If you have decided to move to Russia from the USA or Canada in order to obtain a residence permit or citizenship, then the information in this article is for you. In this article we will explain in detail how immigration of foreigners to Russia takes place, we will consider the main ways of citizenship registration and the next stages a foreigner has to go through. We would also like to draw your attention to the fact that our law firm has been dealing with the process of immigration for a long time and we can greatly facilitate this process.
Key Facts About Russia
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | about 146 million people |
| Percentage of Christians (predominantly Orthodox) | about 70% of the population |
| Percentage of Muslims | about 15% of the population |
| Average Monthly Income per Capita | about 35,000 – 45,000 RUB in small cities and towns; about 100,000 – 150,000 RUB in big cities |
| Major Cities by Population | Moscow (>14 mln), Saint Petersburg (>5 mln), Novosibirsk (>1.6 mln) |
| GDP per Capita | about 11,000 – 14,000 USD |
| Main Export Goods | oil, gas, metals, grain |
| Official Language | Russian |
| Form of Government | federal republic |
| Territory Area | about 17.1 million sq. km |
| Time Zones | 11 time zones |
| Main Income Tax Rates | Personal Income Tax (PIT): 13% for residents |
| Tax Rate for Legal Entities | Corporate Profit Tax: standard rate 20% (2% federal budget, 18% regional budget) |
| Tax Rate for Individual Entrepreneurs (IE) | Simplified Tax System (STS): rate 6% |
Visas for Moving to Russia
Citizens of certain countries can enter Russia with a passport, while others must apply for a visa of a certain type, depending on the purpose of their stay in the country. In order to cross the border of the Russian Federation, it is necessary to have a set of documents specified by the legislation, which will allow not only to enter the country but also to stay in it, if necessary.
Contents
Types of Russian Visas:
- Tourist Visa
Purpose of visit: Tourism, sightseeing.
Validity period: Usually up to 30 days. - Private Visa
Purpose of visit: Private visit at the invitation of Russian citizens or foreigners residing in the Russian Federation.
Validity period: May be issued for up to 90 days. - Business and Humanitarian Visa
Purpose of visit: Participation in business negotiations, conferences, seminars, cultural and scientific events.
Period of validity: Issued for up to 1 year with the possibility of multiple entries. In some cases, it can be extended up to 5 years. - Study Visa
Purpose of visit: To study at an educational institution in Russia.
Validity period: Issued for the period of study, usually up to 1 year with the possibility of extension for the entire period of study. - Work Visa
Purpose of visit: Employment in the Russian Federation at the invitation of an employer.
Period of validity: Usually issued for a period of up to 1 year with the possibility of extension. - Transit Visa
Purpose of visit: Travel through the territory of Russia to a third country.
Validity period: Up to 10 days for land transit and up to 3 days for air transit. - Temporary Residence Visa
Purpose of visit: To obtain temporary residence status in the Russian Federation.
Validity period: Issued for up to 3 years. Temporary residence permit must be obtained in advance. - Highly Qualified Specialist Visa
Purpose of visit: To work in the Russian Federation in positions requiring high qualifications.
Validity period: Up to 3 years with the possibility of extension.
Grounds for Immigrating to Russia
The reasons for immigrating to Russia can be various. According to the legislation of the country, foreigners can apply for citizenship in the following cases: having close relatives among the subjects of the Russian Federation, marriage, business activity and simultaneous long-term residence, refugee status, etc.
Depending on the category of a foreigner, the path to obtaining a residence permit, a residence permit or citizenship may differ significantly. As a rule, these differences lie in the duration of stay on the territory of the state and the set of documents to be submitted.
Moving to Russia to Work
Moving to Russia to work is a process that involves obtaining the appropriate work visa and work permit.
Types of Work Visas:
- Single-entry visa: Valid for 90 days and issued on the basis of a work invitation, which can be obtained after the work permit has been issued.
- Multiple-entry visa: Issued on the basis of a work permit and can be extended according to the validity period of the work permit.
Work Permits:
- Standard work permit: For non-CIS citizens, valid for the duration of the employment contract.
- Permit for highly qualified specialists: Processed more quickly, valid for three years, and allows family members to obtain visas.
Requirements for a Work Visa:
- Fill out an application: Attach a photo and make sure the passport is valid for at least six months after entering Russia.
- Obtain an invitation from the employer: The employer must provide a letter with details of the job, the place of work and the terms of the contract.
- Obtain a medical examination: Russia has additional restrictions for people traveling with HIV/AIDS.
- Pay the appropriate fees: Depends on the type of visa.
Foreigners working in Russia must register with the local FMS office and confirm their stay in the country annually. It is also worth noting that Russia has closed cities and regions, where entry is prohibited without a special permit.
