Introduction
In 2025, many people are asking: are there still Golden Visa programs for Russian citizens? After sweeping restrictions in Europe after 2022 due to geopolitical tensions, the answer is mixed. While most EU (European Union) residency schemes are closed to Russians, a range of Golden Visas for Russians remain open in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
For Russian investors and foreign investors, these investment programs are about more than legalities, they offer a secure route to obtain residency or citizenship abroad through investments in property, funds, or local economies. In practice, they provide a “Plan B,” improving global mobility, access to healthcare and education, and safer financial options.
The process, however, is more demanding than before. Banks impose enhanced due diligence, minimum investments have risen, and citizenship eligibility often depends on sanctions screening. This guide explores which Golden Visa programs for Russian citizens are still open in 2025, which routes have been closed, the investment requirements, minimum investment thresholds and timelines that matter most, and the compliance steps every applicant should prepare for.
Available Golden Visa Programs for Russian Citizens in 2025
Despite restrictions across the globe tightening, there are still a few esteemed non-EU and EU programs available for Russian citizens to start a new life abroad. Here are the best options in 2025:
The Hungary Golden Visa for Russian citizens (also known as the Guest Investor Program) was recently relaunched and is one of the most promising Golden Visa programs for Russian nationals seeking a European foothold.
– Investment: €250,000 in a government-approved real estate fund or €1,000,000 donation to a public trust.
– Residency: Long-term EU residence rights, usually processed within 21 to 90 days.
– Path to citizenship: Eligible after about 8 years of residence.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children.
– Why Russians choose it: Hungary combines a relatively low investment threshold with full Schengen mobility and an affordable cost of living in a European capital. The program is still new, and banks apply strict checks, but it remains one of the few EU options technically open.
– Investment: €250,000 in a government-approved real estate fund or €1,000,000 donation to a public trust.
– Residency: Long-term EU residence rights, usually processed within 21 to 90 days.
– Path to citizenship: Eligible after about 8 years of residence.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children.
– Why Russians choose it: Hungary combines a relatively low investment threshold with full Schengen mobility and an affordable cost of living in a European capital. The program is still new, and banks apply strict checks, but it remains one of the few EU options technically open.
UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa for Russian citizens is one of the most flexible Golden Visas in 2025, particularly for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who want a tax-free, globally connected base and enjoy visa free travel.
– Investment: AED 2,000,000 (around USD $545,000) in real estate; other categories include entrepreneurs, specialized professionals, and exceptional talent.
– Residency: Renewable 5- or 10-year residence permits.
– Path to citizenship: No direct citizenship route.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse, children, and dependents.
– Why Russians choose it: The UAE provides a safe, politically neutral hub with world-class infrastructure, modern healthcare and education, and no personal income or capital gains tax. Russian residents also benefit from established communities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as strong flight connections to both Europe and Asia.
– Investment: AED 2,000,000 (around USD $545,000) in real estate; other categories include entrepreneurs, specialized professionals, and exceptional talent.
– Residency: Renewable 5- or 10-year residence permits.
– Path to citizenship: No direct citizenship route.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse, children, and dependents.
– Why Russians choose it: The UAE provides a safe, politically neutral hub with world-class infrastructure, modern healthcare and education, and no personal income or capital gains tax. Russian residents also benefit from established communities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as strong flight connections to both Europe and Asia.
Turkey Citizenship by Investment
Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI program) is not technically a “Golden Visa,” but it remains one of the fastest citizenship routes for Russians.
– Investment: USD $400,000 in real estate (held for three years) or USD $500,000 in bonds, deposits, or funds.
– Residency: Not required, as the program grants direct citizenship.
– Path to citizenship: Passport and citizenship issued in as little as 3 to 6 months.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children.
– Why Russians choose it: Immediate Turkish passport, strong real estate market, and a large Russian-speaking community in Istanbul, Antalya, and along the coast. Dual citizenship is allowed, and Turkish citizens can also apply for the US E2 Visa.
– Investment: USD $400,000 in real estate (held for three years) or USD $500,000 in bonds, deposits, or funds.
– Residency: Not required, as the program grants direct citizenship.
– Path to citizenship: Passport and citizenship issued in as little as 3 to 6 months.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children.
– Why Russians choose it: Immediate Turkish passport, strong real estate market, and a large Russian-speaking community in Istanbul, Antalya, and along the coast. Dual citizenship is allowed, and Turkish citizens can also apply for the US E2 Visa.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa for Russian applicants remains one of the most well-established programs for Russian citizens to apply for, though in 2025 it is limited to non-sanctioned applicants and subject to stringent banking checks.
– Investment: €500,000 in qualifying funds, €250,000 in cultural donations, or investments in scientific research or company creation. Real estate is no longer eligible.
– Residency: Renewable residence permits valid for two years initially, followed by three-year extensions.
