Moving to Russia

Occupying an immense land area in northern Eurasia, enveloped by a dark history, Russia broods like a dark horse, but the tide is turning for sure.

Russia is considered the largest country in the world at 17.1 million square kilometers; it is almost as large as the whole of South America and almost twice the size of the United States. Neighboring countries include Kazakhstan, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, North Korea, China, Mongolia, Poland, Norway and Finland. Its interior is divided into tundra, taiga, steppe, arid and mountain zones.

The population is currently made of 143 million people. It can be described as predominantly urban and highly sparse, making Moscow and St. Petersburg top places to live. About 82 percent of the population is Great Russians, 7 percent is a combination of Tatars and Ukrainians and the rest is made up of around 100 ethnic groups and nationalities. Recent years have seen population stagnation due to a low birth rate and an increase in the mortality rate. Needless to say, the government welcomes migration.

Moscow, the capital, is the political, economic, cultural, educational and transportation hub. It houses the Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral, to name but a few sights. On the other hand, St. Petersburg, dubbed as "Russia's window to the west," is known for its bohemian vibe and the lovely summer season, called White Nights. Although not a popular destination due to its extreme cold during winter and short but warm summers, Siberia is the ultimate haven for the adventure-seeking expat. As Russians are generally appreciative of music and sports, there is an abundance of concerts, ballets, circuses, gymnastic acts and other cultural activities for the entertainment enthusiasts.

Before the "Sleeping Bear of Europe" woke up to claim independence in 1991, Russia displayed scarcity and illiteracy. Today, the nation has welcomed European influences and participated in worldwide trade. Federal government structured as democracy has replaced Communism. The currency is the Russian ruble (R).

Foreign nationals making business trips to Russia, employed by foreign companies in Russia, or employed by Russian businesses are the only ones eligible for business visas and work permits. For further details and online application, visit their website: http://www.waytorussia.net/business/employees.html.

For a number of expats, Russia may be what they would call their promised land. The 2009 Expat Explorer survey shows that expats earn more than their Russian counterparts. Literature also suggests that Russia offers more than escape or livelihood; some expats have opted to take root and stay for decades.