Moving To Russia from USA
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Well-known for extraordinary scientific advancement in the 20th century, and long historical and cultural heritages, Russia is a country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, with a population of over 144 million people. It is the largest country by area in the world sharing its border with 14 countries and having 11 different time-zones!
Its capital and largest city is Moscow. Russia is known for its rich history, culture, and natural landscapes, including the Ural Mountains, Siberian taiga, and Lake Baikal, the deepest freshwater lake in the world.
Russia has a diverse economy, with significant resources in oil, gas, and minerals. Its official language is Russian, and its currency is the Russian Ruble. If you are planning to move to Russia from the USA, here is a comprehensive relocation guide for you.
How International Sea & Air Shipping can help for moving to Russia
Moving Russia from the USA is like moving from one end of the globe to another end! The distance is vast and so will be the challenges of having an international relocation in this European country. However, if you hire an experienced international mover like us, at International Sea & Air Shipping, we will ensure you can look forward to a hassle-free move to Russia from the USA.
So, what can we do for you? To understand this here is a little bit about us – we are one of the top international movers with extensive experience in providing A-to-Z international relocation services to different corners of the globe. Our moving specialists will offer you high-quality moving services ranging from packing your household goods to your other belongings. With us, you can even look forward to a customized packing and moving service and have a smooth transition to your new life in the stunning country of Russia.
Moving to Russia from the USA can be quite challenging given the distance and international relations. However, our team will try to lessen any burden of the move on you. Take a look at the services you will get with us – we provide high-quality moving services that include complete packing and transferring of your household goods, finalizing the freight service, advising you on the time of the delivery and storage, and beyond. At every step, our movers will be there to assist you understand the requirement and offer proper solutions.
We will also ensure everything is handled professionally and on time to avoid any last-minute hazards. So, give us a call today for your relocation to Russia from the USA and we will get started with the process.
About Russia
The Russian Federation is the largest country in the world, covering more than one-eighth of the inhabited land on Earth and containing nine different time zones. Russia is also the ninth most populated nation on the planet, with almost 144 million inhabitants.
A federal semi-presidential republic, the President is considered the head of the state and the Prime Minster the head of the government.
Russia is the largest producer of oil and natural gas across the globe, helping the Russian economy which currently ranks as the fifteenth largest by nominal GDP.
Customs Regulations for Russia
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
- Valid passport (copy)
- Russian visa (copy)
- Power of Attorney (three copies – for moving company, Destination Agent and to carry out clearance formalities)
- Letter to customs from Russian employer (three copies, prepared by shipper’s employer)
- Russian TD10 Customs Form (Declaration for Unaccompanied Luggage) Packing list
- Packing list
- Temporary import obligation (for duty free import of surface shipments only)
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
- Russian customs rules are subject to change at any time and without prior notice
- You should not go through customs on your own unless you speak fluent Russian and are familiar with the process
- All shipments are subject to inspection, which can result in extra terminal handling and storage charges
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Russia, some articles may not be imported in a customer’s baggage whatsoever. These items include, but may not be limited to:
- Fish and products made of fish
- Narcotics
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy and meat products (from Armenia and Georgia)
- Military weapons and ammunition
- Photos or printed materials against the Russian Federation
- Pornographic materials
DUITABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles may have restricted quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in Russia. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Live animals (requires import permit)
- Dairy and meat products (quantities are limited, must be in original factory packaging)
- Cash in foreign currencies (limited amounts)
- Medication (requires prescription)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
In Romania, the following rules apply to importing motor vehicles:
- Customer must be present for Custom’s clearance
- Vehicles are subject to duties and value added tax
For importation, you will need the following documents:
- Sales invoice (displaying price paid, date, place of purchase and conditions of delivery)
- Transportation invoice (showing cost of transport – if applicable)
- Documents displaying Customer’s name as well as the engine and chassis number of the vehicle (original)
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
When importing a petto Russia, they will need to have the following documentation:
- Vaccination records
- Veterinary health certificate bearing a seal of the local Board of Health (issued no more than 10 days prior to arrival)
- Import license
- Identification (tattoo or microchip)
- Animals other than dogs and cats require special import permission from the Ministry of Agriculture
DUTY AND TAX PERCENTAGE
Household goods can be imported to Russia duty free (excluding items on the prohibited and restricted list).
