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.
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.
E-Government Portal
https://www.gosuslugi.ru/Confirmed accounts are often required. SIM rules for foreigners since 2025 make digital onboarding more complex.
Essential Apps
ExpatCheapRent
FreeExpat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.
CIAN.ru
FreeRussia'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
FreeState services and notices.
Yandex Maps
FreeMaps, transit, traffic and business listings.
2GIS
FreeDetailed local directories and indoor maps.
Yandex Go
FreeTaxi, courier and delivery ecosystem.
Moscow Metro
FreeMoscow transport app.
RZD Passengers
FreeTrain tickets and schedules.
Ozon
FreeMajor marketplace.
Wildberries
FreeMajor marketplace and pickup-point network.
Bank app
FreeMir card, SBP and domestic payments.
Telegram
FreeDaily 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.