– Path to citizenship: Eligible for naturalization after five years of legal residence.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse, dependent children, and sometimes dependent parents.
– Why Russians choose it: Portugal offers a desirable lifestyle, high standards of healthcare and education, and access to the EU. For Russians who can pass the strict compliance checks, it remains one of the very few Schengen routes still technically available.
– Investment: €500,000 in qualifying funds, €250,000 in cultural donations, or investments in scientific research or company creation. Real estate is no longer eligible.
– Residency: Renewable residence permits valid for two years initially, followed by three-year extensions.
– Path to citizenship: Eligible for naturalization after five years of legal residence.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse, dependent children, and sometimes dependent parents.
– Why Russians choose it: Portugal offers a desirable lifestyle, high standards of healthcare and education, and access to the EU. For Russians who can pass the strict compliance checks, it remains one of the very few Schengen routes still technically available.
Cyprus Permanent Residence Program
Cyprus’ Permanent Residence by Investment for Russian citizens route provides straightforward access to permanent residency that functions much like a Golden Visa, making it a viable option for Russian citizens despite political sensitivities.
– Investment: €300,000 in residential or commercial property, shares of a Cypriot company, or investment funds.
– Residency: Permanent residence issued within months, with indefinite validity.
– Path to Citizenship: Eligible for citizenship after seven years of residence (or five years with stronger integration).
– Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children under 25.
– Why Russians choose it: Cyprus offers a warm climate, high-quality lifestyle, and proximity to Russia. It also provides EU residency rights, although citizenship pathways for Russian nationals remain politically sensitive.
– Investment: €300,000 in residential or commercial property, shares of a Cypriot company, or investment funds.
– Residency: Permanent residence issued within months, with indefinite validity.
– Path to Citizenship: Eligible for citizenship after seven years of residence (or five years with stronger integration).
– Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children under 25.
– Why Russians choose it: Cyprus offers a warm climate, high-quality lifestyle, and proximity to Russia. It also provides EU residency rights, although citizenship pathways for Russian nationals remain politically sensitive.
United States EB5 Immigrant Investor Visa
The US EB5 program is one of the most prestigious programs available for Russian nationals, granting a direct route to US residency and eventual citizenship.
– Investment: Minimum USD $800,000 in a government-designated regional center project or USD $1,050,000 in a direct investment.
– Residency: Conditional Green Card valid for two years, followed by permanent Green Card.
– Path to citizenship: Eligible for US citizenship after five years of permanent residence.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse and unmarried children under 21.
– Investment: Minimum USD $800,000 in a government-designated regional center project or USD $1,050,000 in a direct investment.
– Residency: Conditional Green Card valid for two years, followed by permanent Green Card.
– Path to citizenship: Eligible for US citizenship after five years of permanent residence.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse and unmarried children under 21.
Why Russians choose it: The US EB5 Visa provides access to the US economy, world-class healthcare, and leading universities, along with established Russian-speaking communities in cities such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Though processing times can be long, the program remains one of the most secure routes to US residency.
Panama Qualified Investor Visa
Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa remains a favorite among Russian investors seeking permanent residency.
– Investment: Real estate from USD $500,000, securities from USD $500,000, or bank deposits of USD $750,000.
– Residency: Permanent residency granted immediately on approval.
– Path to citizenship: Eligible after five years of residence.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children.
– Why Russians choose it: The Panama Qualified Investor Visa for Russian citizens programs access to a dollarized economy with political stability, and a strategic location between North and South America, and a reputation as a global financial hub.
– Investment: Real estate from USD $500,000, securities from USD $500,000, or bank deposits of USD $750,000.
– Residency: Permanent residency granted immediately on approval.
– Path to citizenship: Eligible after five years of residence.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children.
– Why Russians choose it: The Panama Qualified Investor Visa for Russian citizens programs access to a dollarized economy with political stability, and a strategic location between North and South America, and a reputation as a global financial hub.
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
For speed, Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment for Russian citizens is one of the most accessible Golden Visa-style programs for Russian nationals.
-Investment: USD $130,000+ non-refundable donation.
– Residency: N/A, as the program grants direct citizenship.
– Path to citizenship: Passport issued in as little as two to three months.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse, dependent children, and parents.
– Why Russians choose it: Vanuatu appeals for its speed and simplicity, granting citizenship in just a few months with no residency requirements. While travel access is limited compared to EU passports, it offers one of the fastest Plan B solutions available to Russians today.
-Investment: USD $130,000+ non-refundable donation.
– Residency: N/A, as the program grants direct citizenship.
– Path to citizenship: Passport issued in as little as two to three months.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse, dependent children, and parents.
– Why Russians choose it: Vanuatu appeals for its speed and simplicity, granting citizenship in just a few months with no residency requirements. While travel access is limited compared to EU passports, it offers one of the fastest Plan B solutions available to Russians today.