- Cigarettes
- 400 cigarettes, 200 cigarillos, 100 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco are allowed duty free – any more will be taxed
- Only one type of tobacco product may be imported (otherwise only half of the above mentioned qualities will be allowed)
- Alcohol
- Only allowed for persons over 21 years old
- Limited to 2 liters duty free
- Caviar
- 250 grams duty free
NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International Sea & Air Shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.
Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170
Things you need to know to move to Russia from the USA
If you’re considering a big life move, and Russia has caught your attention, there are a few things you need to weigh before taking the leap. Russia is a huge country with an enchanting history and culture, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes.
The cost of living in Russia varies greatly depending on the city, with Moscow being the most expensive city in Russia to live in. It’s also worth noting that the climate in Russia looks set to get way too cold for the unprepared.
However, if you are up for it, there are bureaucratic steps you will need to take like obtaining visa and residency permits to start a new life in Russia.
Visa and residency permits for moving to Russia from the USA
When you are not a citizen of Belarus or South Ossetia, you will need to obtain a visa to move to Russia and stay in this country legally.
Now, there are different Ordinary visas available to move to Russia which will allow you to stay in this country for not more than 90 days. If you wish to stay longer than that you will need to obtain a temporary residency permit.
Work Visa & Residency Permits
You can move to Russia from the USA if you have secured a job there and have an invitation to move to this Eastern European country. At the port of entrance, you will be given an immigration card indicating your legal entry into this country. Within 7 days you will have to get your visa registered and then apply for a temporary residency permit at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The temporary residency permit is valid for 3 years. However, after completing a legal stay of 2 years in Russia you can apply for Permanent Residency Permit.
Study Visa & Residency Permits
You can move to Russia from the USA for study. In this case, you will have to pursue a full-time course towards obtaining a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. It is possible to get a temporary residency permit with a study visa. You can apply for a permanent residency permit after 2 years of staying in Russia.
There are other visa options available to relocate to Russia from the USA like –
- A family reunification visa
- An investment visa
Climate in Russia
When you are planning to move to Russia from the USA, you need to consider the climatic differences. Russia has a wide range of climates, with temperatures and weather patterns varying greatly depending on the region. The country spans nearly half of the globe, and its climate is influenced by the Arctic, the Pacific, and the Atlantic oceans.
The eastern and central parts of Russia have a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, while the western parts have a moderate oceanic climate with milder temperatures. The Arctic region, which includes the Yakutsk Autonomous Republic, is extremely cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping below -50 degrees Celsius in winter.
Overall, Russia’s diverse climate reflects its vast size and the influence of different landforms and bodies of water.
Cost of living in Russia
When you are moving to a new country, researching the cost of living is a mandatory step. The cost of living in Russia varies greatly depending on the location, with Moscow and Saint Petersburg being more expensive than other cities.
In general, the cost of housing, food, and transportation is lower in Russia than in the United States, especially in larger cities. However, the cost of healthcare and education is often higher in the US.
Overall, the cost of living in Russia is typically lower than in the US, but it depends on individual circumstances and the specific city in question.
Living in Russia as an expat – what to expect?
Living in Russia as an American expat can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, it is also important to be aware of the cultural differences and challenges that you may face.
Some key things to expect include language barriers, different customs and etiquette, and potential homesickness. It is important to research and understand the Russian culture and laws before moving, and to be flexible and open-minded in your approach to living there.
Additionally, expats often find it helpful to join an expat community or to work with a relocation specialist to navigate the transition to living in Russia.