Country updates
Welcome to our Country Information Page! Here, we've compiled essential information about various countries that could be invaluable for your travel planning, choosing a destination for relocation, relocating your employees, or expanding your business. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact us – we're always happy to assist!
Information
Population – 2 964 000 people (2021)
Language – Armenian
Сapital – Yerevan
Territory – 29,743 sq.km.
Armenia
Currency – Armenian dram (AMD)
Time zone – UTC+4
Phone code – +374
Religion – Christian
Nationals of 63 countries, including the EU, CIS, USA, UK, Japan and China, can enter Armenia and stay in the country for up to 180 days within a year without the need to obtain any immigration permits or visas. For citizens of 76 countries, including India and Turkey, E-visa is available, which can be issued for up to 120 days. Finally nationals of 57 countries, mostly African and Middle Eastern, would need to procure consular visa to enter Armenia, issued for the term corresponding to the purpose of stay.

For long-term stay in Armenia Temporary residence permit (TRP) must be issued. Most popular grounds for TRP include work, study, entrepreneurship (registering as an individual entrepreneur), family reunion.

Besides obtaining TRP, expats in Armenia would require a migration registration at the place of stay, and a “State service number” which is the combined social and tax number.
Immigration
✔ Armenia is a convenient transportation hub for Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) citizens due to its location.
✔ The country has a single customs regime for EAEU citizens.
✔ Armenia is at the cutting edge of digital and precision technologies, offering special privileges and simplified taxation for the IT-sector.
✔ Yerevan is a modern large city with a rich history and developed infrastructure, boasting a cozy bustling downtown as well as quiet and peaceful residential areas and suburbs.

About the country

Armenia is a country with a rich history, magnificent nature and welcoming people. Here you can visit majestic monasteries and ancient buildings, enjoy the beauty of mountain peaks and taste amazing local cuisine. We are happy to help you settle-in smoothly and feel at home.

Yerevan is a city with lots of myths surrounded it. To find out whether they are true or not it’s better to check it by yourself. We at Intermark support our clients with local Look-See Tour to help them navigate the city: (1) different areas to live in with pros and cons; (2) typical apartments & houses; (3) international Schools & Kindergardens etc.

We encourage our clients and partners to explore high-quality Intermark Homes service which is a booking services for daily accommodations for business and leisure or as a temporary solution during your relocation. There are number of advantages to stay in our apartments ensuring convenient locations; well-equipped interiors, flexiable housing options etc.
Welcome Tours, Home Finding
NEW
Information
Population – 4 400 000 (2021)
Language – Georgian
Сapital – Tbilisi
Territory – 69,700 sq.km.

GEORGIA

Currency – Georgian Lari (Gel)
Time zone – UTC+4
Phone code – +995
Religion – Christian

Georgia has one of the most liberal immigration policies in the world. The country allows to enter, stay and work without any visas or immigration permits for nationals of 94 countries. The term of such stay can be up to 1 year with the possibility of extending it indefinitely by re-entering the country.


Those willing to have documents for long-term stay and access to various social and consular services in the territory of Georgia can obtain a residence permit which is issued on the basis of work by the local labour contract, study, investment and real estate amongst a few others.

Immigration
Living in Georgia offers a blend of southern hospitality, a diverse landscape, and cultural richness. Its thriving economy, top-notch educational institutions, and culinary delights make it an attractive place to live.

• Get comprehensive travel insurance prior to arrival.
• Do not travel to South Ossetia and Abkhazia prior to your arrival.
• Do not transport over 10,000 $ in cash.
• Have a passport with over 6 months validity at all times

About the country

At our company, we understand the unique challenges expats face when looking for long-term housing in a new country. That's why we offer dedicated home finding services tailored to your individual needs. Whether you're relocating for work, settling in for a new phase of life, or seeking a long-term stay, our team is here to assist you every step of the way. From finding the perfect neighborhood to navigating through the complexities of agreements and documentation, we ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on settling into your new environment.