Canada Startup Visa
Canada’s Startup Visa for Russian citizens offers a unique entrepreneurship route for Russian citizens.
– Investment: No cash investment from applicant is needed, but endorsement is required from a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or incubator is needed.
– Residency: Grants permanent residence on approval, with interim work permits available.
– Path to citizenship: Eligible for citizenship by naturalization after about three years of permanent residence.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children.
– Why Russians choose it: Canada combines a high quality of life with strong healthcare and education, and offers large, well-established Russian-speaking communities in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
– Investment: No cash investment from applicant is needed, but endorsement is required from a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or incubator is needed.
– Residency: Grants permanent residence on approval, with interim work permits available.
– Path to citizenship: Eligible for citizenship by naturalization after about three years of permanent residence.
– Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children.
– Why Russians choose it: Canada combines a high quality of life with strong healthcare and education, and offers large, well-established Russian-speaking communities in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
Comparison of Golden Visa Programs
| Country / Program | Minimum Investment | Residency Length | Path to Citizenship | Family Inclusion | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hungary Guest Investor Program | €250,000 (fund) or €1,000,000 (donation) | Long-term residence (renewable) | Eligible after about 8 years | Spouse and dependent children | Low investment threshold with Schengen mobility and affordable living. Stricter banking checks for Russians are expected. |
| UAE Golden Visa | AED 2,000,000 (around USD $545,000) property (other routes available) | 5 or 10 years (renewable) | No direct citizenship | Spouse, children, and dependents | Safe, neutral country with modern infrastructure, excellent healthcare and schools, and no personal income or capital gains tax. |
| Turkey Citizenship by Investment | USD $400,000 real estate (hold 3 yrs) or USD $500,000 deposit/bonds | Direct citizenship (3 to 6 months) | Immediate Turkish passport | Spouse and dependent children | Immediate passport in 3 to 6 months, a strong real estate market, and large Russian-speaking communities in Istanbul, Antalya, and coastal cities. |
| Portugal Golden Visa | €500,000 (fund) or €250,000 (cultural donation); real estate not eligible | 2 years initially, then 3-year renewals | Eligible after 5 years | Spouse, dependent children, and sometimes parents | Highly desirable EU lifestyle with healthcare and education benefits though banking hurdles make approval case-by-case for Russian nationals. |
| Cyprus Permanent Residence Program | €300,000 in residential/commercial property, shares, or investment funds | Permanent residence, indefinite validity | Eligible after 7 years (5 years with integration) | Spouse and dependent children under 25 | Straightforward permanent residency route granting indefinite residency. Citizenship is possible but politically sensitive for Russian applicants. |
| United States EB5 Immigrant Investor Visa | USD $800,000 (regional center) or USD $1,050,000 (direct investment) | Conditional Green Card (2 yrs), then permanent Green Card | Eligible after 5 years of permanent residence | Spouse and unmarried children under 21 | Prestigious US residency option providing access to top universities, healthcare, and business opportunities but long processing times. |
| Panama Qualified Investor Visa | USD $500,000 real estate, USD $500,000 securities, or USD $750,000 bank deposit | Permanent residence from approval | Eligible after 5 years of residence | Spouse and dependent children | Dollarized economy, global financial hub, and strategic location between North and South America. Offers immediate permanent residence. |
| Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment | USD $130,000+ government donation | N/A (direct citizenship) | Immediate citizenship, passport in 2–3 months | Spouse, dependent children, and parents | One of the fastest citizenship routes, granting a passport in just months. Limited mobility compared to EU programs. |
| Canada Start-Up Visa | No fixed minimum (requires endorsement from VC/angel/incubator) | Permanent residence in 18 to 24 months | Eligible after around 3 years of permanent residency | Spouse and dependent children | Entrepreneurship-based permanent residency program with strong Russian diaspora communities. This leads to citizenship in about 3 years. |
Benefits of Getting a Golden Visa for Russians
For many families, the appeal of Golden Visa programs for Russian citizens goes far beyond the legal right to live abroad.
These programs provide a wide set of practical, financial, and lifestyle advantages that can significantly improve quality of life and long-term security.
01/
Greater global mobility
Most Golden Visas for Russians grant visa-on-arrival or visa-free access across the Schengen Area, comprised of 29 countries, or other regional blocs.
Even without immediate citizenship, securing a residence permit, for example through a Hungary or Portugal Golden Visa, makes short-term travel within the continent of Europe far simpler and more predictable.
Even without immediate citizenship, securing a residence permit, for example through a Hungary or Portugal Golden Visa, makes short-term travel within the continent of Europe far simpler and more predictable.
02/
A secure “Plan B”
One of the main reasons Russian nationals pursue a Golden Visa is to create a reliable backup option.
Having residency rights in another country ensures you can relocate quickly if needed, protecting your family from political or economic instability at home.
