Moving to Russia as a foreigner is very doable, but it runs on a clear sequence of permits. This guide walks through the visa-to-residence path, plus the practical basics — housing, banking, healthcare and registration — for settling in.
The path from visa to residence
Long-term relocation usually follows these stages:
- Long-stay visa — a work, study, private or business visa is your entry point; tourists and e-visa holders can't settle.
- Temporary Residence Permit (RVP) — valid three years; lets you live and work in one region. Subject to annual quotas, with some exemptions.
- Permanent Residence Permit (VNZh) — applied for after the RVP; renewable and now indefinite for most, allowing work anywhere in Russia.
- Citizenship — possible after a qualifying period of permanent residence, with language and other requirements.
Housing
Most expats rent first. Listings are on sites like Cian, Avito and Yandex Realty; expect a deposit of about one month's rent plus, often, an agent's fee. Your landlord (or a hotel) must register your stay — see registration below. For details, see our guide to renting an apartment in Russia.
Banking and money
Foreign Visa and Mastercard don't work in Russia, so opening a local account and getting a MIR card is a priority once you have residency and a tax number (INN). See paying in Russia as a tourist for the day-to-day reality.
Healthcare
Residents are covered by the OMS state health-insurance system once registered; many expats also keep private insurance for faster access and English-speaking clinics. Carry travel medical cover until your OMS is active.
Registration (the rule everyone forgets)
Every foreigner must have their stay registered at their address within seven working days of arrival; your landlord, employer or hotel files it. Keep the registration slip — you'll need it for permit applications and when you leave.
Do I need to speak Russian to live in Russia?
In big cities you can get by with apps and English at first, but residence permits and citizenship require a Russian language test, and most official processes are in Russian — so learning it quickly makes everything easier.
Can foreigners work in Russia?
Yes, with the right status: a work visa with an employer's sponsorship, or an RVP/VNZh that allows employment. Working on a tourist or business visa is not permitted.
