Moving to Russia

Important points to consider.

Photograph: Tokarevsky lighthouse, Vladivostok.

It seems that relocations to Russia are becoming quite a thing. Nationals of many countries of the world consider moving to Russia to start a new life. The number of such relocations is becoming notable, suggesting a trend. I frequently spot people discussing their relocations and culture topics in social networks.

In this post I would like to bring up a number of important points to consider when relocation to Russia crosses your mind. Some of the points are common sense, while others are based on best practices any prospective immigrant needs to consider.

Now, let me emphasize one important thing. If you are relocating to Russia on your own, not under a job contract, you are not an expatriate. Your relocation status is immigrant. Expatriation and immigration are completely different types of relocation, that have almost nothing in common. Both imply different relocation setup, different tasks, different practical possibilities, different needs and relocation goals. The below text is for prospective immigrants. If you are moving as an expat, with a secured job position from your company, the below points are not applicable to you.

The points are numbered considering their importance and priority, with the most important ones listed first.

One. Carefully examine your motives and practical reasons for relocation. What makes you want to change your current country of residence? Looking at what most people bring up as their rationale for moving to Russia raises too many questions. From what I see people post online as grounds for relocation are based on a very shallow knowledge (if any knowledge at all) of Russia. That might make their relocation wrong from the very start and sad to say will most likely turn out to be a disappointment or a huge mistake.

Two. What long-term immigration legal status are you going to have in Russia? The Russian legislature provides a number of ways for a foreigner to stay for a prolonged period of time. Laws and procedures are complicated, and you will need legal advice. Do not go asking questions on the Internet forums, as you will only get wrong answers. Check with a professional to understand what options you have in terms of legalizing your stay. Make sure you qualify and are able to build a solid immigration case. Making a mistake and violating regulations will set you up for deportation and ban from entering the country in the future.

Three. Where in Russia are you planning on living? Again, Internet resources, most of them, especially YouTube videos of immigrants recently moved to Russia are totally misleading. 99% of videos about Russia show central parts of Moscow and that is a tiny fraction of what Russia is. Drive a hundred kilometers from Moscow, and you'll experience Russia, which most vloggers choose not to show you. That is not to say it is bad outside larger cities, it just varies. Russia is not homogeneous in terms of life quality, living standards and lifestyle in general. Moscow and territories around it do not represent the whole country. Do the reality check, understand different parts of Russia, costs of living, all the aspects that might be of importance for you.

Four. How are you going to be making a living? To get a job you'll need a work permit, which only comes with a proper immigration status. Even having a work permit, most likely, you will have to give up your profession, unless you are able to make money remotely. For every local job in Russia you'd be able to do with your knowledge and skills, you will need a near native command of Russian. Even if you are a seasoned expert in your professional area, applying for any job opening, you will be competing with Russian candidates, native speakers of Russian, who will demonstrate better knowledge and experience of Russian ways and peculiarities in any field you'd opt for employment. Professionals in certain niches of the IT industry may have advantages due to demand and the very nature of IT jobs. As a foreigner, be prepared to be subject of a rightful bias, no matter your home country, your race, gender or background. For those who believe they can make a living teaching English—good luck with that. Perhaps you don't need a job, as you have funds to support your stay, how you'll get money to Russia? In the current situation, it is doable, but not as easy and straightforward.

Five. Are you willing to undergo a lifestyle and behavior change and do you know what adjustment to a host culture is and what it takes? Do you know what culture shock is and how to handle it? To be successful in your relocation, you will need to integrate into the Russian culture and society. Another word for this is to assimilate, not fully, but to a certain degree. It requires deeper knowledge of Russian culture and lifestyle, a lot of planning and a course of deliberate actions. In Russia, everything will be different. Similarities between countries in the world are very little; once you relocate for a long-term stay, you'll have to deal with things that are totally off your scope of experiences and knowledge. Are you willing to change your lifestyle, learn the language, adjust your behavior, and build new connections? This will define your further success in your new life in Russia.