Beware the culture shock of coming back to Russia
Moscow has huge advantages, most notably its tax system.
A flat income tax rate of just 13% is "great for attracting top staff globally, but red tape issues - visas, work permits etc - sometimes encourage individuals to look at other markets" says Nick Rees, country director for Russia at global recruitment firm SThree.
However, if the low tax rate is a plus, another factor can be a minus: expatriates and Russians who've worked abroad can find the culture shock upon returning a real struggle to deal with.
Selivanona-Shoff, partner at international search firm Heidrick & Struggles says: "It depends whether candidates can use (this international experience) to adjust to Russian reality if they return. In the Russian corporate world there are examples at both junior and senior levels of individuals finding it very difficult."
Ms Selivanova-Shoff spells out what she means by 'difficult': "People in Russia think nothing about cancelling meetings at the last minute, or keeping you waiting for two hours without a word of explanation. It can be incredibly frustrating. Anyone working in the financial services sector in Moscow needs to learn to be very patient. If you think you can change these accepted patterns of behaviour, you will get very frustrated indeed."
Russians who have been out of the country for 15 years and who now want to come back following the financial crisis, need to be particularly aware of the pitfalls of 'coming home.'
Expat Arrivals, a website around the experience waiting for expats in Russia, points to a host of potential issues. "In business.......service can be absolutely shocking. It is not uncommon to be greeted by a shop assistant with the word 'Speak!" The general attitude is that if you don't like it, you can go somewhere else."
