For many Russian citizens, obtaining a second passport through a Citizenship by Investment program (CBI) has become a practical and necessary path toward providing their family with political stability, greater travel mobility, and access to foreign markets for business purposes.
Given recent geopolitical shifts, travel restrictions, and financial sanctions, interest in Citizenship by Investment for Russians has surged. It is estimated that around 800,000 to 900,000 Russian citizens have permanently left the country since 2022.
This guide explores the best citizenship programs for Russian citizens, the benefits they provide, and what Russian applicants need to know about investment options, visa-free travel, dual citizenship, and eligibility criteria in 2025.
- Why are Russians turning to Citizenship by Investment?
- 10 Best Citizenship Programs for Russians in 2025
- Benefits of Citizenship by Investment for Russians
- Key Considerations for Russian Applicants
- Application Process for Russians
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Russians turning to Citizenship by Investment?
– Visa restrictions: Russian passport holders currently face limited visa-free access compared to EU or Caribbean passports.
– Financial constraints: Some global banks and investment platforms impose barriers for Russian investors.
– Mobility and security: Families seek foreign citizenship for dependent parents and children, ensuring long-term security and opportunities for future generations.
– Business operations: Entrepreneurs want to expand business ventures abroad and benefit from favorable tax structures.
According to the Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index, Russia ranks lower on visa-free travel and global mobility compared to Caribbean and European countries. This fuels demand for economic citizenship programs that offer stability, political security, and global access.
10 Best Citizenship Programs for Russians in 2025
Here’s an overview of the best citizenship programs for Russians, balancing accessibility, investment options, and global mobility.
01/
Hungary Guest Investor Program
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | 18+, non-EU/EEA/Swiss, clean record, good health, proof of means. |
| Qualifying investment | €250,000 in a government-approved real estate fund. €500,000 direct real estate purchase. €1,000,000 donation to a Hungarian public trust (supporting higher education). |
| Processing time | Around 21 to 90 days for residence permit issuance (case-dependent). |
| Residency requirement | No minimum stay required. |
| Path to citizenship | Around 8 years of legal residence (standard naturalization). |
| Main benefits | EU residency. Schengen short-stay mobility. Renewable long-term permit. Family inclusion. Pathway to permanent residency and eventual citizenship. Lower cost of living. |
| Tax considerations | Flat 15% personal income tax. Many capital-type incomes are also taxed at 15%. Social contributions can apply to certain investment income. Tax residency by 183-day rule/center-of-vital-interests for worldwide income and no wealth tax. |
02/
United Arab Emirates Golden Visa
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Non-UAE national, 18+, clean record and valid health insurance and/or medical fitness certificate. |
| Qualifying investment | AED 2,000,000 property purchase. AED 2,000,000 bank deposit. Business establishment/investment. Categories for entrepreneurs, scientists, highly skilled professionals, and outstanding students. |
| Processing time | Around 30 days (varies by emirate or track). |
| Residency requirement | Extended absences allowed. Residence permits are renewable every 5 or 10 years. |
| Path to citizenship | No standard pathway or route. Citizenship is granted exceptionally at the authorities’ discretion. |
| Main benefits | No personal income tax. World-class infrastructure. Banking access. Strategic business base. Family inclusion. |
| Tax considerations | No personal income tax on salaries/individual capital gains. 5% VAT applies. Corporate tax is 9% on business profits. Natural persons doing business may fall into corporate-tax scope if annual turnover is more than AED 1 million. |
03/
Portugal Golden Visa
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Non‑EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, 18+, clean record, proof of funds. Russians are currently restricted under EU sanctions, though policy may evolve. |
| Qualifying investment | €500,000 in approved investment funds. €250,000 in cultural or artistic projects. €500,000 in scientific or technological research. |
| Processing time | Delayed due to case backlog. Expect 12 to 24 months for approval. |
| Residency requirement | Minimal. 7 days in the first year, then 14 days every two years. |
| Path to citizenship | 5 years of legal residence, plus language and integration requirements. |
| Main benefits | EU residency. Schengen travel, family inclusion, and eventual full Portuguese/EU citizenship. Portuguese citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 188 countries. |
| Tax considerations | Progressive personal income tax rate of 14.5 to 48%. 28% capital gains tax for non-residents on Portuguese assets. Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status has been phased out but transitioning to the NHR 2.0 available for certain professionals in certain industries. |
04/
Italy Investor Visa
