Finding a job in Russia for foreigners is not so hard. You may even know that Russia used to be the house of the wealthiest expatriate in the country. This proves that working in Russia is also for everyone, as long as they have the required documents.

While finding job is quite easy in Russia, especially those who are prominent in foreign language, there are so many questions of foreigners seeking job in Russia. So, below are 7 common questions of foreigners seeking job in Russia.

You can also check etiquette in Russia that you need to know.

1. Will I need a work permit?

As standard regulation in many countries says, most foreign workers need work permit. However, there are some exception for those who: already have a permanent residence permit, already have a permanent residence permit, employed in diplomatic missions, students, media representatives accredited in the country,  employees of some humanitarian organizations and are invited to the country to teach in educational institutions. Moreover, if you are a citizen of one of Eurasian Economic Union’s member countries, like Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia, you are free to work, even live, in Russia.

To get a standard work permit, the hiring company must have a permit that allows it to employ foreign workers. If it does, you just need to submit several documents, including translated and certified professional or educational diplomas. Then, the company will apply for work permit on your behalf after you sign a contract. If it is successful, you will receive visa invitation letter from the employer to get a visa.

2. Do I need to be fluent in Russian?

If your company is international one or allow you to speak in other languages, then you don’t need to be fluent. However, being able to speak fluently in Russian will benefit you a lot. You can seek for help and talk to your coworkers and boss easily. Because most of your coworkers don’t speak English.

So, before you start working, you can take a course in a language school across the country. You can also learn some basic Russian language in your country before you move in.

Also check: fashion rule you should know when you live in Russia.

3. In what sector can I work?

Like in any other country, it is difficult to find any job in medium-class sector, although such job is available. Jobs offered for expatriates are mainly in construction, IT, engineering, transport, and teaching/academics sectors. So, if you are confidence with your English, you can apply to any school that opens ESL, EFL or any English language programs. You can also work as freelance translator.

Moreover, there are some opportunities in humanitarian organizations, diplomatic missions, and international companies that open branches in Russia. However, getting a job in a branch can be quite difficult because you have to compete with local or internal candidates.

For start, you can check some websites that offer jobs for expatriates like Headhunter, XpatJobs, InJob, Michael Page, eFinancialCareers, Overseas Jobs, Go Abroad and Linkedin.

4. How many hours should I work in a week?

Most company will set 5 working days for 8 hours per day plus 1 hour for break. It starts from Monday to Friday. However, the starting and ending hour can be really different from one company to another. There are some companies that start at 9 and end at 6. There are also some companies that open at 10 and close at 7.

Also read: etiquette in Russia that you need to know.

5. What benefits can I receive?

Some companies provide medical insurance, transport or mobile allowance. Those are along with 28 days of paid leave. If you just arrived in Russia, they can also help you finding accommodation, language classes, and settling in the city.

6. What is the cost of living in Moscow?

Although Moscow is the capital city of Russia and has the most expensive living cost in the country, you don’t need to worry about it. As long as you can keep everything low, like don’t go to fancy pub or restaurant frequently, your salary can afford your life style.

The only thing you should concern with is the cost of accommodation. It varies from $556.52 to $1528.54 per month, depending on the size of the unit and area where the flat lays on. So, it is wise to avoid living in an expensive area. Other than that, like food, transportation and entertainment are quite affordable. And food can be really affordable, like bread that costs less than $1 for 2 people a day. You can choose any other kind according to your budget.

7. Is there a community for expatriates in Moscow?

Over the past two decades, there are many industries that are open for expatriates emerging. This makes a very big community for expatriates in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Due to this, there are many cafes, restaurants, and clubs that offer menus to suit their delights and tastes.

Members of the community like to go to Papa’s Place on Nikolskaya Street, Hudson Bar on Belorusskaya, Standard on Kitai-Gorod and Bud House on Pushkinskaya. Moreover, those are just a few places from many places where you can easily find expats.

Those are 7 common questions of foreigners seeking job in Russia. You can also read Russian business dining etiquette.