Moving Internationally to Russia
Are you considering a move from the USA to Russia? Whether you have your sights set on Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, or any other city in the vast Russian Federation, your journey promises a one-of-a-kind experience.

Discover Russia’s Rich History and Culture
Immerse yourself in a country steeped in history, tradition, and culture. As the largest country in the world, Russia is increasingly drawing in expatriates seeking new adventures and opportunities.
Navigating Your Move
Embarking on a relocation to Russia involves essential steps like visa applications and arranging the shipment of your household goods. At SDC International Shipping, we specialize in customizing moves to meet your unique requirements. Whether by sea or air, trust our extensive network of dedicated movers in Russia to provide top-tier service for transporting your personal effects.
Household Shipping to Russia from the USA

Safeguarding Your Belongings During Your Move to Russia
Preserving Your Personal Effects
Whether it’s cherished heirlooms, essential household items, or beloved furniture pieces, entrust SDC International Shipping with the safe transport of your belongings from the USA to Russia. Our comprehensive service includes container delivery to your doorstep, professional packing assistance, and secure delivery to the port.
Expert Packing for Long-Distance Moves
With the considerable distance between the US and Russia, protecting your possessions is paramount. Our skilled packers are well-versed in selecting the appropriate packaging materials and techniques to safeguard your items during transit. By expertly filling any gaps between boxes, we ensure your goods arrive unscathed.
Handling Furniture with Care
If you wish to bring along your furniture for its sentimental or practical value, our team will assess each piece before carefully disassembling and packing it for transport. From wrapping in protective layers to shrink-wrapping for added security in shared containers, we take every precaution to shield your furniture from potential damage.
Leave Packing to the Professionals
While you may consider packing on your own, entrusting SDC International Shipping with this task ensures meticulous handling and protection of your belongings. Avoid the risk of improper packaging by relying on our expertise, especially when it comes to safeguarding larger items that demand robust protection throughout the journey to your new home in Russia.
Car Shipping to Russia from the USA

The possibility of transporting a car can add excitement as you’re on the way to moving to Russia from the USA. Imagine that you will be able to drive your favorite vehicle in a totally new country. Even more, you will be saving yourself the stress of taking public transit or having to buy a car in a foreign country.
Many think that a car import to Russia is too expensive when an average person can easily afford it in reality.
SDC International is known for its cost-efficiency. Besides, shipping through our company is also the safest and most successful way to transport a car to Russia from the US.
How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car to Russia?
Several factors impact the import costs. These include:
- The age and condition of the car
- The make and model of the vehicle
- Import duties (varying rates based on engine size and vehicle type)
- Value Added Tax (VAT) of 20%
- Utilization fee
- The shipment distance
- The method of shipping
- Insurance coverage
As of 2024, the import costs for cars to Russia have significantly increased. Generally, you can expect to pay from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the vehicle’s value and the factors mentioned above.
The exact cost can vary widely due to the complex tax structure and additional fees.
It’s important to note that the import duties are no longer a flat 25% of the car value. Instead, they vary based on the engine size and whether the vehicle is new or used. For example, for used cars over 5 years old, the duty can be as high as 5.2 euros per cubic centimeter of engine volume.
Additionally, the utilization fee, which was introduced in 2012, adds a significant cost to the import process. This fee varies based on the vehicle’s age, type, and engine size.
Regarding the temporary import status, while this option still exists for certain categories of importers (such as foreign citizens temporarily residing in Russia), most car imports are now considered permanent. Permanent imports require full payment of all applicable taxes and fees.
Choosing the Right Shipping Method for Your Move to Russia

Selecting Between LCL and FCL Shipping
When relocating from the USA to Russia, a crucial decision is determining whether to opt for Less-than Container Load (LCL) or Full Container Load (FCL) shipping for your household belongings.
- LCL vs. FCL: For volumes ranging from 2m3 to 13m3, LCL shipping is recommended, while FCL is suitable for volumes exceeding 14m3. FCL containers offer the flexibility to transport larger items like cars alongside your household goods.
Deciding on Ocean or Air Freight
In addition to choosing between LCL and FCL, you must also consider whether to ship your items via ocean or air freight. Here are some key considerations:
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Air Freight: Ideal for cargo weighing up to 100 kg, air shipping provides a faster alternative to ocean freight at a comparable cost. While shipping heavier items by air can be more expensive, it offers greater predictability in delivery dates and enhanced security measures, making it a preferred choice for high-value goods.
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Ocean Freight: While more cost-effective for heavier shipments, ocean freight may entail longer transit times. However, it remains a reliable option for transporting larger volumes of goods economically.
By carefully evaluating the weight, volume, and urgency of your shipment, you can make an informed decision on whether air or ocean freight best suits your moving needs from the USA to Russia.
Getting Prepared to Move to Russia from the USA

Understanding Russian Customs Regulations
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Official Policies: This website offers valuable insights into the current official policies of the Russian customs authority in English. For specific inquiries, it is recommended to reach out to the nearest Russian consulate for guidance.
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Eurasian Economic Union: As a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, which includes countries like Belarus, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan, Russia adheres to the union’s established rules and regulations.
Residency and Citizenship in Russia
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Unique Pathways: The process of obtaining Russian citizenship and permanent residency differs from that of many other countries. While acquiring one-year residency visas is relatively straightforward, transitioning to permanent residency or citizenship requires additional steps.
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Documentation Requirements: When moving to Russia, meticulous documentation is essential. Detailed inventories, especially for items like electronics, must include serial and model numbers. SDC International Shipping’s movers will assist in creating an inventory list during loading. It is advisable to ensure the accuracy of this list and consider translating it into Russian for customs clearance purposes.
Checklist for Moving to Russia from the USA
Preparing for Your Relocation
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Immigration Documentation: Ensure you have the necessary immigration visas for your move to Russia.
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Identification Documents: Gather essential ID documents like your passport, birth certificate, and driving license.
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Educational Records: Collect academic records, including diplomas, certificates, and degrees.
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Key Schedule Dates: Set important dates such as booking a shipping company, selling your house, and notifying your workplace.
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Pet Preparation: Verify that your pets are vaccinated and have a pet passport for smooth relocation.
Shipping with SDC International Shipping
SDC International Shipping offers comprehensive importing services for your household items. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on settling into your new home. Our specialists can assist you with:
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Packing and Labeling: Expertly pack and label your belongings for safe transport.
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Navigating Restrictions: Understand any restrictions on items you plan to bring into Russia.
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Document Requirements: Ensure you have all necessary documents for customs clearance.
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Customs Formalities: Let us manage the customs process on your behalf.
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Fees: Receive transparent information about shipping fees and associated costs.
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Additional Services: Explore additional services tailored to your specific moving needs.
Get Started Today
Fill out our simple three-step form for a free quote or contact us at (877) 339-0267 to begin planning your move to Russia with SDC International Shipping.