Quote: (12-28-2015 08:23 PM)trainwreck Wrote:
That's a great way to handle these issues. Actually, I'm having a close friend move to SPB in the Spring so I'm in the process of getting a 1 year multiple entry visa done. I'm trying to get my Russian back going by learning 30 mins a day and trying to talk to my russian friend here daily, but I'm doubtful that it will be good enough to game by the time summer arrives. Would I find a good looking girls in Moscow that speak English? I know overall the percentage won't be too high, but in a city as big as moscow, the sheer number will still be high, even if they would only be 10%? Especially, since it seems like most good English speakers I meet outside of Russia are either from SPB or MOW
I have a reason for being here, which is low taxes and easy entrepreneurship but I am starting to think that even this explanation is too complicated for them to understand. Especially since all the tax advantages here are for entrepreneurs, while the average worker has a quite effective high tax rate, lol
I usually speak Russian in Russia, so I can't really say first-hand, but the impression I get from others is that the level of English is higher in Moscow.
I've recently started to ask girls about their language abilities, though. It makes sense to ensure they can speak English or the language of whichever country you're planning to visit. Otherwise they won't be able to have a conversation with anyone and they'll end up driving you insane. Translating conversations and signs all day becomes tiring real fast. I guess that is another advantage to picking up Russian girls who are already abroad.
Giving a cover story is very easy in Russia: you can say that you decided to learn Russian for a few years. That's usually enough to convince them that you're not a tourist and won't bang them and disappear the next day. If they ask why you chose Russian, telling them that it's a "prestigious" language in Europe really impresses them - "Знание русского языка считается очень престижным в Европе."
It doesn't work in the Baltics and Ukraine because the Estonian/Latvian/Ukrainian speakers get offended and the Russians ask why you didn't go to Russia.
Quick rundown on visas. I've been meaning to do this for a long time:
Multi-entry business visas offer a lot of flexibility, but they can be problematic if you're planning to spend a long time in Russia. They can only be used for 90 days out of any 180-day period, so if you arrive and stay for three months, you won't be able to stay for the next three months while you wait for the clock to reset. Basically, they give you permission to stay for up to half of any six-month period.
If you wish to spend more than 90 days in Russia, you can use 90-day double-entry business visas, which aren't subject to the 90/180 day rule. However, you'll have to apply for a new visa four times per year (each 90 days). Processing usually takes 2-3 days for EU citizens applying anywhere in the EU, depending on where you apply.
Note for American citizens: you can get a 3-year tourist or business visa which will allow you to stay for up to 180 days. To reset the clock, you only need to travel outside of Russia for one day. You're not subject to the 90/180 day restriction if travelling on a 3-year visa. Again, this only applies to US passport holders.
Keep in mind that once you have a visa in your passport, you'll be somewhat "locked in". The reason is that the consulates don't like to issue new visas in passports which already have unexpired visas in them. If you need to change visas, let me know and I'll put you in contact with someone who can arrange it.
If you have two or more passports, make sure that none of your visas overlap, because that can result in a 5-year entry ban. For whatever reason, the FSB considers it a very serious offence.
Don't forget that you have to register each time you enter Russia. The easiest way is to get the inviting company to do it (the company which issued your visa invitation). They'll need a scan of your visa, passport 'face' page and migration card.
Other visa options for staying more than 90 days:
- study visas arranged through a universities or Liden & Denz (the only private language school that can arrange official study visas as far as I know). These can be a pain in the ass for registration, and they sometimes need to keep your passport for 30 days while they
- register a company and hire yourself as director. The work visa process is easy as long as your salary is at least 167000 Roubles per month (€2100 at today's rate). You'll have to pay 13% tax on that amount but the good news is that there are no other taxes (social and health insurance, pensions, etc.).
- residence permits, but I don't recommend them because the bureaucracy is difficult and you can get yourself banned if you make a mistake. They're also subject to cancellation if you spend more than half of the year outside of Russia.
Quote: (12-29-2015 04:52 AM)Phoenix Wrote:
Surely if 'being such a catch' is the problem, you can just tone it down?
Easy to do if only banging 1-2 times, but very difficult if you plan to keep them around for more than a couple of weeks. They'll eventually see your car, house/apartment, etc.