Emigrate to Russia

⇒ Russia culture

⇒ Climate

⇒ Language

⇒ School system of Russia

⇒ Health care system

⇒ Vaccinations and medical certificates

⇒ Tax system

⇒ Economy

⇒ Prices by index

⇒ Real estate

⇒ Company foundation

⇒ Visa

⇒ Safety

Russia culture

Russia’s culture is extremely diverse and rich, characterized by a fascinating mix of historical influences, traditional values and modern developments. Here are some aspects that distinguish the culture of Russia:

  1. Literature and Art: Russia has a rich literary tradition, shaped by writers such as Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Anton Chekhov. Russian literature is known for its depth, introspection and philosophical aspects. In the art world, Russian painters such as Wassily Kandinsky and Kasimir Malevich created groundbreaking works.
  2. Music: Russia has an impressive musical tradition, ranging from classical music to modern genres. Famous composers such as Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Igor Stravinsky are well known. Russian folk music is also diverse and reflects the regional diversity of the country.
  3. Architecture: Russia’s architecture shows a mixture of styles, from traditional wooden houses to impressive baroque and neoclassical churches and palaces. Famous buildings include the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow.
  4. Religion and spirituality: The Russian Orthodox Church has a significant influence on the country’s culture. Religion plays an important role in the daily lives of many people, especially in traditional communities. Besides Christianity, there are other religious communities and traditions in Russia.
  5. Culinary: Russian cuisine is known for its rich, hearty dishes, including borscht (a beet soup), pelmeni (dumplings) and blini (thin pancakes). Tea has a special meaning in Russian culture and is often associated with hospitality and conviviality.
  6. Festivals and Traditions: Russia celebrates a variety of festivals and holidays, including the New Year, Orthodox Christmas, International Women’s Day, and Victory Day (May 9) commemorating the end of World War II.
  7. Ballet and theater: Russia has a rich tradition in ballet and theater, with world-famous ballet companies such as the Bolshoi Ballet. Russian theater also has a long history and is known for its high-quality performances.
Russland hat durch seine irrsinnige Größe auch eine vielfältige und beeindruckende Landschaft

Climate

The climate in Russia is extremely diverse, as the country has an enormous geographical extension from east to west. As a result, the climate ranges from arctic conditions in the north to temperate and continental in the south. Here are some characteristic climatic zones in Russia:

  1. Arctic climate: In the northern areas of Russia, especially in the Arctic, there is an extremely cold climate. Temperatures can drop to well below -30 degrees Celsius during the winter months.
  2. Subarctic climate: In regions such as Siberia and the Russian Taiga, the climate is subarctic in character. Winters are very cold and summers are short but comparatively warm.
  3. Continental climate: A continental climate prevails in large parts of central Russia, including Moscow. Winters are cold and dry, while summers are warm to hot.
  4. Temperate climate: The southern parts of Russia, such as the Caucasus and the Black Sea coast, have a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers.
  5. Steppe climate: The southern parts of Siberia and western Kazakhstan have a steppe climate characterized by dry and hot summers and cold winters.
  6. Oceanic climate: some coastal regions of Russia, such as the region around Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean, have an oceanic climate with moderate temperatures and humid conditions.
  7. Tundra climate: In the northern parts of Russia, especially in the tundra, summers are short but cool, while winters are extremely cold.

Language

Many different languages are spoken in Russia, as the country is very diverse and is home to a number of ethnic groups. The official language and the most widely spoken language in Russia is Russian. It is spoken as a native language by the vast majority of the population and is the main language of communication in everyday life, in the media, in education and in business.

In addition to Russian, however, there are a large number of regional languages and minority languages in Russia. Some of the most important are:

  1. Tatar: The Tatar language is spoken by the Tatar population in the Republic of Tatarstan and other regions.
  2. Bashkir: Bashkir is spoken by the Bashkir population mainly in the Republic of Bashkortostan.
  3. Chechen and Ingush: These languages are spoken by Chechens and Ingush in the Chechen Republic.
  4. Yakut (Sakha): The Yakut language is spoken by the people of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in northeastern Russia.
  5. Severo-Caucasian: This is a group of languages spoken in the North Caucasus, including languages such as Chechen, Ingush, and Dagestani.
  6. Uralic languages: These include languages such as Mari, Udmurtic, and Komi, spoken by ethnic groups in the Ural region.
  7. Siberian languages: There are a variety of Siberian languages, including Yakut, Buryat, Altai and many more.