Moving to Russia Under the Investment Program
Investing in Russia offers foreign investors the opportunity to obtain a residence permit and later citizenship in exchange for investing in the country’s economy. Depending on your interest in business or real estate, there are several ways to achieve this goal.
Compared to similar programs in Europe, the Russian program offers more favorable conditions for investors. In addition to investment requirements, applicants must have a clean criminal record, a valid passport, and pass a medical examination.
Russia’s Golden Visa Program
Russia’s Golden Visa Program offers foreign investors a path to residency through an investment of at least 15 million rubles.
Investment Options:
- Investment in an existing Russian company: The business must have existed for at least three years. The business must pay 6 million rubles in taxes to the Russian budget and have at least 25 employees.
- Investment in a new business: It is required to invest at least 10 million rubles and hire at least 10 Russian employees.
- Investment in real estate: An investment of at least 25 million rubles of cadastral value is required (50 million rubles in Moscow).
Moving to Russia for Family Reunification
Moving to Russia for family reunification involves a multi-step legal process, from obtaining the right visa to applying for permanent residence and possibly citizenship. The process is facilitated for family members of Russian citizens or permanent residents, emphasizing the importance of family unity under Russian immigration law.
This process is designed to keep families together and promote the integration of foreign nationals into Russian society. Here’s a detailed overview of how it works:
Eligibility for Family Reunification:
- Family members: Typically, family members eligible for reunification include spouses, dependent children (including adopted children), and dependent parents.
- Sponsors: The family member residing in Russia (the sponsor) must be a Russian citizen or a foreign citizen with a permanent residence permit.
Process Steps:
- Invitation and visa application: The sponsor in Russia receives an official invitation for family reunification from the Russian Federal Migration Service. The foreign family member uses this invitation to apply for an appropriate visa, usually a private family visa, at the Russian embassy or consulate in his or her home country.
- Entry into Russia: Once the visa is granted, the foreign family member may enter Russia.
- Application for Temporary Residence Permit (TRP): Upon arrival in Russia, the foreign family member should apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) as a step towards permanent residence. The TRP is often granted on the basis of family reunification without the need to meet the annual quota.
- Permanent Residence Permit (PRP): Following the TRP, the foreign family member can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP). This step solidifies their status and allows for a longer, more stable stay in Russia.
- Citizenship: Finally, after meeting certain requirements, including length of stay in Russia and proficiency in the Russian language, the foreign family member may apply for Russian citizenship.
Obtaining Residence Permit in Russia and Citizenship
Obtaining a residence permit in Russia requires careful preparation and compliance with all migration requirements. Before applying for a permanent residence permit, most foreign citizens must first obtain a temporary residence permit. This document gives the right to stay in Russia temporarily and is the first step in obtaining a permanent residence permit. After living in Russia on a permanent residence permit for 5 years, a foreign citizen may apply for Russian citizenship in a simplified procedure if he/she meets certain criteria, including proficiency in the Russian language.
There is a quota for temporary residence permits, except for certain categories of foreigners, such as highly qualified specialists and their family members. You can apply for a temporary residence permit at the consular offices of the Russian Federation abroad or at the Ministry of Internal Affairs at your place of residence in Russia.
An application for a permanent residence permit can be submitted no earlier than 8 months after obtaining a temporary residence permit. An application for a permanent residence permit is usually considered within 6 months. A permanent residence permit is issued for a period of 5 years and can be extended. Migration lawyers of our company can simplify the collection of necessary documents and the whole process of obtaining Russian citizenship.
The Best Russian Cities for Immigration
Which are the best Russian cities to move to from America? We have compiled our rating of the best cities in Russia to live in. Here you will find the best ratio of housing prices to salaries, the highest life expectancy and the best ecology. Our rating includes large Russian cities with developed infrastructure, which were previously mentioned in other ratings of successful settlements.
1st Place – Moscow
The Russian capital often gets into the top ratings of the best cities not only in Russia, but also in the world. It is characterized by comfortable living and developed infrastructure. Despite the fact that the index of the ratio of the average cost of an apartment to the average salary here is high, the situation is saved by other indicators. Thanks to the introduction of electric public transportation and large-scale greening of the city, the ecology of Moscow has improved many times in recent years, and changes in the capital’s healthcare system have increased life expectancy.
