Retire to Russia

Foreign citizens who want to retire to Russia must know that there is no specific visa they can apply for, however, they can obtain ordinary residency. For this purpose, they need to follow the regular pathway to immigration to Russia, which implies several steps depending on the country of arrival.

Below, our Russian lawyers explain the procedure through which a foreign citizen can retire to this country. We also offer specialized support for this purpose.

Steps to retire to Russia

Foreign citizens interested in retirement in Russia must go through certain procedures before relocating to the country. Among them, we mention the following:

• verify the entry visa requirements for your country;
• ensure you have a valid travel document;
• make sure you have the necessary documents related to immigration.

The type of residence permit foreign retirees will obtain is a temporary one. The good news is that the Russian authorities have simplified the temporary residency procedure for citizens of certain countries.

Our immigration lawyers in Russia can assist with the preparation of the necessary documents for relocation in accordance with one’s country of origin.

New residence rules in Russia

No matter if one wants to retire to Russia or move here for other reasons, they will be granted temporary residency following relaxed regulations, among which:

• access to a 3-months private entry visa which no longer requires an invitation letter;
• no more quota limitations on the number of temporary residence cards issued;
• no more proficient Russian language knowledge requirement.

Another benefit is that, under the new rules, retirees and other categories of immigrants can work and benefit from public healthcare.

These simplified requirements apply to citizens of countries like: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, and Taiwan. Please note that the list is more extensive and our law firm in Russia can verify your eligibility conditions.

Another benefit of the new rules, that were implemented in the fall of 2024, is that after 8 months of temporary residency, foreign citizens can apply for permanent residency in Russia.

Documents required when retiring to Russia

Those interested in retirement in Russia can apply for the 3-months private visa which implies fewer documents, if they want to experience what living in this country is like. Those who want to relocate here on a long term need to draft additional papers. In both cases, the following will be necessary:

• a valid passport;
• recent photographs;
• valid health insurance;
• proof of self-sufficiency;
• rental agreement.

The good part about not having a specific Russian retirement visa is that there is no age limit for those who want to move here. However, the retirement age in this country is being raised gradually to 65 for men and 60 for women by 2028 (64 and 59 in 2026).

Where to retire in Russia?

Those who plan to retire to Russia have plenty of cities and towns to choose from. Among them, the capital Moscow and St. Petersburg are some of the most popular options among expats. However, there are also other areas in which one can move, such as: Krasnodar, Kazan, Novosibirsk, and Yekaterinburg.

If you are interested in any of the cities above, you can benefit from the legal services of our Russian lawyers.

Facts about the Russian pension system

The Social Fundis in charge of the state pension system in Russia. In numbers:

• there are 3 types of insurance-based pensions;
• the government also issues 4 types of State pensions;
• there are also funded and social pensions available for Russian citizens;
• Russia also pays pensions and other benefits to 337,000 people in 133 countries.

If you want to retire to Russia and need assistance, please contact our local law firm.