For those in need of temporary accommodation, we are proud to present our Intermark Homes service apartments. These apartments are ideally suited for expats on relocation, business trips, or even a leisurely vacation. Each apartment is designed to provide the comfort and coziness of home, ensuring that your stay, no matter how temporary, is a delightful experience. We take care of all the details, from paperwork to property checks, so you can enjoy a comfortable and worry-free stay.
Home Finding
Information
Population – 19 125 620 (2021)
Language – Kazakh
Сapital – Astana
Territory – 2,724,902 sq.km.

KAZAKHSTAN

Currency – Kazakhstan Tenge (KZT)
Time zone – UTC+6
Phone code – +7
Religion – Islam, Christian
Citizens of 79 countries enjoy visa-free entry and stay in Kazakhstan for the period of 14-90 days, depending on a country. For longer stay, a visa or temporary residence permit (TRP) is required.

Nationals of EAEU countries can work without a work permit. TRP sponsored by local employer allows them to stay and work for up to 1 year in Kazakhstan. Other grounds for TRP obtaining include studies, medical purposes, and family reunions.

Non-EAEU nationals need a work permit to conduct labour activities. Exception are in place for some employee’s positions, legal entity types, and industries.

A Permanent Residence Permit (validity up to 10 years) can be obtained by proving required amount of funds at a bank account (with some exceptions for certain professions and other). PRP allows its holder to enter, stay and work (as entrepreneur as well) in Kazakhstan.

Immigration
• Kazakhstan is located in the center of Eurasia, what provides great logistical advantages.
• The legislation of Kazakhstan is convenient for opening foreign legal entities. The procedure is simple and not time-consuming.
• There is a national program aimed to attract foreign investment.
• Kazakhstan has a flexible tax system that is convenient for business – small businesses have low tax rates. Moreover, the country has special economic zones.
• Kazakhstan has a very high level of digitalization of public services.
• Kazakhstan takes a balanced position in the field of international cooperation and is not under either Western or Russian sanctions.
• Kazakhstan has a very high level of customer service. Life in the country is comfortable, and at the same time, much cheaper than in Europe.

About the country

We are offering cross-cultural communication training to assist relocatees in navigating and adapting to their new surroundings.


In the training, we delve into the following areas:

  • A historical overview;
  • The specifics of the country's corporate culture and ethics;
  • Local traditions and customs;
  • The nuances of horizontal and vertical communication within companies, and essential management skills;
  • Useful tips for interacting with locals;
  • An exploration of local cuisine and the traditions associated with communal meals;
  • And many other intriguing topics.

All the information provided is grounded in personal experience.

For our corporate clients, we are pleased to tailor the training to meet the specific needs and wishes of their employees. Sessions can be conducted online, in person, or in a hybrid format.

Cross-Cultural Trainings

Features and advantages

- Capacity: Ideally suited for storing personal belongings and office furniture.

- Temperature Control: Ensures the preservation of items at any time of the year.

- High Level of Security: The warehouse is equipped with modern security and fire extinguishing systems.


When might storage services be needed?

- During international relocation.

- For long-term storage of office furniture during a move.

- When renting out housing and needing to free up space.

- During periods of uncertainty or waiting, when temporary storage of items is required.


Starting a business in Kazakhstan

  • The basic corporate income tax rate is 20%.
  • The basic VAT rate is 12%.
  • Companies and individual entrepreneurs with an annual turnover not exceeding 20,000 times the size of the MCI (Monthly Calculation Index) are exempt from VAT, plus a range of services are not subject to VAT.
  • For small businesses, there are a number of supportive measures, special zones, and regimes - Astana Hub, Special Economic Zones, Special Tax Regimes."

Almaty Warehouse

Information
Population – 35 640 440 (2021)
Language – Uzbek
Сapital – Tashkent
Territory – 448,924 sq.km.

