Job Discussion Forums

[Russiatobe]

Hi Everyone,

I am leaving next week to start teaching in Russia and I have a few questions.

1) Does anyone know the percentage of taxes that will be deducted each month?
2) If I get 28 days paid vacation, when does the school give them?
3) I have to get my own apartment, does that mean I have to pay for a security deposit too?

I know I will find out these answers soon enough, I just wanted to see if anyone knew beforehand.

Thank you!

[Sashadroogie]

Hi Russiatobe

Don't know much about St Petersburg, but your questions seem general enough. So I'll have a go.

1. Tax depends on visa status and length of time in the country. Full-time employees pay, I think, 13% tax. However, that tax rate is usually much higher when you start off. Can't remember, but it is something like double. In any case, this assumes that your salary will be all 'white' (through the books). I'd seriously doubt that it will be, except for a window-dressing portion. Most of it will be 'black' salary (undeclared to the authorities), thus sparing you, and your boss, taxes. A common practice throughout Russia - even Duma deputies and tax inspectors seem to do it.

2. In language schools, holiday time is usually decided between the employer and employee. Take it all in one go, or in two week blocks - whatever suits. Your company might put some restrictions on taking time off at peak-times or when other teachers have booked time too. In institutes, there is a fixed academic programme, so that limits things further. Depends where you are.

3. This is the hardest point. If St Petersburg is any thing like Moscow, then the short answer is 'yes'. Deposit is usually one month's rent. However, it doesn't stop there. If you use a real estate agent, you'll also have to pay them about the same sum - so that's 3 months' rent upfront. Deposit is supposed to be refundable, but be wary of this. Landlords don't seem to like the idea, so at the end of the lease, suggest not paying the last month in lieu of receiving the deposit. Domestic bills are usually covered by the landlord, though.

Actually, I'd press the company you are with to give you practical assistance with finding a place and negotiating with the owners. The school will most likely not want the headache, and just give you a few website links and send you off on your own. But, even if you speak good Russian, this is quite a challenge for foreigners. Many aspects of the whole process are bewildering, e.g. the pressure put on you to accept a dreadfully over-priced flat. For instance, I was expected to instantly agree and fork over the cash pronto whenever I viewed a flat, no matter how run-down it was. Also, while you are viewing a place, realtors sometimes have 'plants', people posing as other renters, who express a keen interest in the place, in order to show how desirable a location it is, blah blah blah... Not for the faint-hearted.

Don't really know your situation, but best of luck to you.

[smithrn1983]

[spbefl]

As far as deposits go, you would probably have to pay the first months rent and a deposit in the amount that the landlord decides (it may or may not be negotiable).

What you should know, is that if you use an agency (and there is almost no other way to do it), you will be charged a commission. This is between 50-100% of the price of the rent per month. That means, if your rent is 20,000 rubles/month, you pay that to the landlord + deposit, and then 20,000 to the agent. So depending on the deposit, you are looking at paying at least 40,000 rubles right off the bat. Fortunately, it's a one time thing, but you should be prepared for it.

Incidentally, I'm told (and have experience) that September - mid-January is the worst time to find a flat. After January, the prices drop dramatically.

[spbefl]

Also, make SURE you have a washing machine in your flat.

[Russiatobe]

Thanks so much for the responses.. I'm lucky that my school will have some places for me to look at by the time I get there. Hopefully, all will work out.

[Sashadroogie]

I hope it all works out for you. However, to avoid disappointment, try to limit your expectations re comfort-levels in interior design.

The very best of luck to you.