A worry-free move involves more than packing and transporting goods. That’s why we take care of every detail. Whether your move is national or international, we can provide detailed planning, direct shipping, documentation, and advice on moves to and from any country.
Where to Live…
We have an extensive knowledge of the Russian housing market and work closely with a number of specialized real estate agents. Whether renting or buying, please do not hesitate to contact our specialists! Your agent knows how to get things done, all the possibilities and can give you optimal advice based on your personal situation with the goal of fulfilling your housing wishes as quickly as possible From simply setting up accommodation and utilities for individuals to managing housing for corporate clients, IMS offers the full range of services for people relocating and leaving a property in Moscow.
International Schools…
Families moving abroad, often face the dilemma of finding the right school overseas. Despite its size, Moscow is a fairly family-friendly city offering many educational opportunities and leisure activities. The majority of schools offer a state education system crafted for Russian citizens that may fit the needs of an expat child expected to remain in one place long.
But a growing number of international schools exist specifically to serve the needs of expats and their school-age children, they follow a special curriculum, based on different pedagogical ideas or religious faiths.
Minimizing the Effects…
Culture shock is not a myth, but a predictable phenomenon. Anybody who spends more than just a vacation abroad has to go through it. The intensity with which people experience it, however, depends on a lot of factors. Those who receive the least support on a professional and personal basis are usually hit the hardest. Expat spouses in particular often feel isolated and resentful when they experience life in a new cultural environment.
In order to avoid failed expat assignments and early repatriation, HR departments should support expats and expat spouses from the very beginning, e.g. in the form of intercultural competence training. Expatriates who organize their move abroad entirely on their own can also take measures to minimize the negative emotional effects caused by their relocation and try to soften the blow.
If expats learn about the culture and people of their host country in advance, they will be less shocked by obvious differences in social customs, religion, language or food.
VISA Requirements…
Moving to Moscow or going there for short-term visits requires a visa. Only citizens of some CIS states can enter Russia without one. To apply for short-term business and tourist visas, a letter of invitation from a Russian citizen or organization is necessary.
Expats moving to Moscow in order to take up employment need a work visa. This can only be issued after a work permit for a particular position has been successfully acquired. Normally, your potential employer in Moscow takes care of the application process. Unless you fall under the new immigration category of “highly-qualified specialists”, the application process is relatively complicated and takes around four months.
It is generally easiest and least stressful to hire one of the many established visa services to deal with immigration authorities. This way, you don’t have to immerse yourself in the immensely complicated and constantly changing immigration regulations. The consulate of the Russian Federation in Washington, D.C. has up-to-date information on visa and the application process.
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