#russia
58 articles
Russian First Names, Surnames and Patronymics Explained
How Russian first names, patronymics ending in -ovich and -ovna, gendered surnames and diminutives actually work, and which form to use in which context.
Russia's Talent Visa: Decree 883 and the Impatriate Status
Decree 883 creates the status of foreigner of interest to Russia: RVP or VNZh outside quota, no language exam, decided in 30 days. Criteria and procedure.
Russian Family Visa: A Year of Free Movement for the Spouse of a Russian Citizen
Spouse or close relative of a Russian citizen: one-year multi-entry private visa, no stay cap, extendable without leaving Russia. Procedure and 2026 costs.
Sakharovo Migration Centre: The Manual Nobody Hands You
Every Moscow residence permit file goes through Sakharovo. Appointments, the 30-minute grace, the RVP quota, and the city office that moved in June 2026.
The Annual Residence Notification: The Duty That Costs People Their Permit
RVP and VNZh holders: two months to file the annual notification, twelve regional subsistence minimums of income to prove. Documents, filing and penalties.
Mandatory Medical Examination in Russia: Thirty Days Since September 1, 2026
Since September 2026 (Law 162-FZ), foreigners coming to work or staying over 90 days in Russia take the medical exam within 30 days. Who, where, cost, fines.
Migration Registration and Propiska: The Formality That Governs Everything Else
Seven working days to register in Russia, temporary or permanent. Who declares, what a hotel changes, and why the address governs the whole file.
The Russian Language, History and Law Exam for a Residence Permit
The real format of the Russian language, history and law exam for the RVP, VNZh and citizenship: who is exempt, how many questions, where to sit it, cost.
What Settling in Russia Actually Costs: The 2026 Breakdown
State fees, medical exam, translations, language tests, professional fees: the full cost of a Russian migration path in 2026, item by item, in roubles.
Russian State Fees: What Changes for Foreigners on 27 July 2026
From 27 July 2026, Russian citizenship costs ₽50,000, permanent residency ₽30,000 and temporary residency ₽15,000. Amounts, exemptions and the real impact.
Russian Holidays Calendar: Maslenitsa, Orthodox Easter, New Year
Russian holidays month by month: New Year, Orthodox Christmas, Maslenitsa, March 8, Easter, May 9, Russia Day, with traditions and official non-working days.
Russian Etiquette: Understanding Social Codes and Manners
Practical guide to Russian etiquette for English speakers: greetings, formal address, table manners, gifts and behaviors to avoid in social or work contexts.
Vodka and Toasting Culture in Russia: Codes, Etiquette and Mistakes to Avoid
Understanding vodka and toasting culture in Russia: brands, rituals, toast order, zakuski pairings and common mistakes Westerners make at the Russian table.
The Russian Banya: Tradition, Codes and Experience for Westerners
The Russian banya explained for English speakers: how it differs from a sauna, social codes, ritual steps, the venik, and where to try it in Moscow and SPB.
Russian Orthodoxy: Codes, Rituals and Etiquette for Westerners
Understanding Russian Orthodoxy: differences with Catholicism, church etiquette, icons, sign of the cross, liturgical calendar and feasts for Westerners.
Invitation Letter (Voucher) for Russian Visa: How to Get One Quickly
Guide to obtaining the invitation letter (tourist voucher) required for the Russian visa: online platforms, hotels, prices and processing times in 2026.
VPN in Russia: Complete Guide for Expats and Travelers (2026)
Tested from Moscow: which VPNs still work in Russia in 2026, from Astrill to obfuscated protocols that beat TSPU filters, and what to install before you land.
Accommodation in Russia: Hotels, Hostels and Booking.com Alternatives (2026)
Where to stay in Russia in 2026: booking platforms that work instead of Booking.com, hotels, hostels, apartments and registration tips for visitors.
Driving in Russia: License, OSAGO Insurance and Road Trips (2026 Guide)
Complete guide to driving in Russia: international driving permit, mandatory OSAGO insurance, open borders, routes, fuel prices and practical tips.