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Non-EU/EEA nationals, 18+, clean criminal record, proof of funds, investment commitment. |
| Qualifying investment | €250,000 in an innovative startup. €500,000 in an Italian company. €1,000,000 philanthropic donation (education, culture, science). €2,000,000 in Italian government bonds. |
| Processing time | 2 to 6 months. |
| Residency requirement | Must maintain residence in Italy and keep investment active. |
| Path to citizenship | Standard 10 years of residence before naturalization (unless EU reforms shorten). |
| Main benefits | Residency in Italy, Schengen mobility, family reunification, access to EU lifestyle and business opportunities. Italian citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 191 countries, making it one of the world’s strongest passports. |
| Tax considerations | Personal income tax of up to 43% plus surcharges. Lump-sum “flat tax” available: €100,000 per year on foreign income (+€25,000 per dependent). Property and financial assets abroad subject to reporting (IVIE/IVAFE). |
05/
Cyprus Golden Visa
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | 18+, valid passport, clean criminal record. |
| Qualifying investment | €300,000 in new residential real estate. €300,000 in commercial property. €300,000 in shares of a Cyprus-based company employing at least 5 people. €300,000 in units of a Cyprus-based investment fund. |
| Processing time | Around 2 months. |
| Residency requirement | Visit once every two years |
| Path to citizenship | Eligible after around 7 years of lawful residence. |
| Main benefits | Permanent residency from day one. EU lifestyle. Family inclusion. Strong healthcare and education access. |
| Tax considerations | Progressive personal income tax of up to 35%. Non-dom regime exempts foreign dividends/interest. 20% capital gains tax on gains from Cyprus real estate. |
06/
Panama Qualified Investor Visa
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Valid passport, clean record, proof of funds, medical certificate. |
| Qualifying investment | USD $300,000+ real estate purchase. USD $500,000+ in Panama securities. USD $750,000+ 5-year time deposit with a licensed bank. |
| Processing time | Around 6 to 24 months depending on route. |
| Residency requirement | No fixed minimum. Periodic presence advisable. |
| Path to citizenship | Eligible after around 5 years of permanent residence. |
| Main benefits | Immediate permanent residency. Family inclusion. Territorial taxation system. Strong financial hub. |
| Tax considerations | Tax considerations Territorial tax system, meaning foreign-source income not taxed. Personal income tax rates 0 to 25%. No wealth or inheritance tax. |
07/
Turkey Citizenship by Investment
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | 18+, clean record, valid health insurance. |
| Qualifying investment | USD $400,000 real estate purchase. USD $500,000 bank deposit. USD $500,000 government bonds. USD $500,000 investment fund units. USD $500,000 fixed-capital investment. Business formation with job creation. |
| Processing time | Around 3 to 6 months |
| Residency requirement | None but must hold asset for 3 years. |
| Path to citizenship | Direct citizenship upon approval. |
| Main benefits | Dual citizenship. Family inclusion. Access to US E2 Visa via treaty. Large Russian community. |
| Tax considerations | Residents taxed worldwide. Personal income tax is 15 to 40%. Capital gains tax rules vary by asset and/or holding. Property transaction taxes apply. |
08/
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | 18+, clean record, legitimate funds, some nationality restrictions. |
| Qualifying investment | USD $130,000 donation (single applicant). Around USD $165,000 to 180,000 for family applications. USD $200,000+ approved real estate. |
| Processing time | Around 2 to 3 months. |
| Residency requirement | None. |
| Path to citizenship | Direct citizenship with passport issued. |
| Main benefits | Fastest processing worldwide. Family inclusion. Fully remote application possible. |
| Tax considerations | No personal income tax. No capital gains, inheritance or wealth taxes. 12.5% VAT applies domestically. |
09/
Canada Startup Visa
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Valid passport, clean record, medical exam, innovative business, letter of support from designated VC/angel/incubator. |
| Qualifying investment | Qualifying investment Secure support from a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or incubator. Incorporate and actively manage the business in Canada. (no minimum personal investment required). |
| Processing time | Around 18 to 24 months. |
| Residency requirement | Must operate the business from Canada. Does not have a specific minimum stay requirement but must have enough means to support living in Canada for the first year. |
| Path to citizenship | Eligible after around 3 years of permanent residence |
| Main benefits | Permanent residence for family. Strong quality of life, Global investor network. Healthcare and education access. |
| Tax considerations | Residents taxed on worldwide income. Federal-level personal income tax of 15 to 33% applies plus separate provincial tax. Capital gains tax inclusion rate rising to 2/3 for annual gains of more than CAD 250k. Foreign asset reporting required. |
Benefits of Citizenship by Investment for Russians
– Dual citizenship: Most Citizenship by Investment programs allow Russians to keep their original Russian citizenship.
