Alabuga Start

·       Tax deduction for foreign citizens in the Russian Federation.

It is common knowledge that citizens pay income tax in every country.

• In Russia, the income tax rate for foreign citizens is 30%.

•    After 183 days, you have the right to apply for confirmation of your tax resident status in the Russian Federation.

•    When you become a tax resident of the Russian Federation, you will pay 13% tax.

As a bonus, your tax will be recalculated and any overpaid tax will be refunded. You will need to fill out a short form for the Federal Tax Service of Russia.

·       How to buy a SIM card in Russia?

To purchase a SIM card in Russia, you will need:

• Passport

• Immigration card

• Residence permit or temporary residence permit

Please visit a mobile network provider’s office to buy a SIM card, select a plan and pay for a starting balance.

·       When moving to Russia, you need to exchange the currency of your country for the Russian rouble.

Choosing an exchange office

When choosing an exchange office, pay attention to:

• The exchange rate,

• Commission fees,

• The reliability of the exchange office

We recommend choosing official banks or large exchange offices!

Documents

To exchange currency, you will need your passport or other form of identification.

Make sure you have all the necessary documents before going to the exchange office!

Exchange rate

•    Find out today's exchange rate

•    The exchange rate may vary depending on the exchange office and the currency you want to exchange

Commissions

Some exchange offices may charge a commission. To avoid unexpected costs, choose exchange offices with low or no commissions.

Your country's currency 

For your convenience, exchange your country's currency for US dollars before travelling to Russia.

In Russia, your HR representative will help you find a favourable exchange rate.

·       What medical examinations are required to participate in the Alabuga Start programme? 

Before starting the Alabuga Start programme, all participants undergo a medical check-up, both before arriving in Russia and after arrival.

Why is this important?

We care about the health of each participant

This is a mandatory step for official employment

It helps you adapt to your new environment more quickly

We have prepared handy cards with a complete list of required examinations — browse, save and share with your friends!

And if you haven't applied yet, now is the time to do so on our official website!

Before arriving in Russia for the final stage, you must submit: 

•    HIV/AIDS

•    Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E

•    Syphilis

•    A CT scan of the lungs or an X-ray with a doctor's diagnosis confirming the absence of tuberculosis

•    A certificate from a gynaecologist confirming the absence of pregnancy —  beta-hCG

•    Vaccination certificate

Diseases for which a foreigner may be denied further residence in Russia:

•    HIV

•    Syphilis

•    Tuberculosis

•    Leprosy

Important! We care about your health. If any dangerous diseases affecting your health are detected, you will be excluded from the programme due to your inability to work

Upon arrival in Russia, in accordance with the Russian legislation, you must undergo a medical check-up:

•    Blood tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E)

•    Electrocardiogram

•    Measles vaccination

•    Fluorography

Before starting work, you must also see the following doctors:

•    Narcologist

•    Infectious disease specialist

•    Psychiatrist

•    Ophthalmologist

•    ENT doctor

•    Tuberculosis doctor

•    Dermatologist-venereologist

•    General practitioner

·       Information about baggage transport

Today we would like to share information about baggage transportation during your flight

It is important to note that the baggage transportation rules may vary from airline to airline and ticket class (economy, business class etc.), and depend on certain conditions of your flight. That is why it is recommended to check the baggage transportation rules on the official website of an airline.

1. Basic rules for carrying baggage on international flights

There are restrictions on the weight and quantity of baggage on international flights.

The exact regulations depend on the airline and class of service.

2. Hand luggage

Passengers are allowed to carry a backpack/bag/small bag, the size and weight of which comply with the airline's requirements.

3. Checked baggage

This includes suitcases and other items that are checked in at the check-in desk and transported in the aircraft's baggage compartment.

Depending on the airline and class of service selected, there are weight restrictions (maximum 20-32 kg).

Remember that passengers can purchase additional space and weight for their luggage. If you plan to carry more luggage than specified in the general rules, we recommend that you contact the airline in advance to find out what additional services it offers and what its rules are.

