Dream Big
Start a New Life - Move to Russia

Start Your Journey to Move to Russia Today

Are you considering the opportunity to move to Russia and searching for a reliable service to guide you through this important decision?
Move to Russia provides professional relocation and immigration support services for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Our expertise and comprehensive knowledge of Russian immigration and residence law — including guidance on the Shared Values Visa, Russian Golden Visa, and related investment and relocation programs — those can be utilized either to move to Russia right away or having a “Plan B” – so you can always relocate to Russia at a moments notice once you and your family hold a Permanent Residence in Russia. 

How to Move to Russia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Move to Russia: Where to Begin?

Moving to Russia requires careful planning and thorough preparation. The first step is determining your relocation goals. Are you planning to work, start a family, or establish a business? Perhaps you don´t want to move – but want to hold a Russian Residence as a “Plan B” – just in case.

Each scenario requires a different approach and we are Move to Russia will tailor the plan individually to your needs. 

Understanding the basics of the Russian relocation and residency process is crucial. Russia offers several long-term residency pathways, including the Shared Values Visa, Russian Golden Visa, each with its own eligibility requirements and unique benefits.
Whether you’re the head of the family, looking to secure a residence in Russia for everyone, a professional seeking new opportunities or an investor, there’s a suitable option for your circumstances.

Move to Russia from the USA: Specialized Programs for Americans

American citizens frequently ask themselves how to move to Russia from the USA. For U.S. citizens, there are specialized residency programs and streamlined procedures available. Our Russian immigration consultants specialize in helping American families and individuals navigate the entire relocation process.

The relationship between the U.S. and Russia requires careful attention to current regulations.
Our consultants stay updated on all changes and ensure your documentation complies with the latest requirements. We understand the unique challenges faced by Americans relocating to Russia and provide tailored solutions for each client.

Russian Residence Permit: What You Need to Know

Obtaining long-term Residency in Russia requires establishing a legitimate long-term basis for living in the country. 

The documentation requirements are rigorous and must be carefully prepared. Our experienced team ensures all paperwork meets Russian standards and regulations. We handle translations, notarizations, and submissions to eliminate potential delays or rejections.

Russian Residency for Americans: Special Considerations

Russian residency options for Americans include unique considerations that must be carefully addressed. American citizens must remain aware of current geopolitical circumstances and monitor updates to visa requirements regularly.

U.S.-Russia relations may impact application processing times and requirements, making it essential to work with informed professionals. Our team of Russian immigration consultants stays current with all regulatory changes and provides accurate, up-to-date information for all American clients.

We assist Americans in understanding documentation requirements specific to U.S. citizens, including obtaining proper translations of American documents and ensuring compliance with Russian regulations.

Relocate to Russia with Family: Complete Family Immigration Solutions

Comprehensive Support for Every Family Member

Moving to Russia with your family represents a complex long-term relocation process requiring careful coordination of documentation for every family member. Our comprehensive relocation services include:

Residency and Documentation Support for All Family Members — We handle residence and entry documentation for spouses, children, and dependents, ensuring each family member receives the appropriate authorization to live in Russia.

Document Preparation and Translation — Professional translation and notarization of all family documents in accordance with Russian standards.

Housing Assistance — Support in selecting and securing appropriate family housing in your chosen Russian city.

Employment Support — Assistance in identifying career opportunities for working family members.

Education Placement — Help with enrolling children in appropriate schools and educational programs.

Relocation Logistics — Coordination of household goods transportation and settling-in arrangements.

Financial Setup — Assistance with opening bank accounts and organizing your family’s financial infrastructure in Russia.

Ongoing Adaptation Support — Guidance through the cultural adjustment process for your entire family.

Arranging Healthcare Coverage  — As a resident in Russia, you and your family will be eligible for free healthcare from day one. Besides the state free healthcare, which is very well regarded—for example, doctors making house calls to check up on sick children—there are also private healthcare options for a very low cost compared to the US.

Make your family’s move to Russia seamless with the help of experienced professionals who manage every detail. We understand all the nuances of Russian immigration law and can expedite the process.

Family Relocation Documentation Requirements

Relocating as a family requires additional documentation beyond individual requirements. Marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of guardianship must be properly translated and certified. Our team manages this complex documentation process efficiently and accurately.

Long-Term Residence Benefits in Russia

A Russian long-term residence permit provides numerous advantages for individuals and families planning extended residence. These permits allow you to freely travel in and out of Russia, making travel flexible. A Residence Permit in Russia grants you the right to work in any region in Russia while the Temporary Residence Permit makes it possible to work in the region where you are granted the Temporary Residence. 

Moving to Russia: Practical Relocation Advice

Essential Tips for Successfully Planning Your Long-Term Move to Russia

Master Basic Russian Language Skills — Learning conversational Russian significantly simplifies your adaptation and interactions with local residents. Language barriers often represent the most common initial challenge for relocating foreigners.
Observe that you don´t need to know Russian to receive your Residence – thus it´s a smart idea to get the Residence first, for example, utilizing the Shared Values Visa program and then, relocate to Russia and learn the language there. 

