Way to Russia Talk Lounge

chog · Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 1:13 am Post subject: Job hunting tips please

OK, I know that it is not easy for purely English speaking foreigners to just a get a good job in Russia but my wife and I fancy the idea of living there for a while. The options I can think of are as follows:

1. Get a TEFL qualification and teach English (but then we'll have to settle for low salaries.)
2. Find a well to do western organisation and try and get a job at their Russian office. (Please give me any tips on how to find out which firms operate in Russia, specifically in the IT industry?)
3.Find a Russian agency that could help foreigners get jobs in Russia.

My wife is a Russian citizen (although she hasn't been back to Russia for 13 years) She speaks both English and Russian fluently. I know a tiny smatttering of Russian and can read cyrillic.

If we were to go to Russia, how quickly and easily will the Russian authorities give me and our son a residence permit by virtue of me being her husband and he being her child? We did not marry in Russia so I'm not sure what we would have to do to be considered legally married in their eyes. We both have Bachelor of Commerce degrees with relevent work experience. She in business admin and I in IT.

LeeLee · Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 4:29 am Post subject: Hi

Hi Chog

I read your post and thought I would make a comment,

I am English, got married in Russia, and have a 15 month old son, and have been living in the south of Russia for almost 4 years.

For you and your family to simply just turn up will be very difficult

Does your wife still have a valid Russian passport and registration somewhere in Russia, If yes then it will be a bit easier, simply move here and apply for a 3 year temp Res permit--- for this you will need lots of documents---- most are easy to get---- but you will need a police report to say you have'nt been in prison, proof you can support your self financially, and proof you have somewhere to live,
Technically you cannot get work just with a 3 year res permit

If your wife does not have a Russian passport--- somewhere to live--- etc etc then your quest will be met with obstacles in every possible direction---- and I mean crazy ones------ and if your wifes surname is different from when she was living in Russia ---or differenmt from her passport name, because of getting married to you, then more problems

As for your son--- he will be treated as a foreigner -- the same as you--- doesnt matter that your wifes Russian.

Jobs--- Your wife should be able to find a job quite easy----- but as for you ---- unless you can speak fluent Russian the the only thing you can do is teach English---- unless your very lucky in finding a western company willingto take you on------ but there are many expats in Moscow and Pete who speak both languages---Dont think that Russian companies will give you the red carpet treatment--- its a myth

Which city are you planning to live in

Good Luck
If you want any specif answers to specific questions then drop me a line

Lee