Russia

Move to Russia

No items found.

overview

Welcome to Russia

Russia, the world's largest country by land area, spans Europe and Asia with diverse landscapes from tundra to forests to mountains. Its economy is driven by natural resources, technology, and industry, with rich cultural heritage and scientific achievements attracting international interest.

overview

Russia Essentials

National Anthem

Gosudarstvenny Gimn Rossiyskoy Federatsii

Independence Day

June 12, 1990

Haiko

Birch forests sway / Saint Basil's domes color sky / Winter's long embrace

Interesting Tradition

Holds ice swimming rituals during Russian Orthodox Epiphany where believers plunge into ice holes

Weirdest Local Superstition

Sitting at the corner of a table brings lifelong bachelorhood

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to tell children about homosexuality

overview

Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the vastness, stay for the variety: Russia spans eleven time zones of extraordinary diversity, from Moscow's cultural grandeur to Siberian wilderness adventures. Life balances between morning meetings in historic cities and afternoon explorations of endless landscapes, while evenings celebrate rich artistic traditions. The world's largest country offers unique opportunities for those seeking to experience truly continental-scale possibilities.

overview

Поехали (Poyekhali)

Let's venture into a realm where scale isn't just size, but the scope of human possibility. Here, from Red Square to Siberian wilderness, every horizon opens new chapters of continental adventure.

overview

Добро пожаловать в Россию

The world's largest country spanning eleven time zones, Russia is where vodka flows as freely as its literature and history!

Russia isn't just a country—it's an epic spanning continents. Here, time moves at the pace of church bells and Trans-Siberian railways, and even a simple conversation can turn into an adventure through literature, philosophy, and soul-deep connections. This is a land where imperial grandeur and resilient spirit waltz together like dancers in a Bolshoi performance.

From the golden domes of Moscow to the pristine wilderness of Kamchatka, Russia offers something for every global citizen. Whether you're drawn to the cultural magnificence of St. Petersburg, the intellectual energy of university towns, or the timeless rhythms of Siberian villages, you'll find a quality of life that prioritizes deep friendships, cultural richness, and the pursuit of profound meaning.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

borscht (beetroot soup) - beef stroganoff (creamy beef dish)

Drink

vodka (grain spirit) - chai (black tea with sugar)

overview

Vy khotite pit'?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

57.70

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

6.54

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

2.69

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.89

overview

Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Toasting requires eye contact - avoiding it brings bad luck
#2
Gift-giving has strict flower rules - even numbers are for funerals only
#3
Removing outdoor shoes indoors is mandatory - wearing them shows poor manners
#4
Personal space is smaller - standing close during conversation shows engagement
#5
Banya (bathhouse) rituals require specific etiquette - improper behavior is embarrassing

overview

Russia Essentials

Representative Novel

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (Classic novel exploring moral dilemmas in 19th century Russia)

National Animal

Eurasian brown bear

National Pasttime

Ice hockey

National Souvenir

Matryoshka doll

National Dish

Borscht

Famous Festival

Maslenitsa

Famous Dance

Hopak

Famous Music

Balalaika folk music

overview

Did You Know?

overview

Russia’s Key Historical Events

No items found.

MOBILITY

Access Russia Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

1
No items found.

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
Yes
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
5 years
DUAL Citizenship
No
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
5
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

75

Performance Class

Emerging Explorer

Passport Grade

C

Rank

98

Score

69.8

This visa grants access to:

• 36% of the world's population 

• 39% of UNESCO sites 

• 20% of global GDP 

• 50% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

map visualization

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Russia by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Russia
14,568
15,234
16,982
18,773
19,642
20,568
21,490

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Russia's Global Rankings 

Russia demonstrates good happiness levels (#66) and light tax burden (#44). Our comprehensive analysis shows its moderate English proficiency (#44) and moderate cost of living (#85).

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
85
Cost of Living
2024
Moderate
46
Quality of Life
2024
Low
156
Safety
2024
Restless
66
Happiness
2024
Good
44
Tax Burden
2024
Light Load
44
English Proficiency
2023
Moderate Proficiency
113
Rule of Law
2024
Weak
55
Healthcare System
2024
Basic Plan
Pleasant Climate
2024

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

40.3

years

Life Expectancy

73,2

years

Obesity Rate

24.10%

Tobacco Use

40.90%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

7.39%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

7.1

per 1000 people

Doctors

4.01

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

37.70%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

National Health Service (NHS)

Russia's healthcare system offers universal coverage through Mandatory Health Insurance (MHI), with free access to basic services for all legal residents.