Business advantages: Ability to launch or expand foreign investment and business operations with fewer restrictions.
– Tax efficiency: Some programs offer lower capital gains tax or reduced overall tax burden.
– Family inclusion: Programs extend to dependent children, parents, and sometimes siblings, ensuring future generations benefit.
– Minimal physical presence requirements: Many Citizenship by Investment programs don’t require relocation or long-term residence.
Ultimately, for Russian applicants, a second passport is not just about mobility, it’s a safeguard. As the Global Intelligence Unit’s report on Global RCBI Report found, citizenship is now a “global insurance policy,” offering resilience in uncertain times.
Key Considerations for Russian Applicants
- Eligibility criteria: Some European countries restrict applications from Russian nationals due to EU sanctions.
- Investment requirements: Programs vary – from government bonds to real estate investment, venture capital funds, or donations.
- Government fees and due diligence: Applications involve government fees and extensive background checks.
- Permanent residency vs citizenship: Some countries, like Portugal, now only offer residence permits through Golden Visa programs, with Portuguese citizenship possible after several years.
Application Process for Russians
This means careful preparation and professional support are critical to ensure the road to approval is smooth.
1. Pre-application due diligence
Every program applies strict due diligence checks to verify the applicant’s identity, background, and financial standing. For Russians, these checks are particularly stringent given heightened international compliance standards.
Applicants must demonstrate a clean criminal record, a legitimate source of funds, and in some cases a full banking compliance review before moving forward. This stage often determines overall success, making professional pre-screening essential.
2. Choose your investment option
Depending on the chosen country, investors may select between several qualifying investments:
- Real estate purchases, often with minimum thresholds.
- Venture capital or government-approved funds, as in Hungary or Portugal.
- Bank deposits or government bonds, which carry lower risk profiles.
- Donations to public funds or trusts, which are simpler but non-recoverable.
The right choice depends on whether the applicant’s goal is long-term return on investment, fast processing, or family inclusion.
3. Submit application with government fees
Once the investment decision is made, applicants prepare and submit their formal application package, which includes identity documents, proof of funds, medical certificates, and government processing fees.
This stage also involves payment of due diligence fees, which cover background investigations. Timelines vary. For example, Turkey may process in 3 to 6 months, while Canada’s Start-Up Visa can take up to two years.
4. Receive residence permit or citizenship approval
Successful applicants are then granted either a residence permit (renewable long term, with a pathway to citizenship after several years) or in some cases direct citizenship (as in Turkey or Vanuatu).
Approval is typically communicated through an official certificate or permit, followed by the issuance of a passport or residency card.
5. Extend to family members
Most programs allow investors to include their immediate family members, such as spouses, dependent children, and often dependent parents.
This ensures that the benefits of visa-free travel, international education opportunities, and long-term security are shared across generations.
Including family members at the start of the application is generally more cost-effective than adding them later.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm that helps individuals find the right residency or citizenship by investment program to achieve their goals of becoming global citizens.
With offices worldwide and an experienced, multilingual team, we have supported hundreds of clients in securing citizenship, residence visas, and property investments, while helping them diversify their portfolios.
For Russian nationals, we offer dedicated support through our Russian-speaking consultants, ensuring clear communication and guidance every step of the way. We understand the unique challenges Russian citizens face in today’s landscape, and our team provides personalized guidance in line with international compliance practices, prioritizing programs with dual citizenship opportunities and simplified banking requirements.
At Global Citizen Solutions, we go beyond application assistance, offering comprehensive, localized support to help you achieve your long-term residency, citizenship, and investment goals with confidence.