4. Special items

Airlines may have rules and restrictions regarding certain items: sports equipment, musical instruments, etc. It is recommended that you contact the airline in advance for information about these items.

5. Prohibited items on board

The following dangerous items are prohibited on board of the aircraft:

- explosives;

- flammable materials;

- toxic materials.

6. Check the condition of your luggage before checking it in:

- make sure all your personal belongings are secure;

- label your luggage and use a cover to make it easier to identify and protect it during travel.

7. Keep an eye out for rule updates.

Baggage rules on flights may change over time; use official sources of information (airline websites or customer service) to check the latest information before travelling.

·       When travelling with a transfer and on different airlines

A few useful tips and rules to help make your flight comfortable and avoid unexpected situations.

1. Obtaining a boarding pass

If you book flights on different airlines, make sure you receive all boarding passes at the same time. If this is not the case, try to obtain your boarding passes for the next flight when checking in.

2. Check the baggage allowance rules

Baggage allowance rules may vary depending on the airline (maximum weight, size and quantity). Make sure your baggage complies with all the rules of the airline you are flying with. This will help you avoid problems with your baggage.

3. Pay attention to visa and transit rules.

If you are planning connecting flights in different countries, check the visa and transit requirements of each country.

Some countries may require visas or transit permits even if you do not leave the airport.

4. Flight insurance

Consider purchasing international medical insurance to help you in case of illness or emergency and to cover your unexpected expenses.

5. Make sure you have enough time for transfers

When planning a trip with multiple connections, allow extra time between flights. This will allow you to account for possible delays, queues at passport control or the extra time needed to transfer between terminals.

6. Keep an eye on airline schedule changes

Check your email, messages or airline mobile apps from time to time to stay up to date with any changes to your schedule or boarding gate number. If there are any issues with your flight, contact the airline in good time to get information about booking options or ask for help.

7. Culture and language

When visiting different countries and flying with different airlines, it is useful to know some aspects of their culture and popular phrases in their language. This will help you communicate and make your trip more comfortable.

8. Documents

Keep your documents in order: passports, visas, boarding passes, insurance, booking confirmation. Keep your documents handy during connecting flights and transfers.

9. Airline rules

Remember that each airline has its own rules and requirements, so check the airline's website and booking information.

·       When you fly to Russia. Step-by-step guide

Please stay in touch with HR from the start of your trip until you meet with HR in Russia.

This is important for the safety and coordination of all stages of the journey.

Before the flight, please, make sure, that you carry a large, 100% charged power bank with you.

1. Checklist before the flight

Please inform the HR-specialist when you are heading to the airport 

After checking in for your flight, take a photo of your boarding pass 

After passing through customs and border control, send an SMS message to the HR-specialist

2. Boarding and the flight

Take a selfie when boarding the plane and send it to the HR-specialist 

If you have a connecting flight, inform the HR-specialist of your location 

Take a selfie when you are on the plane 

3. Arrival in Russia

Send an SMS message to the HR-specialist upon arrival in Russia

After passing through customs in Russia, send an SMS message to the HR-specialist

Collect your luggage, inform the HR-specialist and proceed to the exit from the arrivals area

4. Meeting at the airport

The HR-specialist will be waiting for you in the arrivals area with a sign saying "SEZ "Alabuga".
He will help you with your luggage and accompany you to the transport.

Tip: keep your phone at hand, do not turn off the internet, and always respond to messages from the HR department so that coordination goes smoothly.

·       How to make your flight comfortable?

1. Comfortable clothes and shoes

Prepare comfortable clothes and shoes to enjoy your time on board.

2. Essentials in hand luggage

Think about what you might need during the flight, take some essentials: comfortable pillow, scarf, books or headphones, portable charger with a cable.

3. Entertainment onboard

Download music, movies, or books to your device to keep yourself entertained during the flight.

4. Snacks and comfort during the flight

Prepare for a long-haul flight by stocking up on snacks, bars, fruits, and other forms of entertainment to enjoy your time.

