Moving To Russia From The UK

Moving to Russia

Whether you are moving to Moscow, Saint Petersburg, or to Novosibirsk, Britannia Movers International has the international resources and the expertise to tailor the move to your individual needs.

	Importing Personal Effects to Russia All shipments of personal effects will be subject to inspection, and you should be present at the destination during customs clearance. Part of your shipment may also be dutiable. Required documents include a passport, visa and work permit, a comprehensive inventory and a customs declaration form. Customs regulations change frequently in Russia, so it is recommended that you contact your Destination Agent for the most current information.
	Russia Customs Prohibitions and Restrictions In general, it is in your interest not to import the following items: Firearms & ammunition Inflammable goods & substances Plants & plant material Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise Narcotics and dangerous goods Offensive materials Alcohol & tobacco
	Transit Times to Russia Transit times can vary subject to the method of transport chosen, size of your consignment and the final destination. The team at Britannia will be able to advise you of timings once this information is established
	Protecting Your Items for Transport to Russia All shared load consignments will be bar-coded before they are loaded into the vehicle. This will ensure that no items are left at origin.
	Moving to Russia with Pets Britannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures. Find out more about pet transport.
	Moving Motor Vehicles to Russia Importation of motor vehicles to Russia will be subject to compliance, and it is probable that duty and tax will apply.
	Russia Currency Transfer When you are making international payments for individuals you can benefit from IFX expertise in seeking the best possible rate, whether you are sending or receiving foreign currency. IFX can help to protect you from exchange rate fluctuations and save you time and money on international payments. IFX offers: International Payments Regular Overseas Transfers Prepaid Currency Card Forward Contracts More info on the IFX website.

Moving to Russia with Britannia

Your Move to Russia with Britannia – Britannia provides excellent removal and shipping services to Russia. Household and personal effects can be transported by road van, sea containers, or by air. Britannia has established a long standing and successful relationship with a network of dedicated removers in Russia, who will be able to assist you with your destination services.

Additional Removal services – Britannia also offers a variety of additional removal services when moving to Russia. We can arrange international insurance, storage, and can also take care of your pet transport.

If you are interested in our removal services to Russia, you can request a quote, read about our international removals, and additional moving services such as money transfer.

Living in Russia

Russia’s unique culture, beautiful architecture and growing business opportunities will appeal to many expats. The main commercial, and economic centre is the capital, Moscow, which is one of the most populous cities in Europe, and offers a rich culture, and world-renowned architecture, such as Saint Basil’s Cathedral with its onion domes. Saint Petersburg is the cultural centre of Russia, and is home to the largest art museum in the world, The Hermitage and a historic centre which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Russia is located on both the European and Asian continents, the two parts divided by the Ural Mountains and the Ural River. It is the largest country in the world and the ninth most populous nation, with over 140 million people. Russia stretches over 9 time zones and most of the Russian landscape consists of vast plains except for the Urals and some mountain ranges in the south and east. The Russian Federation was founded in 1991, after the collapse of communism and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It is one of the world’s largest economies today, a major political and economic force, and is a member of the G8, G20 and the Council of Europe for example.

Although there are some significant inequalities across the vast Russian territory, it has emerged as a modern and culturally diverse country since the fall of communism. Expats moving to Russia tend to move to one of the bigger cities on the European continent, such as Saint Petersburg, or Moscow. While some might complain about the slightly harsher climate, inefficient bureaucracy or the higher levels of crime, if you choose your final destination and neighbourhood wisely, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a rich and unique culture and an interesting lifestyle.

Current Considerations for Moving to Russia

Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, relocating to Russia comes with several considerations beyond the usual logistics. We strongly recommend checking the latest government travel advisories and legal requirements before planning your move.

Sanctions imposed on Russia may affect your financial transactions and daily life. Major payment systems like PayPal, VISA, and Mastercard have suspended operations in Russia, which could limit access to funds and complicate banking arrangements for expats. It’s important to explore alternative financial solutions before your move.

Additionally, several online services and platforms are restricted or unavailable in Russia. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Discord are blocked, while access to services like YouTube and other Google platforms may be slowed or limited. Corporate online tools and services may also face disruptions. These restrictions can impact both personal communication and professional operations, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.

Our team is here to assist you with the logistical aspects of your move and can offer guidance on navigating these challenges. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend consulting official government sources and professional advisors.

Russia Visas

If you’re planning to move to Russia from the UK, you’ll need to secure the correct visa. The type of visa you’ll need depends on the purpose and duration of your stay.

If you want to work in Russia, a work visa will be issued for 90 days initially, but it can be extended once you have a valid work permit. You’ll need to have a job from a Russian employer, who will act as your work sponsor and obtain your work permit on your behalf. You’ll also need to undertake medical tests and background checks to qualify.

Processing times generally range from 4 to 20 working days, depending on the visa type and service level you select. Given the current geopolitical situation and potential changes to visa regulations, it’s important to consult the latest information from the Russian Embassy in the UK before applying.

Working in Russia

For UK citizens moving to Russia, there is a range of job opportunities available, particularly in sectors that value international expertise and English language skills. Teaching English is a popular options, and there is high demand for native speakers in schools, private tutoring, and corporate training.

There are also multinational companies looking for professionals in finance, marketing, consulting, and management, particularly in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The oil, gas, and engineering sectors provide opportunities for those with technical expertise, while the growing IT and tech industries offer roles for skilled software developers and cybersecurity professionals. Other available roles include hospitality, tourism, and translation services, though these are more limited and typically found in major cities.

The working culture in Russia is generally more formal and hierarchical compared to the UK. It’s important to show respect for titles and senior management; decision-making often lies with top executives. You’ll be expected to be punctual, and meeting deadlines will be a key part of your working life. Building trust and strong working relationships is highly valued, with face-to-face meetings often preferred for important discussions.

The standard workweek runs from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, with a one-hour lunch break, and businesses often close for extended periods during major holidays. Business communication tends to be direct, and while many international companies operate in English, learning some Russian can be beneficial for daily life and professional integration.

Cost of Living in Russia

The cost of living in Russia can be substantially lower than in Western Europe, even in bigger cities, and everyday living costs remain relatively low.

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Russia is 56% lower than in the UK, not including rent. Rent alone is 70% lower in Russia. Salaries are also considerably lower, with a difference of 80%, but wages will vary depending on your role, industry, and experience.

You can check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in Russia below. Prices are shown in Russian Ruble and converted to UK pounds alongside the price in the UK so you can see how costs match up.

Interesting Facts About Russia

• Russian, the official language of Russia is the most widely spoken of the Slavic languages and the largest native language in Europe. It is also spoken in Ukraine, Estonia, Moldova and Latvia.
• Russia covers one seventh of the land area of our planet and borders more countries than any other country on earth.
• Russia has an extremely rich cultural life, and St Peterburg alone has for example 221 museums, 2000 libraries, over 200 theatres, 45 art galleries and more than 60 cinemas.
• Russia is home to more than 100 different ethnic groups, including the Indo-European, Slavic and Finno-Ugric for example.
• Russia is rich in natural resources, such as oil, natural gas or timber.

Choose Britannia for Your Russia Relocation

If you are thinking about moving to Russia and want to find out more about our international removal services or request a quote, you can call us on 0845 6006661 or email sales@britannia-movers.co.uk. Our team will be happy to discuss how we can help you with your international relocation.

Moving to Russia brochure