Living in Russia: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Russia.
Looking forward to move to one of the world's biggest and most powerful countries? Russia, located in Northern Eurasia, is a top destination for expatriation.
With its developed and high-income economy, Russia provides many professional opportunities to expatriates looking forward to settle here. It is also the place where you will discover historical cities, contemporary arts and a rich countryside.
Demography
Russia's population amounted to approximately 146,500,000 inhabitants in 2016. The country's official language is Russian ; however, other dialects are spoken in different regions.
Economy
The country's currency is the Russian Ruble.
Russia is the world's 12th economic power. Its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at 1,283 billion US dollars in 2016. In fact, the country has rapidly swept through the globalization process and takes part in major world summits, such as the G8, as one of the world's most powerful economies. It has thus been attracting foreign workers, students as well as investors due to the numerous opportunities it offers at different levels.
Good to know:
Russia is a member of the United Nations Security Council, the Council of Europe, the G20, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Eurasian Economic Community, World Trade Organization, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe as well as of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Politics
The year 1993 has been marked by the adoption of the Russian Constitution. Russia hence became a Federation in addtion to a Republic. The country is governed by a President, who is also the head of the State. The latter is elected by universal suffrage for a 6 years mandate. The actual President of the Russian Federation is Vladimir Putin.
Climate
When thinking about Russia, snow is the first thing which comes to our mind. Indeed, several regions have long snowy winters but the entire country is not covered by snow all year long; the climate varies from one region to another as the country spans two continents. There is a continental type climate from East to West, a more temperate climate on the Black Sea coast, and a cold to polar climate in the North and in Northern Siberia.
Russia is a country of extremes, therefore it has only two main seasons, summer and winter. Autumn and Spring are so short that they often go unnoticed. Russian autumn is quite similar to that of Canada, with fresh and warm colors, particularly in forest regions. Winter in Moscow and St. Petersburg is very humid and rainy. The short spring is marked by the melting of meters of snow accumulated during the winter which leaves large and deep muddy puddles everywhere.
Holidays
The main Russian holidays are: New Year (January 1st ), Orthodox Christmas (January 7th), the Motherland Defender (February 23rd), International Women's Day (March 8th), Spring and Labor Day (May 1st), the Great Patriotic War Victory Day (May 9th), Russia Day (June 12th) and National Unity Day (November 4th).
Major airports
Most major cities have their own airport. The country's main international airports are Domodedovo International Airport and Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow, Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg and Koltsovo Airport in Ekaterinburg.
Formalities
Find out more on visas, passports and entry requirements to travel to Russia.
Travelling to Russia
There are numerous formalities involved when entering and leaving Russia that you should be aware of, regardless of how long you will be spending ...
Visas
All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in Russia.
Visas for Russia
Russia has particular laws regarding immigration. Hence, foreign nationals are generally required ...
Work visas for Russia
Foreigners who have successfully applied for a job in Russia have to get a work visa to be able to ...
The Working Holiday Visa for Russia
Although not yet well known, the Working Holiday (WHV) program in Russia was signed in 2009. It ...
Work
Dive into the Russia labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Russia.
Finding work in Russia
Russia's prosperous economy has been attracting foreigners from across the globe over the ...
Setting up a business in Russia
The fall of the Soviet Union marked a historic turning point for Russia, especially in economic ...
Jobs in Russia
Discover professional opportunities in Russia and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Russia. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Russia.
Health care
Understanding the healthcare system in Russia: public and private health system, health insurance...
Bank
Navigate the banking system in Russia: how to choose a bank and open a bank account.
Banking in Russia
If you have decided to settle in Russia, you will probably want to open a bank account, particularly if you are working there. Opening a bank account ...
Tax
All you need to know about income tax, the tax system and filing your taxes as an expat in Russia.
Driving
Essential information on driving requirements in Russia, driver's license exchange and international permits.
Removal
Moving to Russia? Find useful information and tips to organize your move.
Communications
Internet and phone providers, plans, and everything you need to stay connected in Russia.
Phones and internet in Russia
Nowadays, telecommunications is an essential part of everyday life. You will likely want to keep in touch with your friends and relatives abroad if ...
Everyday life
Eager to discover what life in Russia looks like? Here's a taste.
The Russian lifestyle
Russia has an international reputation which originates from the Soviet era. Due to modernisation, following the end of the USSR, the Russian ...
Articles from the magazine
Dante in Moscow: "Russians love foreigners"
Dante moved to Moscow to work as a freelance English teacher. She first left South Africa, her home country, to work in Dubai before landing in the Russian capital where she plans to live in indefinitely.
A detailed view of Russia: Through the eyes of a French expat
Diane's never-ending passion for new cultures brought her abroad years ago. Originally from Paris, Diane spent a few years in England before moving to Russia in 2013. For her, Russia is a land of opportunities – both at personal and professional levels. She shares her loving feelings for Russia with Expat.com.
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As we're just a day away from the World Cup 2018 kick-off, the whole world is focused on Russia who is hosting the much-awaited event. You probably know Russia, the largest country in the world by size, for its rich culture and history, and especially for its Soviet heritage. Many of you are probably planning to fly to Russia to support your favourite football team. Before you do, here are some interesting facts about Russia that you might have never have heard about.
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How countries include students with disabilities in school
Including students with disabilities is a significant challenge for education systems everywhere. What conditions help these students feel welcome? How can teaching adapt to better support them? Different countries take very different approaches depending on their beliefs, resources, and cultures. Here's a quick look at how it varies around the world.
Expat life: From honeymoon to integration
Euphoria, doubt, frustration, adjustment, motivation, hope — relocating overseas stirs a wide range of emotions, often contradictory. Leaving behind your country, your relationships, and your familiar surroundings marks a major life change. How can you navigate these emotional stages in the best possible way?
Spain scraps Golden Visa: Effects on the real estate market
Announced in April 2024 and confirmed by several statements from the executive branch, Spain's Golden Visa is no longer being issued as of April 3, 2025. Only applications submitted before this date will continue to be processed.