Prepare for the Russian Climate — Russian winters are notably severe compared to many other regions. Acquire appropriate winter clothing, heating solutions, and cold-weather equipment. Understand seasonal changes across Russia’s vast geography.
Do note that there are warmer regions in Russia, such as the Krasnodar region, where the temperature does not go below zero even in the Winter periods.  

Study Russian Culture and Traditions — Understanding Russian social norms, business etiquette, and cultural practices accelerates integration. Russians value education, family connections, and formal respect in professional settings.

Connect with Expatriate and Relocation Communities — Join forums, social groups, and other expatriate networks. Sharing experiences and obtaining advice from those who have successfully relocated and established Russian residency.

Plan Your Finances Carefully — Calculate your expected living costs in your chosen city. Establish an emergency fund before relocation. Understand the Russian banking system and currency exchange practices.

Research Your Destination City — Russian cities vary in employment opportunities, housing costs, and lifestyle options. Moscow and St. Petersburg offer international communities, while regional cities provide different advantages.

Arrange Ongoing Support Networks — Maintain connections with your home country while establishing new relationships in Russia. Building a reliable support system is essential for long-term adaptation and successful settlement.

Health and Insurance Preparation — Research Russian healthcare options and obtain comprehensive health insurance. Understand medical access for yourself and your family members. Move to Russia’s consultants can assist you in navigating local healthcare systems as part of your long-term relocation plan.

Conclusion: Begin Your Russian Adventure

Moving to Russia represents a significant and exciting life decision. With proper preparation, current information, and professional guidance, your long-term relocation journey will be successful and fulfilling. Move to Russia is committed to supporting you at every stage of your journey, from initial planning through successful adaptation in your new home.

Contact our team today to learn more about our comprehensive Russia relocation and residency services, including expert guidance on the Shared Values Visa and Russian Golden Visa programs.

Our professional consultants are prepared to answer all your questions and help you achieve your goals for long-term relocation and living in Russia permanently.
Take the first step toward your new life in Russia by connecting with our experienced relocation specialists.

Your journey with Move to Russia begins with expert guidance and full support. Let us help you make Russian your “Plan B” for you and your family or turn your relocation goals into permanent residency and a new home in Russia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the Russian tourist Visa and Russian residence permit process typically take?
A: Processing time for Russian tourist Visa generally ranges from 7 to 30 days, depending on your application type and the specific consulate processing your application. Rush services may be available for additional fees.
For programs such as the Shared Values Visa or Russian Golden Visa, timelines may vary based on eligibility and documentation requirements – but expect that the process takes at least 6 months from the start to finish. To learn more about your individual timeline – reach out to us. 

Q: What documents are required for obtaining a work-based residence permit?
A: Essential documents include a formal employment contract, employer invitation letter, valid passport, recent photographs, medical examination results, and proof of financial capacity. The company inviting you also needs to prove that your skills are unique and could not be otherwise recruited on the Russian Market – making the relocation based on work to be a quite challenging path to take.
It´s easier to do the other way of getting the Temporary Residence Permit through Shared Values Visa program or a Permanent Residence through the Russian Golden Visa first, as both of those grant you also the right to work in Russia. Once you have your Russian Residence, the employers in Russia can hire you directly as everybody else on the Russian workforce market. 

Q: Can I bring my pets when moving to Russia?
A: Yes, pet relocation is possible but requires specific documentation including health certificates, vaccination records, and customs permits. Advance planning is essential for successful pet relocation. We at Move to Russia can advise you on the specifics. 

Q: Is Russian language proficiency required for long-term stay approval?
A: Language ability is not officially required for Temporary Residence Permit if you are eligible for the Shared Values Program – that all citizens and permanent residence of US are eligible for
However, the knowledge of Russia is strongly recommended for successful adaptation and integration in Russian society. 

Q: What is the cost of immigration consultant services?
A: Service costs vary based on case complexity, application type, and required services. Contact our consultants for a personalized quote based on your specific situation. Our team provides full support for Russian Golden Visa and Shared Values Visa applicants, from eligibility assessment to final residence approval.

Q: Can my family members join me later if I move to Russia first?
A: Yes, family members can also relocate to Russia utilizing the Shared Values Visa or Golden Visa program. Documentation and timelines vary based on specific circumstances. Our relocation specialists can coordinate family applications under both standard and long-term residency programs.

Q: What is the cost of living in Russia for foreign residents?
A: Living costs vary significantly by city and region, with – Moscow and Sochi being the most expensive. Monthly expenses for a comfortable lifestyle typically range from $800 to $2,500 depending on housing choices and lifestyle preferences.

Q: Do I need to learn Russian before relocating?
A: While not mandatory, learning basic Russian before relocation significantly improves your experience and adaptation process. Many relocation services include language resources and support. Move to Russia offers guidance on cultural adaptation and has partnerships with multiple language schools that could be of service to kick start your Russian studies even before your move, as part of our long-term relocation consulting services.