In Russia expats can spot categories like state schools, private ones and new types gymnasium and lyceum (French and German type schooling models) If your child is not proficient in Russian language, private schools are better option to consider. Look into the factors like tuition fees, the curriculum taught, and most importantly that the school has required authorization to grant nationally recognized certificates which will help your children for higher studies.

Expats preferred living on rent rather than buying property in Russia. Before relocating talk to your employer for some short-term accommodation since it can take around 1 month to search for some proper place and sign a lease contract.

Locations near the city center are more expensive. Pre-revolutionary/Soviet-era Apartments and Townhouses are popular options to choose from in places like St. Petersburg and Moscow. The house-hunting process becomes easy with the assistance of a real estate agent since online listings of little help. These agents either charge amount equivalent to 1 month’s rent or a small percentage of buying cost.

Expats can search through job-hunting websites which post ads from several sectors like teaching, media, business, and IT industry, etc…The job-profiles expats can apply for can be a Business manager, Agile business analyst, Publishing Manager, Translator, Features editor, Preschool English teacher, online school coordinator, etc…

One can opt for either full-time or part-time jobs options depending on the command and comfort level you have on the Russian language. On an average one can fetch salary approx…40,000 rubles per month on the basis of his/her job profile. Make sure you are aware of the employment market before your arrival.

Russian banks offer many types of accounts. Expats can either choose for simple accounts-without any credit facilities or banks with additional services. Once you pick your bank or find a branch f the Russian bank in your home country, you can start to complete the application online from abroad before your arrival.

Some essential documents you require for opening an account in Russia will be-passport, Proof of address in Russia, Valid residence permit, and a few cases, a reference from your employer. A non-resident bank account can be opened in an international bank based in Russia.Check-out the banking fees charged and functionality of the payment cards issued to you by the Russian bank.

Russian visa protocol is complicated and expats need to apply well in advance since visas are typically not granted at Russian border points. The visitors must carry their passport and visa at all times to avoid a situation like fines or police arrests.

Tourists can apply for visas at the Russian embassy or consulate in their home country. Once you enter Russia, you are expected to fill out a migration card and register your visa within the next 7 days. Student visas are granted once you are accepted and enrolled in an educational institution in Russia. Russian business visas are similar to tourist one, but with longer staying duration and multiple entries and exit opportunity in Russia.

Expats can find that the cost of living in major cities in Russia is high as compared to the outside of the urban centers. If possible, expats must try to negotiate with their employer to include things like accommodation, schooling, health insurance, daily allowance in their employment package.

Poorly managed public parts of the buildings, apartments with block entrances, and antiquated lifts are not uncommon sights. Public transportation is cheaper, but traveling to and from the station in cold weather is not very comfortable. High-quality food, wine, and imported varieties during the long winter months are highly priced.

Expats are expected to opt for private health insurance in Russia or include this in their employment package since the state medical system is a bit hard to navigate and chaotic. General practitioner fees might seem reasonable, but if specialists need to be visited or there is an emergency situation, get ready to bear high medical bills.

After arriving, expats are permitted to drive for the first six months on the driving license issued in their homeland. But expats need to purchase an International Driving Permit (IDP) and their licenses get translated in Russian and notarized by an official translator.

After 6 months, foreigners need to give and pass a theoretical and practical driving test to obtain a Russian driving license. Practical driving tests can be avoided if expat license is valid in their native country. Learn some Russian language to give these tests. You can take help from authorized Russian driving schools to learn driving. Drinking and driving can land you up in jail.

All set to hit Russia? Well, Apac Relocation would be happy to serve you as your relocation partner. We offer the best fit solutions to our clients to make relocation an easy affair.