UZBEKISTAN

Currency – Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
Time zone – UTC+5
Phone code – +998
Religion – Islam
Citizens of 8 countries can enter Uzbekistan and reside in the country without visas for a period of 30 to 60 days, depending on the visitor’s citizenship. For nationals of another 8 countries (Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Ukraine) a visa-free regime is prescribed without a limit on duration of stay. For a long-term stay most foreign citizens require a visa of the type that corresponds to the purpose of entry (work, private, business, etc.).

To work in Uzbekistan, a Work permit is required. The document is issued for a period of 1 to 3 years, depending on the category of a foreign specialist, which is assessed based on the wage level, education and other criteria.

A foreign specialist can start working in Uzbekistan after obtaining a Work permit, a Personal Identification Number (i.e. TIN/social number) and concluding an employment contract.

Immigration
• Uzbekistan is located in the center of Eurasia, which provides logistical convenience.
• The country has a comfortable taxation regime.
• Uzbekistan has a program aimed to attract foreign investments. At the moment, the country is experiencing an investment boom.
• Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is a modern large city with a rich history and developed infrastructure.

About the country

As a global company active in various regions, including seismically active areas like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, our commitment to ensuring the safety of our clients is paramount. We're dedicated to providing secure housing solutions and have prepared specialized materials for those residing in such regions.

We are offering to organize bespoke emergency safety training sessions. These are tailored for both residential and office settings and can be adapted to suit your needs. We are proud to have Rinat Khaibullin, a seasoned expert and former head of the Almaty Rescue Service, as our main speaker. His experience includes conducting sessions for international associations, ambassadors, and UN representatives.

Safety Trainings

Information
Population – 9 498 238 (2023)
Language – Belarus
Сapital – Minsk
Territory – 207,600 sq.km.

BELARUS

Currency – Belarusian ruble (BYN)
Time zone – UTC+3
Phone code – +375
Religion – Catholicism and Orthodoxy
Belarus supports entry visa system that is familiar for European countries, having 3 primary visa types marked by letters: C for short-term stay, D for long-term stay and B for transit. Nationals of 24 countries can enter Belarus without a visa (available stay duration depends on agreement with each particular country). Since Belarus is part of Eurasian Economic Union, citizens of other EAEU states including Russia do not require visas to enter and reside in Belarus. The same visa-free rule applies for nationals of Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Moldova, Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Generally Belarussian immigration procedures are quite complex. D-visa is not enough for long-term stay and work in the country. Those staying over 90 days must also obtain Temporary residence permit and a very specific document – Entry-exit visa. For work Special permit (work permit) is required, which can be issued on the basis of quota before foreign worker enters the country. The requirement to have a Special permit does not apply to EAEU citizens – however they still need Temporary residence permit for long-term stay.

Immigration
Belarus is a beautiful country in the center of Europe with an atmosphere of goodwill and order. Here you will find interesting historical sites and picturesque landscape. Other advantages of living in Belarus include affordable prices, excellent roads, clean streets, and, what is the most important, hospitable and kind-hearted people.

About the country

Over last few months quite a number of available apartments appeared on the market increasing supply significantly. Rental rates dropped down about 20%. At the same time demand dropped as well. To stay afloat in a situation when supply exceeds demand the Landlords became much more flexible and open to negotiations. This turned residential real estate market into Tenant’s market where potential Tenants have more choices and can get more extras included into the lease.

▶Important Legal news: Belarusian rental legislation has been changed recently and new regulation has been introduced. Setting amount of rental payment pegged to foreign currencies is prohibited till January 1, 2024. Already existing rental contracts must be updated according to this new legal provision prior September 22, 2022.

Home finding

Belarus is part of the Eurasian Economic Union along with Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Armenia. The payment of customs duties and fees for imported goods from member states is not applicable.

Inbound shipments from other countries are subject to import customs duties charged as 4 €/1 kg gross. All customs duties and terminal chargers at customs point client has to pay by himself via bank in Minsk at the day of customs clearance. Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from paying import customs duties.