Flights to Russia in 2026: How to Get There by Air
How to fly to Russia in 2026: which airlines still operate, best layover hubs, prices, Moscow airports and tips for booking flights post-sanctions.
Money in Russia: Rubles, Exchange, Bank Cards and Payments (2026)
How to pay in Russia in 2026: exchanging rubles, Mir and UnionPay cards, cash, exchange offices, rates and practical tips for travelers and expats.
SIM Card in Russia: Complete Guide to Phone, eSIM and Mobile Internet (2026)
Mobile internet in Russia: buying a Russian SIM card, new Gosuslugi/SNILS rules, eSIM alternatives, MTS/Beeline/MegaFon/T2 (formerly Tele2) and prices.
Trains in Russia: Tickets, Sapsan, Night Trains and Trans-Siberian (2026)
Complete guide to Russian trains in 2026: buying tickets, Sapsan Moscow-SPB, night trains, Trans-Siberian Railway, classes, prices and practical tips.
Travel Insurance for Russia: Practical Guide and Comparison (2026)
Travel insurance for Russia in 2026: what visa centres and border guards ask for, which insurers still cover Russia, what to check on the policy, how to claim.
Student Visa for Russia: How to Enroll in a Language Course and Get Your Visa
Complete guide to obtaining a Russian student visa for language study: eligible institutions, step-by-step procedure, costs, rights, and renewal process.
Healthcare and Insurance in Russia for Expats: What You Need to Know
Complete guide to healthcare in Russia for expats: public vs private systems, international clinics, insurance options, pharmacies and emergencies.
Moscow Neighborhoods: Which One Suits Your Project?
Detailed guide to Moscow neighborhoods for expats in 2026: prices, transport, vibe, pros and cons of each district to help you choose where to live.
Saint Petersburg vs Moscow: Which City to Choose for Living?
Detailed Moscow vs Saint Petersburg comparison for expats: cost of living, jobs, culture, weather, housing, community and quality of life in 2026.
Eating in Moscow in 2026: Restaurants, Cafes and Must-Visit Addresses
A practical guide to Moscow's dining scene in 2026: restaurant types, gastro neighborhoods, price ranges, Russian cuisine basics and delivery apps.
Russia's Golden Ring: A Complete Travel Guide
Complete travel guide to Russia's Golden Ring: historic cities, itineraries, how to get there, what to see, where to stay, and realistic budgets.
Trip to Lake Baikal: Complete Practical Guide
Complete practical guide to visiting Lake Baikal: getting there, best seasons, Listvyanka vs Olkhon, activities, budget, accommodation and packing tips.
Moscow Metro: A Practical Guide for First-Timers
Everything you need to navigate Moscow's metro: Troika cards, key lines, architectural stations, English signage, apps and unwritten etiquette rules.
Getting Around Moscow in 2026: Metro, Bus, Taxis and Bikes
Complete guide to Moscow transport in 2026: Troika card, metro, Yandex Go taxis, buses, scooters, bikes, MCC and airport links, with prices and tips.
Saint Petersburg White Nights: Everything You Need to Know
Saint Petersburg White Nights guide: what causes them, exact dates, key cultural events, the Scarlet Sails festival and practical tips for visitors.
Visiting Saint Petersburg: A Complete Travel Guide
Complete guide to visiting Saint Petersburg: when to go, getting there, must-see sights, neighborhoods, budgets and practical advice for visitors.
Russian Cuisine: Complete Guide to Must-Try Dishes
Complete guide to Russian cuisine: essential dishes from borscht to blini, traditional beverages, regional specialties and where to eat authentic food.
Russian Traditions: Understanding Social Codes to Avoid Mistakes
Essential guide to Russian social customs: home invitations, gift-giving, toasting rituals, superstitions, gender roles and workplace etiquette today.
Banking and Finances in Russia for Expats in 2026
Best savings accounts in Russia 2026: 6 banks at 12-14% in October, deposit insurance to 1.4M RUB, and which cards and transfers still work. Tested from Moscow.
Booming Sectors in Russia 2026: Where Are the Opportunities?
