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Russia (RU)

The world's largest country, spanning Europe and Asia, with deep cultural institutions, large cities, strong public transport, complex bureaucracy, sanctions-affected banking, strict migration registration, and a demanding but sometimes affordable expat experience.

Capital: Moscow
Region: Europe
Language: Russian
Currency: RUB (₽)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 38)
Emergency: 112
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Digital Services

Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in Russia.

Gosuslugi / ESIA

State digital identity and government-services portal.

How to get it: Foreigners may need SNILS, verified identity, Russian phone/SIM and in-person confirmation routes; access can be harder for short-term visitors.

Unlocks these services
tax and finesmigration services where availableappointmentssocial servicesvehicle serviceshealth appointments for eligible users

E-Government Portal

https://www.gosuslugi.ru/

Confirmed accounts are often required. SIM rules for foreigners since 2025 make digital onboarding more complex.

Available services
appointmentsfinestax noticesdocument applicationsmigration registration in some caseshealth and social services for eligible residents

Essential Apps

ExpatCheapRent

Free
Housing

Expat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.

CIAN.ru

Free
Housing

Russia's largest real estate portal for apartment and house rentals in Moscow, St Petersburg and other cities — the dominant platform for expat property searches.

Gosuslugi

Free
Government

State services and notices.

Yandex Maps

Free
Navigation

Maps, transit, traffic and business listings.

2GIS

Free
Navigation

Detailed local directories and indoor maps.

Yandex Go

Free
Taxi/delivery

Taxi, courier and delivery ecosystem.

Moscow Metro

Free
Transport

Moscow transport app.

RZD Passengers

Free
Rail

Train tickets and schedules.

Ozon

Free
Shopping

Major marketplace.

Wildberries

Free
Shopping

Major marketplace and pickup-point network.

Bank app

Free
Payments

Mir card, SBP and domestic payments.

Telegram

Free
Communication

Daily communication, groups, services and news.

Plan digital access before arrival: Russian SIM, biometrics, SNILS, bank app and Gosuslugi are interconnected. Foreign roaming/data can be unreliable.