Russia

Russian Golden Visa

Russia offers no residency or citizenship by investment program. The war in Ukraine has also reshaped what is available to Russian nationals abroad, and eligibility now varies more for Russian applicants than for almost any other nationality.

Following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Commission recommended that member states stop granting residency and citizenship by investment to Russian nationals. The Caribbean programs subsequently suspended Russian applications, and sanctions on Russian banks have made cross-border transfers difficult regardless of program eligibility.

The position has changed repeatedly since, and published nationality lists do not always reflect current practice. Russian nationals should confirm eligibility with a licensed agent before shortlisting anything. Applicants holding funds and long-term residence outside Russia are in a materially stronger position than those applying from within the country, and complete source of funds documentation matters more here than on almost any other file.

Programs Open To Russian Nationals

Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment program applies no nationality restriction and has been the most heavily used route by Russian nationals since 2022. It grants citizenship on real estate investment from $400,000 held for three years, covering a spouse and children under 18 on a single application. The Turkish passport reaches 140 destinations and 26.0% of world GDP on the La Vida Passport Value Index.

The UAE Golden Visa grants ten-year renewable residency on property investment from AED 2 million, with no minimum stay requirement and the right to sponsor family members. Dubai has become a significant base for Russian investors, with established banking and property infrastructure. The UAE passport ranks 48th on the Index with 210 destinations and 71.8% of world GDP.