How Much Does Relocation Cost?

How much money is needed to legalize documents (obtain apostilles) or certify foreign originals, translate documents, take an exam, and support a family of 3-4 people for the first six months?

To begin with, you need to determine which documents require an apostille: all documents issued by government agencies of a foreign country must be legalized—that is, stamped with an apostille (birth/marriage/death/divorce certificates, an education diploma, a certificate of no criminal record, etc.). In some cases, documents must first be certified (for example, school-leaving certificates).

Currently in Germany, this costs 15-100 euros per document. Usually around 25 euros.

You can either do the translation yourself (or have it done by a sworn translator) and then take it to a notary at the Russian consulate for verification. The notary will check the accuracy of the translation and certify it with their signature and seal. In February-April 2023, this cost an average of 43 euros per page, and the total cost for a family of 4 was 2500-3000 euros. The price has now almost doubled, and notary services at the consulate cost an average of 72 euros per page. Plus the cost of fuel for the round trip.

An alternative is to travel to Russia and have the documents translated and certified there. In April-May 2023, these services cost about 50000 rubles (at the time, around 500 euros). So, including the visa and trip to Russia, it was comparable in price and is a good alternative to notary services at the consulate. Prices have now increased by an average of 5-10%.

Another option is to send the documents by courier to a translation agency in Kaliningrad. This is the cheapest option today. You can choose a translation agency yourself or use the services of our partners. The cost of services should be agreed upon in advance.

The next item is the cost of transporting a vehicle and clearing it through customs. Depending on the method of relocation, the cost of crossing the checkpoint can range from 0 rubles to paying a deposit (usually the cost of customs clearance). A vehicle recycling fee may also be charged. From 3500-5000 to 1.500.000 rubles (as of the time of writing, May 2024; the issue of the recycling fee for resettlers is being discussed). Add to this the cost of insurance and other expenses (SBKTS, EPTS), around 50000 rubles.

The next item is the cost of transporting or shipping personal belongings. You can either take them with you on a trailer, ship them in a container (3000-10000 dollars, depending on the destination and container format), or send them as a parcel (as of the time of writing, May 2024, a 20 kg parcel from Germany costs 63 euros).

Next comes the cost of tickets (May 2024, around 800-1000 euros per person from Germany to Moscow, plus the cost of travel to the final destination) or fuel for your vehicle.

Next are the costs of photographs, document copies, and applications for a TRP, residence permit, or citizenship. Approximately 10-20 rubles per page. Also include the state fee (3500-5000 rubles, depending on the service and whether it is a TRP, residence permit, or citizenship). Also remember the cost of the exam on knowledge of the Russian language and the fundamentals of Russian law and history: 5000-15000 rubles, depending on the region.

When obtaining a Russian citizen's passport, there will also be a fee: from 300 to 1500 rubles, depending on the reason for obtaining the passport.

We should also calculate the amount needed to get settled during the first 6 months. You need to bring it with you or transfer it to your bank account: for 6 months, approximately 10000-15000 rubles per person per month, depending on your needs, plus 10000-50000 rubles for apartment rent—the price varies greatly by region. Of course, you should also consider whether you need to buy belongings, as well as the cost of maintaining a vehicle (in addition to the insurance and customs clearance mentioned above).

Total: to relocate without a container and live for about 6 months, a family of 3-4 people needs 10000-15000 euros. To relocate with a container, 15000-25000 euros. These amounts do not include compensation under the State Resettlement Program.

More articles on the personal blog of Anatoly Bublik

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