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

Social Security in Russia

Benefits, contributions, and how the system works for expats.

Russia’s social system is contribution and status-based, administered mainly through the Social Fund, employers and regional authorities. Foreign eligibility depends on residence/work status.

SNILS

СНИЛС

Through employer, Social Fund/MFC or linked onboarding routes where available; foreigners may need passport translation and registration.

Used for

employment
pension records
Gosuslugi
social benefits
medical/OMS processes
SIM/digital identity steps

Benefits & Support Payments

Sick leave benefit

Пособие по временной нетрудоспособности

Formula-based with caps

Income replacement during certified illness.

Eligibility

Insured employees and qualifying workers

How to Apply

Medical certificate/electronic sick leave through employer/Social Fund

Maternity benefit

Пособие по беременности и родам

Earnings/formula-based with caps

Benefit during maternity leave.

Eligibility

Qualifying insured workers

How to Apply

Employer/Social Fund

Child benefits

Единое пособие / детские выплаты

Means-tested/indexed

Family support for eligible households.

Eligibility

Mostly Russian citizens/residents meeting programme rules

How to Apply

Gosuslugi/Social Fund

Old-age pension

Страховая пенсия

Points/service formula

Contribution-based pension.

Eligibility

Qualifying contributors meeting age/points/service rules

How to Apply

Social Fund

Unemployment support

Пособие по безработице

Capped and status-dependent

Temporary support and job-search services.

Eligibility

Eligible residents/workers

How to Apply

Employment service

Contribution Overview

Employers generally pay social insurance contributions on top of salary; employees mainly see PIT withholding rather than employee social deductions.

International Social Security Agreements

Russia has social-security arrangements with some countries, but coverage with Western countries can be limited or politically affected. Keep records.

Benefits access often requires SNILS, registration, Gosuslugi and Russian-language documents.

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