School system of Russia

For emigration to Russia with the family, the school system, of course, plays a major role:

The school system in Russia is divided into different levels and is based on an 11-year education system. Here is an overview of the structure of the school system in Russia:

  1. Preschool Education: Preschool education is optional and begins between the ages of 3 and 7. Kindergartens (Detski Sad) provide early childhood education and care for children.
  2. Primary education: Primary education lasts 4 years and starts at the age of 7. Students learn basic subjects such as mathematics, Russian, literature, foreign languages, history, geography and science.
  3. Middle School: Middle school education lasts 5 years and begins at age 11. During this time, students are taught a broader range of subjects, including social sciences, art, music, technology and physical education.
  4. Higher educational institutions (secondary school): After completing secondary education, students have the option of attending either a vocational school or a post-secondary school. Vocational school allows students to learn practical skills in a variety of disciplines, while secondary school prepares students for higher education.
  5. Higher education: Higher education in Russia is provided in universities, technical colleges, and other educational institutions. The bachelor’s degree usually takes 4 years to complete, while the master’s degree takes another 2 years. The education system is known for its focus on scientific and technical subjects, but there is also a wide range of fields of study in humanities, social sciences, arts and other areas.

Healthcare system

The healthcare system in Russia is publicly funded and provides basic medical care for the country’s citizens. Here are some important features of the Russian health care system:

  1. Universal health care: Russia offers universal health care for its citizens. This means that basic medical services are accessible to all, regardless of income or insurance status.
  2. Free medical care: Most medical services in Russia are free of charge for citizens. This includes doctor visits, hospitalizations, medical exams, immunizations, and basic medical care.
  3. Health centers and hospitals: The Russian health care system includes a variety of medical facilities, including health centers, hospitals and clinics. However, the quality of medical care can vary by region and facility.
  4. Medical Staff: Russia has a well-trained medical workforce, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other professionals.
  5. Health insurance: while basic medical care is free, some citizens have private health insurance to cover additional services or specialized treatments.
  6. Challenges: Although the Russian healthcare system provides basic care, there are also some challenges. Some regions, particularly remote rural areas, may face limited access to care. The quality of medical care may also vary at some facilities.
  7. Private health services: In addition to the state healthcare system, Russia also has private medical facilities that provide additional services and specialized treatments.
  8. Health promotion and prevention: Russia emphasizes health promotion and prevention. Vaccinations are mandatory, and programs are in place to combat infectious diseases and other health problems.
Die imposante Tierwelt von Russland

Vaccinations and medical certificates

Certain vaccinations and medical certificates are required for emigration to Russia. However, the exact requirements may vary depending on your reason for entry and length of stay. Here are some important points to consider:

  1. Visa Type: Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, different requirements may apply. A tourist visa usually has fewer requirements than a work or student visa.
  2. Vaccinations: You may need to provide proof of some vaccinations in order to enter Russia. These can be vaccinations against diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B or typhoid. You can find the exact requirements on the website of the Russian embassy or consulate.
  3. Health Certificate: Depending on the visa type, a medical health certificate may be required. This document certifies that you are free from certain contagious diseases.
  4. Medical Exam: For some long-term visa types, such as a work visa, a medical exam may be part of the visa process. This examination is to make sure you are in good health and have no contagious diseases.

Tax system

The tax system in Russia is an important aspect of the country’s economic structure. Here is some basic information about the tax system in Russia:

  1. Income tax: Income tax for individuals in Russia is currently 13% as a rule. However, there are different tax rates for certain types of income, such as capital gains or income from rentals.
  2. Corporate tax: Corporate tax in Russia is 20%. However, there are some special tax regimes for certain sectors and regions.
  3. Value Added Tax (VAT): The VAT rate in Russia is 20%. There is also a reduced rate of 10% for certain goods and services, such as food and medical products.
  4. Social security contributions: Employers and employees in Russia must pay social security contributions. The contribution rate may vary depending on the type of income.
  5. Property tax: In Russia, a property tax is levied on real estate. The amount of tax depends on several factors, including the value of the property and the region in which it is located.
  6. Double taxation agreements: Russia has double taxation agreements with many countries to ensure that income is not taxed twice in both countries.

