Moving to or from Russia?

The cost of moving to Russia depends on several factors rather than a fixed price. The main drivers are your shipment volume, the distance and route from your origin, the level of service you choose (such as full packing or storage), your insurance coverage and the timing of your move. Import duties may also apply — personal-effects imports into Russia are dutiable by default at 30% of value, with a floor of EUR 4 per gross kilogram, unless you qualify for a relief scheme. The most accurate way to understand your cost is a free, no-obligation quote based on a G.U.E.S.T. survey.

Documentation requirements are detailed and depend on your status. Foreign nationals generally need passport photo-page scans, a Russian visa and entry stamp, and a copy of registration in the Russian Federation. Most shipments also require an original power of attorney legalised by a Russian notary and a Russian individual taxpayer number (INN). Returning Russian citizens and air shipments have additional forms such as customs declarations and, for air, a T6 declaration completed at the arrival airport. Our specialists confirm your exact document list before shipping.

Personal-effects imports into Russia are dutiable by default at 30% of value, subject to a floor of EUR 4 per gross kilogram, and shipment weight must remain sensible relative to declared value. Clearance requires a notarised power of attorney and a Russian tax number (INN), and customs occasionally requires the customer to attend in person. Goods enter the customs territory of the Customs Union, of which Russia is a member. Several duty-free relief schemes exist for qualifying movers, which we assess case by case.

Russia restricts or prohibits a wide range of goods. These include food, alcohol and tobacco, medicines, precious metals and stones, cash and payment cards, weapons and ammunition, and hazardous or narcotic substances. Flora and fauna items are only admissible with origin-country veterinary or phytosanitary certificates and prior agent approval, while works of art over 100 years old require Ministry of Culture certification. Our specialists review your inventory in advance to flag anything that needs special handling or should be left behind.

Pet relocation involves separate rules from household goods, and live animals cannot travel in your moving shipment. Russia requires origin-country veterinary certification for animals, and requirements are strict. While specialist pet transport is arranged differently from a standard move, our coordinators can guide you on timing and point you to the appropriate official veterinary and customs requirements. Always confirm current rules on the official government portals before travelling with pets.

Yes, Gosselin arranges international car shipping to Russia as part of our services. Because Russia is part of the Customs Union, vehicle re-export obligations are governed by Customs Union rules, so it is important to prepare the correct documentation before your vehicle travels. Requirements and duties for vehicles differ from those for household goods. Our team advises on the specifics for your situation as part of your quote.