Russian notary.
  • Document confirming vehicle ownership.

Good to know: Customs may require the owner's or embassy representative's presence during clearance. Templates for required documents are typically provided by your agent in Russia.

Works of Art

All works of art, including paintings, icons, musical instruments, collections, and books over 100 years old, require special attention. Items older than 100 years must have a certificate from the Ministry of Culture. Modern art (under 100 years), with the exception of oil paintings on canvas, can be imported without this certificate. Exporting any art from Russia also requires an export certificate from the Ministry of Culture. In some cases, the owner's physical presence at the airport customs terminal may be required during clearance.

Restricted & prohibited items

A wide range of items are prohibited from import into Russia for all categories of persons. This includes food, alcohol, tobacco, medicines, flora and fauna objects (unless with specific veterinary and phytosanitary certificates and prior approval), precious metals and stones, mineral samples, archaeological/paleontological objects, cash, debit/credit cards, passports, weapons, ammunition, explosives, narcotic/poisonous/intoxicant substances, radioactive materials, hazardous waste, tires/tires with disks, and certain printed/cinematographic/photo/video materials (e.g., propaganda, pornography, state secrets). For air shipments, PBO (Packed By Owner) items, toiletries/cosmetics containing spirits or under pressure, printer cartridges, and batteries are also restricted.

Frequently asked questions

What are the general customs duties for personal effects?
For most goods, duties are 30% of their value, but not less than 4 EUR per kilogram.

Can I pay customs duties online?
Yes, consignees can pay import duties from their bank account, in cash at a bank office, or through online banking.

Do I need to be present during customs clearance?
Sometimes, customs may require the customer's presence during the clearance process.

What is an INN and why do I need it?
INN stands for Russian individual tax payer number. It's a required document for customs clearance for both Russian and foreign citizens.

Are there any restrictions on the weight or value of my shipment?
While there isn't a strict limit, the weight and value of your shipment must be rational and consistent. It's advisable to consult with an agent in Russia before packing.

Can a customs broker help with duties?
Yes, a customs broker can cover the duty amount instead of the customer if they have an agreement with each other.

Navigating international customs can be complex, but relocation123.com is here to help make your move to Russia as smooth as possible. For personalized assistance and to ensure all your documents are in order, please contact us directly.

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