Tax tricks

In Russia there are legal ways to save taxes, similar to many other countries. Here are some common strategies:

  1. Use of tax incentives: Russia offers certain tax benefits and incentives for various sectors and regions. If your business is in one of these areas, you could benefit from these perks.
  2. Cost deduction: Companies can deduct their operating expenses from their revenues to reduce taxable profit. It is important to keep all relevant receipts and comply with IRS regulations.
  3. Use of special economic zones: Russia has established special economic zones where companies can obtain special tax benefits and exemptions from customs duties.
  4. Investment in research and development (R&D): Companies that invest in research and development can receive tax incentives in Russia.
  5. Use of double taxation agreements: Russia has concluded double taxation agreements with many countries. These agreements can help avoid double taxation and reduce the tax burden.
  6. Structuring business activities: Through careful planning and structuring of business activities, it may be possible to optimize taxes. This could include the choice of business form, income sharing, or other measures.
  7. Private pension plans: Individual pension plans may be eligible for tax relief in Russia in certain cases.

Economy

Russia’s economy is one of the largest in the world and is based mainly on commodities such as oil, natural gas, metals and minerals. Here are some important aspects of the Russian economy:

  1. Wealth of raw materials: Russia has immense reserves of raw materials, especially oil and natural gas. These raw materials play a central role in the country’s economy and contribute significantly to the national budget.
  2. Energy export: Russia is one of the world’s largest energy exporters. Oil, natural gas and coal are important export goods that strongly influence the country’s revenues.
  3. Industrial production: Alongside energy, industrial production is an important sector of the economy. The industry includes sectors such as metal processing, mechanical engineering, automotive manufacturing, aerospace and defense.
  4. Agriculture: Agriculture is diverse in Russia due to its size and climate. The country produces a wide range of agricultural products, including cereals, vegetables, meat and dairy products.
  5. Technology and innovation: Russia has stepped up its efforts to promote technology and innovation in recent years. There is growing investment in areas such as IT, space, biotechnology and nanotechnology.
  6. Foreign trade: Foreign trade plays an important role in the Russian economy. The country exports raw materials, energy and industrial products and imports machinery, equipment, consumer goods and food.
  7. Challenges: However, the Russian economy also faces several challenges. These include commodity dependence, bureaucratic hurdles, corruption, demographic problems, and economic sanctions.
  8. Currency: The Russian currency is the Russian Ruble (RUB). The ruble’s exchange rates can be subject to wide fluctuations, often influenced by global commodity prices and geopolitical factors.
Moskau - Hauptstadt Russlands - eine sehr imponierende Stadt

Prices by index

Since prices can change constantly even in one of the largest economies in the world, such as Russia’s, we refer here to the Cost of Living website. This constantly updates its values and thus keeps you up to date.

Real Estate

As an immigrant in Russia it is possible to buy or rent real estate. Russia has no specific restrictions for foreigners when it comes to buying or renting real estate. Both individuals and legal entities (companies) can acquire real estate.

Here are some important information:

  1. Real estate purchase: Foreigners can purchase both residential and commercial real estate in Russia. However, certain legal procedures must be followed when purchasing real estate, including verification of ownership and contracting. It is advisable to seek professional legal advice to ensure that the purchase goes smoothly.
  2. Real estate rent: Foreigners can rent apartments, houses or commercial real estate in Russia. Rental conditions vary depending on the type of property and the region. It is important to sign a rental agreement that outlines the terms of the rental, the rental period, and other important details.
  3. Obligation to register: In Russia, persons who live in a certain region for more than seven working days must register. This also applies to foreigners who own or rent real estate. Registration can be done at the local authorities.
  4. Land ownership: Note that in Russia ownership of land must be held by Russian citizens and legal entities with Russian participation. However, foreigners may acquire ownership of buildings located on the land.
Company foundation