- Average salary: 115,000 rubles
- Average cost of a new building (50 m²): 18 million rubles
- Number of inhabitants: 14 million people; population density: about 5000 people/km²
- Number of crimes per 10 thousand people: 83
- Air quality: good on average – up to 55 points
- Average life expectancy: 74 years
2nd Place – St. Petersburg
The northern capital of Russia, known primarily for its vast number of attractions and entertainment. It is also considered a cultural capital. Here the index of the ratio of the average cost of an apartment to the average salary is lower than in Moscow. And there is almost as much green space. Thanks to this – good air quality. The number of crimes is higher than in the capital, and life expectancy is slightly lower.
- Average salary: 82,000 rubles
- Average cost of a new building (50 m²): 12 million rubles
- Number of inhabitants: 6 million people; population density: about 3,800 people/km²
- Number of crimes per 10 thousand people: 86
- Air quality: good on average – up to 52 points
- Average life expectancy: 72 years
3rd Place – Sochi
This is a seaside resort for lovers of nature and sports entertainment. It is characterized by a pleasant climate. A large part of the city is officially declared a nature reserve. There are many rare plants and animals, as well as sanatoriums and holiday resorts. Sochi takes the fifth place in the rating, as it stands out for the cost of living. The city has some of the highest prices for apartments in Russia. Also, due to the fact that the city is a resort, many crimes are committed here.
- Average salary: 49,000 rubles
- Average cost of a new building (50 m²): 13 million rubles
- Number of inhabitants: 435,000 people; population density: about 2500 people/km²
- Number of crimes per 10 thousand people: 105
- Air quality: good on average – up to 52 points
- Average life expectancy: 70 years
4th Place – Kazan
Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan and one of the largest cities on the Volga River. The city, like the others in our selection, has a special flavor. It has many unique cultural and historical sites. It has a high index of the ratio of wages to housing costs. The air quality is good and the life expectancy is average. The number of crimes tends to decrease.
- Average salary: 52,000 rubles
- Average cost of a new building (50 m²): 9 million rubles
- Number of inhabitants: 1.3 million people; population density: about 2750 people/km²
- Number of crimes per 10 thousand people: 102
- Air quality: good on average – up to 53 points
- Average life expectancy: 71 years
5th Place – Ekaterinburg
This is the largest city in Siberia, which ranks fourth in Russia in terms of population. It began its history as a factory fortress and became one of the industrial centers of the country. Air quality, crime rate, and life expectancy are average.
- Average salary: 57,000 rubles
- Average cost of a new building (50 m²): 6 million rubles
- Number of inhabitants: 1.5 million people; population density: about 3200 people/km²
- Number of crimes per 10 thousand people: 92
- Air quality: good on average – up to 50 points
- Average life expectancy: 68 years
In addition to the above cities, we recommend that you take a closer look at such cities as Novosibirsk, Krasnodar, Nizhny Novgorod, Tyumen. We do not advise you to consider the Altai region because of the highest crime rate.
General Statistics on Immigration to and Emigration from Russia
In Russia, the proportion of migrants is 8%. During the year the number of foreigners registered for migration amounted to 11.8 million people. Almost every second person chose the Moscow region as their place of residence.
| Table | 2021 | 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| number of arrivals | number of departures | migration growth | number of arrivals | number of departures | migration growth | |
| Migration – total | 4,277,442 | 3,847,540 | 429,902 | 4,195,579 | 4,133,662 | 61,917 |
| within Russia | 3,609,520 | 3,609,520 | – | 3,465,232 | 3,465,232 | – |
| intraregional | 1,779,678 | 1,779,678 | – | 1,644,181 | 1,644,181 | – |
| interregional | 1,829,842 | 1,829,842 | – | 1,821,051 | 1,821,051 | – |
| international | 667,922 | 238,020 | 429,902 | 730,347 | 668,430 | 61,917 |
| CIS countries | 606,190 | 210,345 | 395,845 | 661,986 | 583,607 | 78,379 |
| with other foreign countries | 61,732 | 27,675 | 34,057 | 68,361 | 84,823 | -16,462 |
Can an American Move to Russia?
Yes, you can move to Russia from America, but the process involves several steps and requirements that you must meet. First, determine the reason for your move, as this will determine the type of visa and subsequent permits you’ll need.
Once in Russia, you can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP), which is the first step in obtaining permanent residency. The TRP allows you to live in Russia for up to three years and is subject to quotas unless you’re married to a Russian citizen or fall into another exemption category.
After living in Russia on a TRP for a certain period of time (usually one year), you can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP). The PRP is valid for five years and is renewable. It gives you more rights, such as the right to work without needing a separate work permit.
After living in Russia with a PRP for five years, you may be eligible to apply for Russian citizenship if you meet certain criteria, including proficiency in the Russian language.
Need help with immigration to Russia? Our law firm specializes in assisting foreigners with visas, residence permits, and citizenship. Contact us today for professional guidance!