Which sectors are booming in Russia in 2026? Agri-food, IT, e-commerce, tourism, construction: analysis of opportunities and sectors to avoid now.
Investing in Russia in 2026: Real Risks and Concrete Opportunities
A clear-eyed analysis of investing in Russia in 2026: real risks, legal protections, real estate, indirect investment, partnerships and investor profiles.
Starting a Business in Russia: Complete Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs
How to register a company in Russia as a foreigner: legal forms, OOO process, banking, taxes, hiring staff and practical advice from on-the-ground experience.
The Russian Economy in 2026: A Complete Overview
A comprehensive analysis of Russia's economy in 2026: GDP growth, sanctions impact, key sectors, trade partners, ruble dynamics and future scenarios.
Taxes in Russia for Expats: Income Tax, Tax Residency and Filing
Expat taxes in Russia 2026: the 183-day rule that decides between 13% and 30%, HQS exception, double taxation treaties and filing deadlines, explained simply.
Western Sanctions Against Russia: What Is the Real Economic Impact in 2026?
A neutral analysis of Western sanctions on Russia: timeline, what was hit, what resisted, resilience figures, long-term effects and impact on expats.
Working in Russia in 2026: Jobs, Salaries and the Labor Market
Guide to working in Russia in 2026: labor market, sectors hiring foreigners, Moscow salaries, work visas, freelancing, remote work and practical tips.
Schengen Visa for Russians: Visiting France in 2026
Complete guide for Russian citizens seeking a Schengen visa to visit France: VFS Global procedure, required documents, processing times and tips.
Visiting Moscow: A Practical Travel Guide 2026
Complete guide to visiting Moscow in 2026: must-see sights, getting around, budget, accommodation, food, safety and practical tips for travelers.
Standard Tourist Visa for Russia: Complete Guide 2026
Complete guide to Russia's standard tourist visa: required documents, consular application process, costs, processing times and practical tips for applicants.
Russian E-Visa: Practical Guide 2026
The Russian e-visa in 2026: who is eligible, why US, UK, Canadian, Australian and NZ passports are not, plus process, cost, processing time and limits.
Dating in Russia: A Practical Guide for Westerners
How to meet Russian women: dating apps that work, agencies, cultural pitfalls and red flags, in a grounded practical guide for Western men in 2026.
Decree 821: The Military Contract Gates the VNZh Only, Never the RVP
Decree 821 of November 5, 2025 ties the Russian permanent residence permit and citizenship to a military contract. The temporary permit (RVP) is not covered.
Russian Border Biometrics: Fingerprints, Facial Photo and the RuID App for Foreigners
Fingerprints and a facial photo on arrival in Russia: airports equipped since December 2024, exemptions, the optional RuID app and the timeline through 2027.
Moving to Russia in 2026: All Available Paths for Western Citizens
Russia Traditional Values residence decree explained for Western citizens 2026: 5 visa paths compared (marriage, HQS, traditional values, investment, studies).
Russia: Registry of Irregular Foreigners with Severe Rights Restrictions
Since February 5, 2025, Russia has placed foreigners staying illegally on a registry that bars marriage, bank accounts, property purchases and driving a car.
Russia: 80,000 Foreigners Expelled in 2024, Nearly Double the Previous Year
Russia expelled over 80,000 foreigners in 2024 for migration violations, nearly doubling the 2023 figure. Context, causes and what expats must check.
Russia: 90-Day Visa-Free Stay Rule Reformed as of January 1, 2025
Since January 2025, Law No. 260-FZ caps visa-free stays in Russia at 90 days per calendar year, down from 90 days in any 180. Who is affected and how it works.
Russia Extends Its E-Visa Program to 64 Countries: 541,000 Issued in One Year
Russia's e-visa program covers 64 countries after 541,000 electronic visas in one year. US, UK, Canadian, Australian and NZ passports are excluded.
Russia: Putin Opens Visa and Residence Permit to 'Traditional Values' Advocates
Decree No. 702 creates a visa and residence permit for foreigners sharing 'traditional Russian values': 47 eligible countries, France and the US included.