Private Healthcare Sector

The private sector in Russia is well developed in urban areas and offers high-quality care. English-speaking staff and modern facilities attract many expats.

Healthcare for Expats

Legal migrants with work permits can enroll in the MHI system. Still, many expatriates prefer private insurance for access to top-tier facilities.

Focus on Preventive Care

Preventive services such as annual health checks and cancer screenings are part of the public healthcare offering, though utilization varies by region.

Pharmaceutical Affordability

Russia has a mix of subsidized and market-priced pharmaceuticals. Generics are affordable, but imported drugs can be expensive and less accessible.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

The World Health Organization's United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000-2021) data describes the coverage of essential health services, defined as the average coverage of essential services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and service capacity and access, among the general and the most disadvantaged population.
Source:

Healthcare

Russia Healthcare Cost Calculator

This calculator helps you compare healthcare expenditures between different countries based on per capita health spending data. The tool provides a straightforward comparison by allowing you to:
1. Select your current location from the dropdown menu
2. Choose a comparison country to see the difference in healthcare costs

The calculator displays two key metrics:
• Healthcare Expense Difference: The absolute dollar amount difference in per capita healthcare spending between the selected countries
• Percentage Difference: The relative difference expressed as a percentage
Please note that these calculations are based on annual per capita health expenditure data, which includes current prices and purchasing power parities (PPP). The figures represent total healthcare spending, encompassing both public and private healthcare expenses. For the most accurate planning and decision-making, please consult with healthcare providers or insurance companies in your target country for specific coverage options and costs.
Source:

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

Russia presents a moderate cost of living, with significant regional variations. Moscow and St. Petersburg are notably more expensive, particularly regarding housing and dining. Housing costs in major cities average around $550 for a one-bedroom apartment. Food is generally affordable, though recent inflation has led to higher prices for essential items like butter and potatoes. Utilities are low, with electricity prices among the cheapest globally. Public transportation is extensive and affordable. Education costs vary, with public universities offering lower tuition fees compared to private institutions. ​

Cost of Gasoline

0.75

per liter

Cost of Meal

10.00

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

571.53

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

119.34

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

2.19

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

20%

cost of living

Russia Cost of Living plus Rent Map

map visualization

cost of living

Russia Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Russia Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Before moving to Russia, it's important to understand its tax system. Russia taxes resident expats on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Russian-source income. The country employs a flat income tax rate of 13% for residents and 30% for non-residents. Individual capital gains are generally taxed as regular income. Social security contributions are mandatory for employed individuals. The standard VAT rate is 20%. Property taxes also apply. A Tax Identification Number (INN) is necessary for tax purposes. Russia has a double taxation treaty with the United States to prevent dual taxation issues.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Yes

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

Yes

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

13%-30%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

13%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

0%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

20%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

20%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

13%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

13%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

20%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are considered tax residents if they are physically present in Russia for at least 183 calendar days within 12 consecutive months.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

%

taxation

Russia Tax Burden Map

map visualization

taxation

Russia Income Tax Calculator

This calculator helps you estimate your income tax obligations based on your personal situation and country of residence. The calculation includes essential tax elements specific to each jurisdiction, such as personal allowances, various types of deductions or tax credits, and progressive tax rates where applicable. The estimation considers multiple key inputs that vary by country, including your annual gross income (in USD), marital status when relevant, number of dependent children, as well as additional factors like medical expenses, educational costs, and retirement contributions.

The calculator provides three main results:
• Total Deductions and/or Tax Credits (based on jurisdiction-specific rules)
• Net Taxable Income (income subject to tax)
• Final Income Tax amount
Please note that these calculations are estimates and can vary significantly depending on specific circumstances, additional income sources, special deductions, and changes in tax regulations across different countries. Some jurisdictions may use tox credits instead of deductions, have different qualifying criteria for dependents, or consider various types of expenses differently. For precise tax planning and compliance, please consult with a qualified tax professional familiar with your jurisdiction's tax laws.
Source:

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Highly varied climate; from humid continental in the west to subarctic in Siberia and polar in the far north

Average Temperature

-5.1°C (22.8°F)

Humidity

76

%

Average Annual Precipitation

571

mm

Rainless Days per Year

259

Best Time to Travel

June-August

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Russia

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Russia.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Russia?

Plus icon

Do I need to speak Russian to apply for residency or citizenship in Russia?

Plus icon

Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Russia with me?

Plus icon

How will GlobalPassport™ help me move to Russia?

Plus icon

Can I keep my own citizenship?

Plus icon

overview

Mobility Asset Articles

No items found.