5. Healthcare

Keep your health in mind by bringing necessary medication and stretching to prevent muscle pain.

6. Personal care and hygiene

Remember to prioritize personal care and hygiene. Use face masks and eye patches in individual packaging to avoid swelling and dryness of the skin.

PLEASE NOTE the hand luggage liquid restrictions: no more than 100 ml.

7. Comfort during take-off and landing

Due to pressure fluctuations during takeoff and landing, you may experience discomfort in your ears. Use chewing gum or sweets to relieve the symptoms.

1. Passport and other documents

Make sure your passport is valid and that you have all the necessary documents (visa, work permit, etc.) to enter and stay in Russia. Important! Be sure to take the originals of your documents with you.

2. Clothing

You will need very warm clothing in Russia, such as warm jackets, gloves and scarves, as temperatures sometimes drop to -30 °C. Also bring light summer clothing for the warmer months.

3. Medicine

Bring any necessary medication that you usually take. Some medicine may be unavailable in Russia.

4. Money

Make sure you have enough money for the first two months, as the hiring process takes between three weeks and a month and a half. You will need approximately 15,000–20,000 roubles per month. *At the current exchange rate, this is 150–200 dollars.

5. Electronic devices

In addition to your smartphone and laptop, don't forget to bring chargers and adapters.

To stay connected and use your electronic devices without any problems, bring European standard (EU) adapters.

6. Hair

If you plan to braid your hair, bring your own hair. The quality and texture of hair in Russia is different from what you are used to.

·       Grocery prices in Russia

We have compiled approximate prices for basic products to help you plan your expenses.

1. Oils and vegetables

Butter - 600₽/kg

Sunflower oil - 110₽/l

Potatoes - 30₽/kg

Lettuce - 80₽/kg

Carrots - 32₽/kg

Tomatoes - 250₽/kg

2. Essentials

Sugar — 59 ₽/kg

Salt — 12 ₽/kg

Chicken — 169 ₽/kg

Dairy — 56–81 ₽/l

Yogurt — 40–100 ₽

3. Products of animal origin

Eggs — 110 ₽ (for 10 p.)

Meats — 356 ₽/kg

Cheese — 350–500 ₽/kg

4. Tea and cereals

Tea — 69–200 ₽

Cereals — 130 ₽/kg

5. Fresh fruit and vegetables

Cucumbers — 150 ₽/kg

Apples — 100 ₽/kg

Oranges — 100 ₽/kg

Bananas — 130 ₽/kg

Kiwis — 170 ₽/kg

·       How to use public transport in Russia

Getting around cities in Russia is convenient — the transport system is well developed and easy to understand.

The main types of transport are buses, minibuses and taxis.

It is convenient to use transport cards or bank cards to pay for fares — almost everywhere you can simply tap your phone or card on the terminal.

If you use taxis, choose official apps such as Yandex Go or Uber. They are safe, show the cost in advance and allow you to choose a convenient route.

Tip: install navigation apps (2GIS, Yandex Maps) in advance to make it easier to find your way around and understand where your stop is.

·       What you should know for comfortable adaptation

Moving to a new country is a step that requires a little time and patience.

To make the adjustment comfortable, it is important to follow some simple principles:

Be open to new things.

People in Russia are friendly, but they can seem reserved — give them time, and you will quickly feel their warmth and support.

Learn the language.

Even basic Russian phrases will help you communicate and make everyday situations easier.

Maintain your usual rhythm of life.

Continue doing the things you love: sports, reading, self-care — this creates a sense of stability.

Don't be afraid to ask for help.

The HR staff at Alabuga Start and other participants are always ready to support you.

Over time, everything will become familiar — from new routes to the climate and language. The main thing is to approach change calmly and with interest.

 

In this video, the participants of the Alabuga Start Programme share their feelings and impressions of the journey - from initial doubts to gained confidence and new discoveries. These are frank stories about changes that begin with a single decision and about how a step into the unknown becomes the start of a new, vibrant chapter in life.