Moving / Shipment of Personal Goods
Information
Population – 3 435 931 (2023)
Language – Moldovan
Сapital – Kishinev
Territory – 33,846 sq.km.

MOLDOVA

Currency – Leu (MDL)
Time zone – UTC+3
Phone code – +373
Religion – Orthodoxy
Citizens of 103 countries and special administrative territories are eligible to enjoy visa-free entry and short-term stay in Moldova – for up to 90 days within 180 days period. This list covers all European and CIS countries as well as many other states. While Moldova does not have a vast consular representation in the World, the state compensates it by having a developed E-visa system, which allows to issue all primary visa types, including visa D for work or entrepreneurial purposes.

▶ In order to obtain the right for longer stay in Moldova foreign national is required to obtain a Temporary residence permit. This documents also substitutes a work permit for those wanting to work in Moldova by a local labor contract, which makes the whole process easier from bureaucratic standpoint. Temporary residence permit is issued for 1-year term with possibility of extension and is not too difficult to obtain, since there is no extra narrow conditions like language knowledge tests or higher education requirements.

Immigration
Moldova is a small but friendly country in southeastern Europe with a rich culture and ancient sightseeing. Citizens of many countries can visit Moldova without a visa. It is cozy and comfortable not only to be a tourist, but also to live and work here.

About the country

After huge demand in the residential rentals caused by enormous number of refugees from Ukraine in February – May the situation on Moldova Residential rental market is slowly stabilizing. Huge demand of properties in spring caused significant rental rates increase which resulted in 50% -100% rates growth. Now the demand lowered down a bit though is still there. Rates are staring to go down but dramatic decrease is not expected. This is due to the facts that the inflation rate is growing as well as utilities’ fees are going up. During political conflicts and economic instability people are putting on hold properties’ purchase and some apartments which are not sold coming up for rent slightly increasing supply of available properties.

Home finding

It is required to submit the following list of documents for household goods and personal effects shipment: passport; detailed inventory list; pro-forma invoice; Moldovan identification (returning citizens); Moldovan resident permit (expats); resident permit/work permit (temporary imports); employment letter (temporary imports); diplomatic passport (diplomats); accreditation card (diplomats).

The import in Moldova is duty free for one time import for surface shipments for expats.

Moving / Shipment of Personal Goods
Information
Population – 3 400 948 (2022)
Language – Mongolian
Сapital – Ulaanbaatar
Territory – 1 564 116 sq.km.

MONGOLIA

Currency – Mongolian Tugrik (MNT)
Time zone – UTC+7 +8
Phone code – +976
Religion – Buddism
Nationals of 61 countries can enter Mongolia and stay without visa for a period of 14 to 30 days, depending on the country of citizenship, and nationals of 99 countries are eligible for electronic visa.

Registration of arriving foreign citizens is carried out by host party digitally within 48 hours after entry into the country.
Immigration
Nestled between Russia and China, Mongolia is a land of vast steppes, rich history, and vibrant traditions. Relocating to Mongolia offers an opportunity to experience a unique blend of ancient nomadic culture and modern urban life. Its friendly locals, low cost of living, and untouched landscapes make it an intriguing destination for many. Here we will delve into the important aspects of relocating and settling in Mongolia.

About the country

The most common types of residential real estate in Ulan Bator are apartments and houses. Apartments are generally more popular, particularly among younger professionals and expats. Houses tend to be larger and more expensive, and are more commonly found in the suburbs or outskirts of the city.
The most desirable areas for residential real estate in Ulan Bator are generally in the city center, particularly in the Sukhbaatar district. Other popular areas include the Bayanzurkh and Khan-Uul districts.

Home finding

Main Airport: Chinggis Khaan Intl Airport/Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Main ports for sea shipment: terminal Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia/ Xingang, China (not every sea line is available, please check before booking).

Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from paying import customs duties.

