A guide to moving to Russia

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Important information you need to know when moving to Russia

Want to move to Moscow? Considering moving to Saint Petersburg? Here’s the moving advice you’ll need for any international removal to Russia…

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Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To Russia

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to Russia:  
  • Copy of Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods)
  • Removal packing list – We will complete this if you want us to undertake a full packing service for your removal
  • Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to Russia for you.
  • Detailed moving inventory, including photos and values for all objects of art
  • Customs Declaration Form for unaccompanied baggage stamped and signed by Customs at the time of shipper’s arrival
  • Letter of Employment on company letterhead to the Russian authorities (Diplomat letter must be on Embassy letterhead)
  • Copy of Visa (accredited individuals)
  • Copy of Accreditation Card (accredited individuals)
  • Copy of Diplomatic Passport (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
  • Copy of Diplomatic Visa (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
  • Copy of Diplomatic Card (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
  • Customs Declaration Form is required for unaccompanied baggage, stamped and signed by Customs at the airport upon arrival of the shipper (non-accredited individuals).
  • Work Permit (non-accredited individuals)
  • Registration with the police department (non-accredited individuals)
We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to Russia. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at Russian Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.
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Additional Removal Advice for Removals to Russia

  • Customs duty is 4 EUR per kg (gross) for all non-diplomatic shipments. For returning Russian citizens, the first 31 kg is exempt from Customs duties and taxes.
  • All in-bound non-diplomatic shipments are subject to the payment of Customs duties and taxes calculated based on the costs, insurance and freight (CIF) value of the shipment.
  • All shipments are subject to issuance of a Customs Declaration for each Harmonized System code (HS code). The cost of the Customs Declaration will be determined during the Customs clearance process.

Popular Destinations in Russia

Gerson Moving Services is vastly experienced in international removals to cities all over the globe. Their long history and detailed knowledge of different countries makes them the perfect choice for your move. Here are some of the most popular destinations we are asked to move people to in Russia:

Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod.

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Additional Services for your move to Russia

Moving Your Money

If you’re moving to Russia, it’s very likely you’ll need to exchange a significant amount of currency. Many people lose out by using their bank, assuming it’s the only option. However, there are specialist currency exchange providers that offer more competitive rates and can help you save thousands. To find out how to make your money go further during your move, speak to one of our move managers, click here, or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335.

Get Move Liability Cover for your international removal to Russia

We always advise taking out move protection liability cover with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

Discover Our GMS Xtra Value Services

Gerson Moving Services goes beyond standard removals, offering a full range of relocation solutions to make your move seamless. Our value-added services include international currency transfer, home and school search, visa and immigration support, health insurance, container tracking, car purchase and leasing, and temporary accommodation. We also provide expert packing, secure storage, customs clearance, and pet relocation, ensuring a smooth transition whether you’re moving locally or internationally. With our end-to-end relocation management, you can trust Gerson for a stress-free, efficient move.

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Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle

Documents required

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning to move your vehicle to Russia:

  • Original Technical Passport
  • OBL / AWB
  • Pro-forma Invoice
  • Purchase document
  • Employment confirmation letter (foreigners)
  • Original Customs Declaration
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Additional Import Advice

  • The Customs Declaration is necessary to register the vehicle with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Relocating Your Pets to Russia

These documents will be required when planning to relocate your pet to Russia

  • Certificate of Vaccination
  • Pet Passport
  • Veterinary Health Certificate

Additional Import Advice

  • Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued no more than 10 days within arrival of pet.
  • Permission from the Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture is required for all animals except cats and dogs.
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Restricted & Dutiable / Taxable Items

Think very carefully before moving these items to Russia. Items on this list will be taxed and/or require specific permission to import. In all cases they must be declared prior to you relocating to Russia:

  • Wine and spirits (2 L)
  • Precious jewellery, stones, medicines and currency can be imported only as accompanied baggage and must be declared with Customs authorities at the time of shipper’s arrival.
  • Arms and ammunition

Prohibited / Banned Items

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Do not move any of these items to Russia:

  • Weapons of all kinds
  • Pornography
  • Narcotics
  • Flora and fauna objects
  • Technical / receiving apparatus which operate with frequency higher than 9 KHz
  • Toxic and radioactive materials

The following additional items are prohibited in GMS Baggage/Courier Consignments:

  • Aerosols (all kinds, Hairspray, Deodorant etc)
  • Aftershaves / Perfumes / Fragrances
  • Airbags
  • Alcoholic Drinks or Bottles
  • Ammunition of any kind
  • Animals of any kind (Dead or Alive)
  • Any items containing Petrol (Liquid, Gas or Fumes)
  • Biological Samples
  • Car Batteries
  • Cash & Cards (Credit / Debit)
  • Chainsaws
  • Cheques (Bank)
  • Christmas Crackers
  • Counterfeit Currency
  • Dangerous Goods
  • Driving Licence
  • Drugs (Including Prescription)
  • Engines
  • Excrement / Filth
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Fish (Dead or Live)
  • Foodstuffs (all kinds)
  • Hazardous Goods
  • Human Remains (including ashes)
  • Infectious Substances
  • Knives
  • Laptop Computers, Mobile/Smart Phones or Tablets
  • Lighters
  • Lottery Tickets
  • Nail Varnish / Nail Varnish Remover
  • Oils
  • Paints
  • Passports
  • Perishable Goods (All)
  • Plants / Seeds etc
  • Printer Toner
  • Seatbelt Tensioners and Steering Wheels
  • Stamps
  • Tobacco
  • Water
  • Weapons (all kinds, including replicas)
  • Windscreens

Disclaimer: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This information is provided as a guide only. While Gerson Moving Services has exercised reasonable care in publishing this information, Gerson Moving Services makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.

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