Shared Values Visa Post-Arrival Checklist: Settlement Guide
Shared Values Visa: Post-Arrival Settlement Checklist
Visa approval enables entry but settlement requires systematic completion of administrative tasks, service establishment, and practical arrangements. Comprehensive post-arrival checklist ensures legal compliance, establishes essential services, and creates functional daily life foundation.
First Week Priorities
Immediate tasks require attention within days of arrival.
Arrival Registration (Within 7 Days)
Migration registration mandatory within seven business days of entry. Hotel guests automatically registered by hotel. Rental residents require landlord registration at local migration office.
Bring passport, migration card received at border, and housing documentation to migration office.
Registration creates legal residential address enabling other administrative procedures.
Missing registration deadline creates violations carrying fines and potential immigration complications.
Mobile Phone Service
Russian mobile number essential for daily life and administrative procedures.
Visit mobile operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon) with passport and migration registration.
Purchase SIM card and select plan—typically 500-700 rubles monthly for generous data and calling.
Russian number enables banking, service registrations, and communication.
Banking Account
Bank account critical for payments, salary receipt (if employed), and financial operations.
Major banks (Sberbank, VTB, Alfa-Bank) offer foreigner-friendly services.
Bring passport, migration registration confirmation, and potentially employment documentation or funds source information.
Account opening might require 1-3 hours across potentially multiple visits depending on bank and documentation.
Debit card enables payments, ATM access, and daily financial transactions.
First Month Tasks
Subsequent weeks involve establishing fuller service infrastructure.
Tax Identification Number (INN)
Obtain INN from local tax office for employment, business, or extended residence.
Bring passport and migration registration.
Processing typically immediate though some offices mail INN cards requiring follow-up collection.
INN required for legal employment and various administrative procedures.
Medical Insurance
Arrange health insurance appropriate to circumstances.
Employed individuals typically receive insurance through employers.
Self-employed or non-working residents purchase private insurance or OMI (obligatory medical insurance).
Insurance costs $200-$1,000+ annually depending on coverage level.
Establish primary care physician and understand where to seek medical care.
Russian Language Study
Begin or continue intensive Russian study immediately.
Enroll in language school, hire private tutor, or commit to structured self-study program.
Language proficiency determines integration success, employment opportunities, and quality of life.
Budget 10-15 hours weekly minimum for serious progress.
Children's School Enrollment
For families, school enrollment requires immediate attention.
International schools often have waiting lists necessitating early application.
Russian state schools require residence registration, child's documents, and medical certificates.
Academic year begins September 1st but mid-year enrollment sometimes possible.
Housing Situation Finalization
Initial arrival might involve temporary accommodation requiring permanent housing arrangement.
Apartment search, lease negotiation, and moving into stable housing.
Furniture and household goods acquisition if renting unfurnished apartment.
Utility setup and understanding payment procedures.
Neighbor introductions and building orientation.
First Three Months
Longer-term establishment continues over initial months.
Employment Establishment
Job search if employment needed.
Work permit or notification procedures if employer requires (depends on visa type and employment specifics).
Understanding Russian workplace culture and employment practices.
Professional network building through colleagues and industry connections.
Social Network Development
Meeting other expats through international community groups, churches, or social meetups.
Developing Russian friendships through language exchanges, activities, or community involvement.
Children's socialization through schools and activities.
Religious community connection if faith important to family.
Service Provider Establishment
Identifying reliable tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, handymen) for household needs.
Finding preferred grocery stores, markets, and shopping venues.
Establishing transportation routines—learning routes, purchasing transit cards, or car acquisition.
Locating preferred restaurants, cafes, and recreational venues.
Financial Organization
Understanding Russian payment systems and apps (Yandex Pay, SberPay, etc.).
Setting up automatic payments for utilities and recurring bills.
Establishing financial routines and budgeting in rubles.
Currency exchange strategies if receiving foreign currency income.
First Six Months
Medium-term settlement involves deeper integration and administrative milestones.
Residence Permit Transition
Visa transitions to residence permit requiring application within timeframe specified in visa grant.
Gather updated documents including fresh medical certificates and continued values alignment demonstration.
Submit residence permit application at local migration office.
Processing takes several months requiring patience and continued visa validity maintenance.
Driver's License (If Applicable)
Foreign licenses valid limited time requiring Russian license for continued driving.
Medical examination, theory test, and potentially practical driving test.
Study Russian traffic rules and road signs.
Professional Development
Language proficiency progress enabling workplace effectiveness and career advancement.
Professional certification or credential recognition if necessary for field.
Industry involvement through conferences, associations, or continuing education.
Cultural Exploration
Visit museums, theaters, historical sites, and cultural venues.
Travel within Russia exploring different regions and cities.
Participate in Russian holidays and traditions.
Develop understanding of Russian history, culture, and society beyond superficial tourist knowledge.
First Year Milestones
Full year brings significant adaptation and administrative conclusions.
Residence Permit Receipt
Temporary residence permit (typically three years initially) receipt after processing completes.
Understanding residence permit obligations including annual reporting and presence requirements.
Language Proficiency Assessment
After year of intensive study and immersion, evaluate language progress.
Basic conversational fluency should develop within 6-12 months for adults with serious study.
Children typically achieve higher proficiency faster through school immersion.
Integration Evaluation
Honest self-assessment of adaptation success and quality of life.
Are you happier than in previous location? Meeting expectations? Adjusting well?
Family members all adjusting positively? Any concerning struggles requiring intervention?
Financial sustainability achieved? Living within budget? Employment or income stable?
Future Planning
Decide whether Russia represents long-term home or reconsider options.
If committing long-term, begin considering permanent residence permit eligibility (after time requirements met).
Plan potential path toward citizenship if desired.
Financial planning for long-term Russian residence.
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
Continuous obligations throughout residence.
Annual notification to migration authorities confirming continued residence and circumstances.
Minimum presence requirements (typically 183+ days annually) to maintain residence permit.
Legal income maintenance and tax compliance.
Address registration maintenance when moving.
Document renewals as expiration approaches.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Predictable difficulties arise during settlement.
Bureaucratic frustrations from complex procedures and language barriers. Solution: Patience, professional assistance when needed, and gradual familiarity.
Homesickness and culture shock affecting mood and adjustment. Solution: Maintain home country connections, build local support network, remember adaptation takes time.
Financial pressures from unexpected costs or income challenges. Solution: Adequate savings buffer, flexible budget, and realistic expectations.
Language learning plateau after initial progress. Solution: Continued study commitment, varied learning methods, and patience with natural learning curves.
Family member adjustment disparities. Solution: Individual support addressing specific needs, professional counseling if necessary, and family communication.
Resources and Support
Utilize available settlement support resources.
Expat community online groups and in-person meetups sharing information and support.
Immigration lawyers or consultants for complex administrative issues.
Cultural orientation programs if available in your city.
Russian language schools and tutors.
Religious communities providing social connections and support.
Professional network connections in your field.
Healthcare providers with English language capability.
International schools offering family support services.
The Shared Values Visa post-arrival period demands systematic attention to administrative requirements, service establishment, and practical adaptation. Methodical completion of settlement tasks combined with realistic expectations and adequate support creates foundation for successful long-term Russian residence.