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Russia · Relocation guide

Moving to Russia: current feasibility and safety limits

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia and says non-essential residents should consider leaving. A short-visit e-visa does not authorise relocation or employment. Before any essential move, assess personal safety, the complete immigration process, lawful payments and an executable exit plan.

Content updated 12 September 2026. Individual source-check dates are listed below.

Treat postponement as the default

FCDO advises against all travel because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, security incidents, limited return travel and a heightened detention risk. Russia has detained foreign nationals as leverage and UK assistance is extremely limited.

A voluntary move should be postponed. Anyone already resident should keep departure plans under constant review; a permit or job does not reduce security or consular risk.

Do not build relocation from a visitor visa

Russia's unified e-visa covers listed short-stay purposes and is not a work or residence route. Other purposes require the appropriate regular visa and underlying approval through a Russian mission and Ministry of Internal Affairs process.

For an essential move, verify the entire employer, invitation, work authorisation, migration status and registration chain with official authorities and independent counsel.

Registration is mandatory but not sufficient

Current UK entry guidance says a foreigner staying in one place for more than seven working days must be registered; hotels normally do it and private hosts should confirm completion. Carry proof because checks can lead to detention or fines.

Registration does not cure an incorrect visa purpose or authorise employment. Border routes, including authorised Russia-Belarus crossings, can change quickly.

Avoid irreversible commitments and sanctions traps

Do not start work without the correct regular visa, work authorisation and migration status. Have independent counsel review the employer and any military, dual-use or state-linked role.

International sanctions and Mastercard or Visa restrictions can block money and services. Check whether rent, salary, tax and emergency funds can be handled lawfully, and do not evade sanctions or move money through informal intermediaries.

Account for dual-national and family exposure

Russia can treat a dual Russian national only as Russian; conscription and exit restrictions may apply. Family members require individual visa, registration, healthcare and school arrangements.

Medical evacuation and insurance may be limited. Maintain medicines and a lawful evacuation plan and confirm whether the insurer covers travel against FCDO advice.

Keep an executable departure plan

Flights and land borders can close or change at short notice. Keep passports, visas, registration and funds available, and monitor each transit country's entry rules.

Avoid demonstrations and political expression that Russian authorities may criminalise, including some online activity outside Russia. Leave early if the security, detention or transport risk worsens.

Your moving checklist

Tick off the tasks that apply to you. The timing is a planning order, not a substitute for the deadlines on your permission or an official instruction.

0 of 12 tasks completed

Before you move
On arrival
Your first month
Later and before renewal

Sources and checks

The linked authorities set the rules. VisaAtlas explains how the steps fit together; planning suggestions are not a decision on your immigration status, tax residence or entitlement to services.

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