Investor Residence Permit

Russia's Investor Residence Permit, commonly known as Russia's "Golden Visa," grants foreign nationals a permanent residence permit based on qualifying investment in the Russian economy. Established by Federal Law No. 357-FZ of 14 July 2022 and Government Resolution No. 2573, the program bypasses the temporary residence permit stage entirely. The Ministry of Economic Development assesses investment criteria, while the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) processes residence permit applications. The program took effect on 11 January 2023.

• Foreign citizen or stateless person meeting one of four investment criteria:
  • Socially significant projects: At least RUB 15 million invested in socially significant regional projects within 3 years prior to application, confirmed by the regional executive authority
  • Business ownership: Sole ownership of a Russian commercial entity (LLC, joint-stock company, etc.) operating for 2+ consecutive years with annual tax/fee payments of at least RUB 4 million
  • Business investment: At least RUB 30 million invested in an existing Russian commercial entity that has operated for 3+ years and pays at least RUB 6 million annually in taxes and fees
  • Real estate: Property acquired during construction or within 2 years of commissioning, held for at least 1 year with no encumbrances, with minimum cadastral value of RUB 50 million (Moscow), RUB 20 million (Far Eastern Federal District), or RUB 25 million (other regions)
• No educational or professional qualifications required
• Valid voluntary medical insurance (VHI/DMS) covering Russia
• Knowledge of Russian language, history, and law (examination exemption for men 65+ and women 63+)
• State fee of RUB 6,000

• Valid passport
• 4 passport-sized photographs (35x45 mm)
• Confirmation letter from the Ministry of Economic Development
• Medical examination certificates (absence of dangerous infectious diseases, drug addiction)
• Certificate of Russian language, history, and law knowledge (with age exemptions)
• Proof of housing in Russia (required after 3 years of residence)
• State fee payment receipt

The permanent residence permit is issued for an indefinite period and does not require renewal. Document replacement is required at ages 14, 25, and 45, or upon changes to personal data. Once granted, the permit remains valid even if the investment is subsequently divested.

Eligible family members include spouses, children (including adopted), children's spouses, parents (including adoptive), parents' spouses, grandparents, and grandchildren -- covering up to five generations. All receive the same indefinite permanent residence permit and the right to live and work anywhere in Russia without a separate work permit. Adult family members aged 18-65 (men) or 18-63 (women) must pass Russian language, history, and law examinations.

Tax residency is based on physical presence. Individuals present in Russia for 183+ days per calendar year are tax residents subject to 13% personal income tax (15% on income exceeding RUB 5 million per year). Non-residents are taxed at 30%. Russia maintains double taxation treaties with numerous countries. Foreign bank account openings and closings must be reported within 1 month, and annual reports on foreign account activity are due by 1 June.

The process operates in two stages:

1. Investment assessment: Submit an application with supporting investment documentation to the Ministry of Economic Development. The Ministry verifies information through the Federal Tax Service and Roskadastr (Federal Cadastral Agency) and issues a confirmation or denial within 30 business days.

2. Residence permit application: Upon receiving a positive confirmation, apply in person at the territorial MVD migration office. Processing takes up to 4 months. The applicant must be present in Russia (applications from abroad are not accepted) and must first enter on an appropriate visa, typically a business visa.

The overall process from initial application to permit issuance takes approximately 5-6 months at minimum.

International sanctions significantly affect accessibility: 23 Russian banks have been disconnected from SWIFT, making international fund transfers practically impossible for investors from many Western countries. Real estate investments must be in new-build properties (acquired during construction or within 2 years of commissioning) -- secondary market properties do not qualify, and properties must be free of any encumbrances or mortgages. Investor residence permit holders are reportedly exempt from the standard six-month annual presence requirement following a 2025 amendment. Holders must submit an annual notification to the MVD within 2 months of each anniversary of permit issuance, and failure to submit for 2 consecutive years constitutes grounds for permit annulment. As of May 2025, only 40 investors had been approved since launch, with an average investment exceeding RUB 115 million.