Having residency rights in another country ensures you can relocate quickly if needed, protecting your family from political or economic instability at home.
03/
Family inclusion
Almost all Golden Visa programs for Russian citizens allow spouses and dependent children to be included in a single application. In some cases, dependent parents can also qualify.
This means current and future generations can benefit from relocation opportunities, education access, and long-term security.
This means current and future generations can benefit from relocation opportunities, education access, and long-term security.
04/
Access to healthcare and education
Residency often comes with access to public healthcare and schools, while citizenship unlocks even more rights.
Russians securing a Golden Visa in countries like Portugal, Malaysia, or Canada can take advantage of high-quality healthcare systems and internationally recognized education.
Russians securing a Golden Visa in countries like Portugal, Malaysia, or Canada can take advantage of high-quality healthcare systems and internationally recognized education.
05/
Tax planning opportunities
Several golden visas for Russians are connected to countries with beneficial tax structures.
The UAE imposes no personal income or capital gains tax, while Panama operates a territorial tax system that only taxes locally sourced income.
Cyprus offers competitive corporate structures with low tax rates, and the United States provides a clear and stable tax framework through its EB-5 program.
Together, these options allow Russian investors to plan their global wealth strategies more effectively while securing long-term residency rights.
The UAE imposes no personal income or capital gains tax, while Panama operates a territorial tax system that only taxes locally sourced income.
Cyprus offers competitive corporate structures with low tax rates, and the United States provides a clear and stable tax framework through its EB-5 program.
Together, these options allow Russian investors to plan their global wealth strategies more effectively while securing long-term residency rights.
06/
Path to citizenship
Although not immediate, many golden visa programs eventually lead to citizenship.
For Russian applicants, this means a second passport and with it, wider global mobility and long-term settlement rights in attractive destinations.
Turkey and Vanuatu stand out by offering direct citizenship through investment.
For Russian applicants, this means a second passport and with it, wider global mobility and long-term settlement rights in attractive destinations.
Turkey and Vanuatu stand out by offering direct citizenship through investment.
07/
Lifestyle and quality of life
Beyond the legal and financial benefits, Golden Visas open the door to higher standards of living. Russians relocating to destinations such as Thailand, Portugal or the UAE enjoy modern infrastructure, safety, and a more international lifestyle.
Key Success Factors: Golden Visa Programs for Russian Citizens
1. Transparent source-of-funds documentation: Non-negotiable for approval.
2. Clear criminal and immigration record: A must for every program.
3. Banking readiness: Secure pre-clearance before transferring funds.
4. Family planning: Most programs include spouse and children; check adult dependent limits.
5. Exit strategy: Know when you can sell property or liquidate investments.
6. Choose the right geography: For mobility, prioritize UAE, Turkey, and Portugal. If you’re looking for a lifestyle-forward offering, consider Thailand, Mauritius or Panama.
7. Expect enhanced due diligence: Russians face deeper compliance reviews than most nationalities.
2. Clear criminal and immigration record: A must for every program.
3. Banking readiness: Secure pre-clearance before transferring funds.
4. Family planning: Most programs include spouse and children; check adult dependent limits.
5. Exit strategy: Know when you can sell property or liquidate investments.
6. Choose the right geography: For mobility, prioritize UAE, Turkey, and Portugal. If you’re looking for a lifestyle-forward offering, consider Thailand, Mauritius or Panama.
7. Expect enhanced due diligence: Russians face deeper compliance reviews than most nationalities.
Common Pitfalls for Russian Applicants and How to Avoid Them
01/
Bank onboarding falls through after you commit
Pre-clear with a local bank (or program-approved escrow) before you sign a SPA, fund subscription, or bond purchase.
Provide comprehensive source-of-funds (SOF) and source-of-wealth (SOW) documentation.
Provide comprehensive source-of-funds (SOF) and source-of-wealth (SOW) documentation.
02/
Choosing a closed or restricted EU program
For example, Spain is closed, Malta’s MPRP excludes Russian nationals, Italy’s investor visa has been suspended for Russian and Belarusian citizens, and Greece remains frozen for new Russian applicants.
Portugal is currently on a case-by-case basis for non-sanctioned applicants.
Portugal is currently on a case-by-case basis for non-sanctioned applicants.
03/
Over-reliance on real estate
Purchasing property may seem like the most straightforward route but, in fact, fund options in Portugal and bond or deposit routes in Indonesia and Panama are a safer option from a compliance standpoint.
04/
Assuming Schengen access comes with non-EU residencies
UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mauritius, and Panama don’t grant Schengen travel rights. You’ll still need a Schengen visa, and restrictions for Russian citizens remain in place.
05/
Ignoring program volatility
European programs change quickly. Spain’s abolition and tightening elsewhere in the region prove the importance of confirming in writing the rules on the day you file.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
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