Russia: all programs

Russia at a glance

Russia is the world's largest country by area, with about 146 million people and its capital in Moscow. The largest cities are Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg and Kazan. For foreigners the country is of interest mainly for work and business, for citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union for its open labour market, and for Russians living abroad because of tax residence, property and account issues.

Because of sanctions, foreign bank cards do not work in Russia, international transfers are restricted, and there are no direct flights to most European countries. These features matter both when moving to Russia and when living between countries.

History and government

The Russian state grew out of the Grand Duchy of Moscow, became an empire in the 18th century, went through revolution in 1917 and was the centre of the USSR until 1991. The 1993 Constitution makes Russia a federal presidential republic of more than 80 regions. Many rules, such as those for migrants and tax incentives, can differ by region.

How to move to Russia in 2026

The usual path for a foreigner is temporary residence, then a residence permit and citizenship. Migration rules change often, and foreigners' documents are translated into Russian and notarised.

Taxes

Since 2025 income tax for residents has been progressive: 13% on income up to 2.4 million rubles a year, then 15%, 18%, 20% and 22% on income over 50 million rubles, with the higher rate applying only to the portion above each threshold. On 1 January 2026 VAT rose from 20% to 22%, and corporate tax is 25%. Tax residence arises after 183 days in Russia in a calendar year; citizenship and registration do not affect it. More on the page Russian taxes for non-residents.

For those living abroad

A non-resident who spent fewer than 183 days in Russia in a year pays 30% on Russian income, 15% on dividends and deposit interest, and nothing on foreign income. Remote salary under an employment contract with a Russian company, sole trader income under the simplified system and self-employment are taxed as for residents. A non-resident selling an apartment before the minimum holding period pays 30% of the whole sale price. Since 2023 Russia has suspended key articles of tax treaties with 38 countries, so double taxation has become a real risk for those who moved to Europe, the US and Canada.

Property

Foreigners buy apartments and houses without restrictions by citizenship, but cannot own land in border areas and seaports, and can only lease agricultural land. Property tax is 0.1% to 2% of cadastral value. For citizens of some countries, special accounts and permissions apply to deals. Leases usually run for a year with a one-month deposit and an agency fee.

Cost of living

Prices come from two independent price databases for 2026, converted at the official Bank of Russia rate of 5 October 2026, 83.48 rubles per dollar. Rent is noticeably cheaper in other cities than in Moscow. Newcomers open an account with a Russian bank, which requires a notarised translation of the passport and usually migration documents.

Where to live

• Moscow - the business centre with the largest job market. More in the Moscow guide.
• Saint Petersburg - the cultural capital with universities and tech.
• Kazan and Yekaterinburg - large cities with prices below Moscow.
• Sochi and Kaliningrad - the warm south and the Baltic west.

Who Russia suits

Russia suits citizens of Eurasian Economic Union and Central Asian countries, specialists on work visas, compatriots and those returning after living abroad. For those who have left, the key is to determine tax residence correctly, avoid losing money when selling property and plan transfers. Murblz specialists help with tax residence, accounts and documents, and plan taxes in advance for those living between countries. A consultant in the chat will calculate the cost of support.