Russia -- Work Visa, Jobs and Living Guide

Overview

Russia is the largest country in the world by area, spanning eleven time zones across Europe and Asia. It possesses vast natural resources including oil, gas, minerals, and timber. Moscow and Saint Petersburg are major global cities with diverse economies. Russia has historically been a significant destination for migrant workers from Central Asia, but Bangladeshi presence is more limited. The economy has been significantly impacted by international sanctions since 2022, affecting trade, banking, and foreign investment.

Labor Laws

Russian labor law is governed by the Labour Code (Trudovoy kodeks). The standard working week is 40 hours. Employees receive a minimum of 28 calendar days of paid annual leave. Overtime is limited to 4 hours over two consecutive days and 120 hours per year, compensated at 150% for the first 2 hours and 200% thereafter. Employment contracts must be in writing and can be indefinite or fixed-term (up to 5 years). The probation period is up to 3 months for regular employees and 6 months for executives. Social insurance covers pensions, medical care, temporary disability, and workplace injuries. Employers are prohibited from discriminating based on nationality. Night work (10 PM to 6 AM) receives a minimum 20% premium.

Work Permit Process

1

Step 1: The Russian employer obtains a quota allocation or applies for a quota-free work permit (for highly qualified specialists). Step 2: The employer applies for a work permit invitation at the territorial office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (GUVM MVD). Step 3: Processing takes 30-45 days. Step 4: The worker applies for a work visa at the Russian Embassy in Dhaka. Step 5: Upon arrival, the worker registers at the local migration office within 7 working days. Step 6: The work permit is issued for up to 1 year, renewable. Highly Qualified Specialist permits are valid for up to 3 years. Step 7: A patent system exists for citizens of certain CIS countries but does not apply to Bangladesh.

Industries & Professions

Key Industries

Oil & Gas Mining & Metals Defense & Aerospace Agriculture Information Technology Construction Retail Banking

In-Demand Professions

Construction Worker Factory Worker IT Developer Chef & Kitchen Staff Driver Warehouse Worker Agricultural Worker Welder Small Business Operator

Companies Hiring Foreigners

Company	Sector	Website
Gazprom	Oil & Gas	Visit
Sberbank	Banking & Finance	Visit
Yandex	Technology & Internet Services	Visit
Lukoil	Oil & Gas	Visit
Norilsk Nickel	Mining & Metals	Visit

Key Cities

Moscow

15000

The capital and largest city, a global metropolis and the economic, political, and cultural center of Russia.

Saint Petersburg

7500

Russia's second city and cultural capital, with diverse industries including shipbuilding, IT, tourism, and manufacturing.

Kazan

3200

The capital of Tatarstan, a major industrial city with petrochemicals, aviation, and IT sectors, and a significant Muslim population.

Yekaterinburg

2800

A major Ural Mountains city with heavy industry, metallurgy, and a growing services sector.

Cost of Living

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Moscow costs 40,000-70,000 RUB (400-700 EUR) per month, while in Saint Petersburg it ranges from 25,000-45,000 RUB. In smaller cities, rent can be as low as 15,000-25,000 RUB. Monthly groceries average 15,000-25,000 RUB per person. A Moscow Metro monthly pass costs 2,900 RUB. Utilities including heating and internet cost about 6,000-10,000 RUB per month. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs 500-900 RUB. Living costs vary enormously between Moscow and provincial cities.

Climate & Weather

Russia has extremely varied climates. Moscow experiences warm summers around 20-25°C and cold winters averaging -10°C. Siberian regions can see temperatures below -40°C in winter. Southern regions near the Black Sea enjoy milder, Mediterranean-like conditions.

Future Outlook

Russia has traditionally employed Bangladeshi workers in limited numbers, mainly in the textile and garment trade sector. However, international sanctions, banking restrictions, and geopolitical tensions since 2022 have created significant challenges for foreign workers including difficulty in remitting money home. Workers considering Russia should be aware of potential difficulties with international bank transfers, travel restrictions, and currency volatility. The Bangladeshi embassy in Moscow can provide current advisory information.

Air Routes from Bangladesh

Route	Airlines	Duration	Avg Price
Dhaka (DAC) Moscow (SVO)	Aeroflot, Emirates, Qatar Airways	8-12 hours (direct or 1 stop)	৳55000
Dhaka (DAC) Saint Petersburg (LED)	Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot (connecting)	12-16 hours (1-2 stops)	৳62000
Chittagong (CGP) Moscow (SVO)	Emirates, Qatar Airways	12-16 hours (1-2 stops)	৳60000