The Russian Golden Visa program is currently active and attracting applicants from Western countries and some from China, offering pathways to permanent residency through investment.
• Applicants can choose between two main routes: real estate investment or investing in an established company. • Real estate route requires at least one year of holding before applying, plus a six-month processing period, totaling roughly 18 months. • Company investment route allows permanent residency after six months; recommended companies are stable, large-cap firms such as Sparbank, Rosneft, or Gazprom. • Investments must remain in the chosen company during the processing period; after approval, investors can sell, reinvest, or withdraw funds. • The program allows permanent residency for the applicant and subsequent applications for their family. • Authorities are reviewing the program, and potential changes could occur in the future, though no immediate reforms are confirmed.
Takeaway: The Russian Golden Visa offers a relatively fast route to permanent residency for investors who commit to stable company or real estate investments, with flexibility after approval but limited changes during the application period.
