Working in Moscow

Luzhkov, mayor of Moscow for 14 years, is now well into a project to transform the hobbled Soviet capital into a world-class city for the 21st century.

The city abounds with large-scale prestige projects. In fact developers suggest that Moscow currently offers the biggest profit margins in all Europe. Around 864,000 m² of class A and B office stock was completed in Moscow in 2005 - a rise of 26.7% on the previous year - and demand for industrial stock continues to exceed supply levels. Many of central Moscow's buildings are now ageing badly, possibly providing even greater development opportunities in the future. The city is now offering more diversity - Moscow is opening up to the concept of business and technology parks expanding the range of commercial facilities now being constructed within the capital. In its 2005 review, Knight Frank highlights submarkets emerging in areas such as the Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, Leninsky and Zamoskvorechye regions.

As the quality of construction in Moscow moves towards western European standards, so do the working practices. Consequently there is a higher demand for safety supervisors/managers, maintenance supervisors etc. The sheer weight of new and existing projects offer work across the board.

Remember, though that the construction market in Moscow is still considered a variable feast. There are more grey areas in the Moscow business world than in the entire SAGA readership and anecdotal tales of both small and larger scale corruption abound. Hostile public reaction to some of the city's latest developments has caused Moscow's chief architect, Alexander Kuzmin, to suggest a gentler program of development and consolidation during 2006.

How much would I get paid?

According to Ernst & Young professionals, the labour market for qualified employees both in Moscow and in other rapidly developing regions throughout Russia is now in upswing.

Most advertised jobs in the construction world come with the tiresome ‘attractive remuneration package' stamp. However…

One leading internet recruiter recently secured a safety supervisor with a minimum of five years experience at project level a package of £20,000 with benefits.

A senior project manager has been rounded up to oversee the creation of warehouses, accommodation and maintenance facilities for the oil industry for £65,000 plus full ex-pat package.

A project manager working in Moscow for a major international construction and services group might expect a package of £50-£55,000 per annum with 40 days holiday per annum (inclusive of local holidays), two return flights per year, medical insurance, furnished accommodation provided (single status or married without children preferred) with local taxes covered by employer and provision of a car and driver.

How far would my salary go?

Increasingly cosmopolitan and with a price tag to match, Moscow is considered one of the most expensive cities to live in the world. In 2005 The Economist put the cost of living in both Moscow and New York on roughly level pegging. However it is possible to live relatively cheaply by ‘going native'. These days that doesn't have to mean variations on potato soup with many recognisable Western products available, albeit occasionally at a price.

A three-course meal with alcohol in a modest restaurant might cost £11 a head. A meal in a fancier restaurant might costs as much as £55 a head.

After decades of isolation, Russia is understandably still learning how to be an open society. Consequently the details of the rules that govern working in the Russian federation are prone to change quite frequently. Currently those wishing to travel to and from Russia require a formal invitation (hotel, employer) and both entry and exit visas.

All those wishing to live and work in Russia will, however, require a work and residency permit.

For up to date information, contact the Russian Consulate in London on 020 7229 8027, or visit the website below.