As an immigrant in Russia you can start a business. Russia offers foreign investors the opportunity to start business activities in the country. Here is some important information about how to start a business as an immigrant in Russia:

  1. Legal forms: There are several legal forms you can choose for your business in Russia, including sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), joint stock company (JSC) and more.
  2. Incorporation procedures: The establishment of a company in Russia requires compliance with certain legal procedures. This includes registration with the relevant state office, preparation of corporate documents and compliance with tax requirements.
  3. Licensing and Permits: Depending on the nature of your business and the industry in which you wish to operate, special licenses or permits may be required.
  4. Legal support: Due to the legal complexity, it is advisable to seek professional legal support when setting up a business in Russia. This can help you correctly complete all required steps and avoid potential legal challenges.
  5. Capital requirements: Depending on the legal form and industry chosen, certain minimum capital requirements may apply. This is something to consider when planning the formation of your business.
  6. Taxes: Russia has a complex tax system that includes corporate taxes, VAT, income tax and other taxes. It is important to familiarize yourself with the tax obligations and opportunities for your business.
  7. Work permits: If you want to work as a foreigner in your own company, you may need a work permit. This may vary depending on your nationality and the nature of your business.

Company forms

As an immigrant in Russia, you can establish various forms of business, depending on the nature of your business, your investment plan and your goals. Here are some of the common types of companies available in Russia:

  1. Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is one of the most popular forms of business in Russia. The liability of the shareholders is limited to their contributions. An LLC requires at least one founder and can be formed by individuals or legal entities.
  2. Joint stock company (JSC): A JSC is a company whose capital is divided into shares. This allows for a larger number of shareholders. A JSC can be traded on the stock exchange.
  3. Sole proprietorship: A sole proprietorship is a simpler form of business in which a single person runs the business. The personal liability of the entrepreneur is not limited.
  4. Branch: A foreign company can open a branch in Russia. The branch is a legal continuation of the foreign parent company and is subject to its control.
  5. Branch: Similar to a branch, a foreign company can open a branch in Russia. However, a branch office is legally more independent than a subsidiary.
  6. Joint Venture: A joint venture is a cooperation agreement between a foreign company and a Russian partner. This form is often used to leverage local market knowledge and resources.
  7. Representative office: A foreign company may open a representative office in Russia to conduct business activities such as market research, advertising and customer service.
Visa

There are several types of visas available for emigration to Russia. Here are some of the common visa categories:

  1. Tourist visa: This visa is intended for short-term stays and allows you to travel to Russia as a tourist. It usually has a limited period of validity.
  2. Business Visa: If you wish to travel to Russia on business to conduct negotiations, build business relationships or attend conferences, you may need a business visa.
  3. Work Visa: If you want to work in Russia, you usually need a work visa. This visa usually requires an invitation from a Russian employer or organization.
  4. Study visa: If you want to study in Russia, you need a study visa. You must present an invitation from a recognized educational institution in Russia.
  5. Family Reunion Visa: If you have family members in Russia, you can apply for a family reunion visa to live together with them.
  6. Investor Visa: If you wish to invest in Russia, certain investor visa programs may be available depending on the type and size of your investment.
  7. Labor migration: Specific procedures for labor migration may apply for longer work stays or when employed by Russian companies.
Security in the country

Security in Russia can vary depending on the region and personal situation. Russia is a large and diverse country with different security situations in different cities and regions. Here are some important aspects to consider:

  1. Crime: There is a higher crime rate in some cities in Russia, especially in large urban centers such as Moscow and St. Petersburg. It is advisable to take basic security precautions to avoid theft and other criminal activities.
  2. Political stability: Russia is politically complex, and political developments can affect the security situation. It is advisable to keep up to date with current political events and possible demonstrations or gatherings.
  3. Terrorism: Terrorism is a concern in some regions, particularly the North Caucasus. Travelers should follow the travel advice of the embassies or consulates of their home country.c
  4. Natural hazards: In some parts of Russia, such as Siberia, extreme weather conditions can occur, especially in winter. Cold, snow and ice can be potential hazards.

We recommend to inform yourself about the official security advices and refer to the information of the Foreign Office: Security advices Russia.

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