Cultural objects, paintings, antiques, carpets:
If it is for personal use, it can be imported duty free but value inventory or purchase invoice should be provided.
Moving
Natural Landscapes: Mongolia offers stunning natural beauty, from the Gobi Desert to the Altai Mountains. It's an ideal place for adventure and nature enthusiasts.
Economic Potential: In recent years, Mongolia has shown stable economic growth, mainly due to natural resource extraction. This can provide opportunities for business and investments.
Low Population Density: For those who prefer tranquility and solitude, Mongolia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world.
Lifestyle: Life in Mongolia can be significantly less stressful compared to densely populated megacities. A simple lifestyle can attract those seeking spiritual renewal or a break from urban hustle.
Real Estate: The cost of housing and land in Mongolia, especially outside the capital, can be significantly lower than in many other countries, making real estate investment or home ownership more accessible.

Country’s Advantages
Information
Population – 8 600 965 (2023)
Language – Serbian
Сapital – Belgrade
Territory – 88 361 sq.km.

SERBIA

Currency – Serbian dinar (RSD)
Time zone – UTC+1
Phone code – +381
Religion – Orthodoxy
Serbia allows a visa-free entry for citizens of 95 countries, including most Schengen Annex II nations and a number of others like China, Russia, and Turkey, for limited durations. Nationals of other countries must obtain a visa from a Serbian embassy or consulate. For long-term stays and work, a temporary residence permit is required. Foreign nationals working in Serbia need a work permit, that can be applied for at the Labor market office in Belgrade and typically takes 30 days to obtain.

Starting February 2024 Serbian government introduced a new Single Permit for Temporary residence and work in the country. The new Single Permit will allow more flexibility to foreign nationals to work with multiple employers or change employers and can be issued or extended for a period of up to 3 years.

Immigration
Serbia has a rich history, relatively low cost of living and simple entry rules for citizens of many other countries. The Serbian business environment is dynamic and flourishing, propelled by progressive economic strategies and a strong emphasis on innovation and technological development. In this overview, we will delve into the key aspects of relocating to and settling in Serbia, offering insights into what makes it a unique and appealing destination.

About the country

While the market has stabilized with declining rental prices, they remain higher than in early 2022. Foreign investment and buyers have also driven up prices in certain areas. Property purchase in Serbia offers foreigners a path to temporary residence, with improved immigration policies easing the way to permanent residency and citizenship. The most expensive properties are located in central Belgrade areas like New Belgrade, Belgrade Waterfront, Senjak, and Dedinje, with several rental-focused projects underway.

Home finding

Inbound shipments are subject to import customs duties. Amount of fees is determined based on the value of goods, freight and insurance value. VAT 18% is to be added on the top of declared CPT/CIF value.

Haulage time from port Rijeka, Croatia to Belgrade customs terminal: 2 business days.

Customs clearance: 3-7 business days.

A list of books is required only for export, and an export permit from the National Library may be needed. For paintings, we need a list for both import and export. For export, a special permit will be issued. For import, a public curator must be appointed for inspection.

It's important to note that the embassy letter for returning citizens should not be older than six months.

Non-Serbian speaking clients must have a public translator present during notarization, and the list should be in both Serbian and English. If the client speaks Serbian, a public translator is not needed, and the list should be only in Serbian.
Moving
Serbia absorbs about 60% of all Balkan FDIs. Serbia also won the EXPO 2027 bid and there are already a huge infrastructure projects on the way.
✔ Many nationalities, each with its own culture, values and beliefs, coexist nicely in this country. The official language of the state is Serbian, but English is also widely spoken especially among young-mid age population.
Belgrade is well known for its nightlife. It offers a wide range of cafes, clubs, bars, and entertainment options. Music festivals such as Exit in Novi Sad, Beer fest in Belgrade, Guča festival in Guča attract thousands of visitors every year.
Workforce is highly- and well-educated, relatively affordable compared to other countries, what positions Serbia as one of favorite destinations for direct investments.

Country’s Advantages