Moving to another country for permanent residence. Which one should you choose and why?
Quite a large number of our compatriots one day think about the idea of how to leave Russia.
There are countless reasons for this. From dissatisfaction with the standard of living to ideological differences. It doesn't really matter. The important thing is that you have decided to go for permanent residence to another country and thanks to this article you will understand where to move to live, which countries need to be considered and which are better to overlook, and what is needed in order to receive the coveted document. There are several criteria that are key in choosing a country. These include standard of living, social benefits, security guarantees, high wages and moderate taxes. Also, one of the main questions is where to go to live from Russia without money. But not all countries that meet these criteria are ready to accept migrants. A fairly large number of developed countries that meet all or most of the criteria listed above have a very tough position towards migrants. And although they are the best countries to live in according to most people, they cannot be called the best countries to emigrate. I don’t want to call these countries completely inaccessible, but in 95% of cases you will not be able to move there without compelling arguments, such as, for example, studying, purchasing real estate, marrying a resident of this state. These are countries such as the Netherlands, Australia, Sweden, New Zealand, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, etc. The restrictions associated with moving to these countries are almost insurmountable.
Denmark
Danish citizens have access to all levels of healthcare and high-quality free higher education. Moreover, the country rightfully prides itself on income equality, national security and economic stability. The Danish government has virtually zero corruption and the highest level of transparency. But Denmark has one of the highest income taxes in the world.
Is everything really that scary? Where can you still get permanent residence and which country to move to?
First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the various programs that are constantly being introduced by certain states. They are aimed at attracting new residents to their country and with their help obtaining permanent residence is much easier and less expensive. At the moment these are the following countries:
Europe. Resort cities such as Slovenia, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta, Portugal and Hungary. In these countries there are practically no types of income other than tourism, so the authorities are interested in the flow of new citizens. If you have been wondering where to go to live from Russia without money, then this will be the best solution for you to emigrate.
Also, various programs are offered by countries such as the UK, Austria, and Switzerland. Obtaining permanent residence here is more difficult than in the countries described above, but it is still possible.
You can also consider not only European countries. We advise you to turn your attention to the Caribbean, namely to such states as: Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis. We are sure that you have heard almost nothing about them, but in vain.
One of the main criteria for choosing a country for immigration from Russia is the simplicity of this procedure. And in this regard, undeniable primacy goes to Malta. With an investment in the state of 300 thousand euros. (add here another 60 thousand for various expenses) Permanent residence is issued within six months. It is worth noting that absolutely all members of your family receive it, regardless of the number of people.
For some Caribbean countries, things are even better. There, with your investment of 100 thousand dollars (add here about 50 thousand for registration for each relative), you will have the opportunity to obtain full citizenship. The time frame is different for everyone, but often it ranges from three to seven months.
Finland
A global leader in public education and quality of life. Finland has achieved very good results in gender equality, human rights and accessibility to nature. However, Finnish citizens say that they lack quality food, entertainment and national culture. By the way, this state has very low military power.
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How to obtain permanent residence?
Each country has its own program that allows you to obtain permanent residence. Some countries can even issue citizenship. Everything is purely individual. Here are several ways to obtain permanent residence:
- Purchasing various real estate in the country you are interested in.
- Various investments in the economy of the country where you plan to move.
- Possibility of obtaining permanent residence through a residence permit. (Length varies. Typically lasts several years.)
The choice of state will directly depend on the method of obtaining permanent residence, which were listed above. Let's say that you decide to choose the investment option. Then the most successful option would be Hungary, since it is there that they offer the most favorable conditions associated with this option. And if here you can get permanent residence in 6 months, then in other countries it would take at least 5 years, and in more developed countries even 10 years.
If you choose the option of purchasing real estate, you can consider Portugal, which offers a residence permit, after which you can obtain permanent residence.
Australia
Australia is a rich country with quality indicators of life expectancy and standard of living. Australians themselves say that they are friendly, happy, and open. The public education system, developed infrastructure and political stability of the country are at a very high level. But the powers that be do not consider Australia a worthy adversary, and citizens speak of a meager cultural and historical heritage. But this is not surprising.
What are the best countries to live in?
We figured out that a fairly large number of countries offer favorable conditions for relocation thanks to various programs. Let's now turn to international rankings to determine the best countries to emigrate to. There is a world ranking of countries by level of happiness, which the UN provides annually.
For 2021, Finland was the happiest country. Indicators such as GDP per person, corruption, security, job security, etc. were taken into account. Next comes Denmark and Switzerland, which share 2nd and 3rd place. Russia in this ranking is located in 76th place between Belarus and Hong Kong. For comparison, in 2015 Russia ranked 64th.
China
China ranks second in economic development after the United States and first in terms of government and entrepreneurship. Rapid technological and economic development exceeds the quality of life of the average citizen, and therefore shows very poor results in categories such as gender equality, religious freedom and security.
Safest countries
Thanks to the Global Peace Index rating, we can find out which countries are the safest to move to and subsequently live in.
For 2021, Iceland tops the ranking. It is this country, according to authoritative researchers, that is the safest in all aspects of life, such as: the presence of conflicts and their scale, the level of stability within the state, the militarization of the state, as well as the level of security. New Zealand and Portugal took 2nd and 3rd places. Russia is located in 154th place between Sudan and the Central African Republic.
You should pay attention to Portugal, which is in 3rd place in the above ranking. There is almost no crime in the country, and obtaining permanent residence here is easier than in many other countries. When purchasing real estate for 500 thousand euros, you will receive a residence permit, and after 5 years you will be given permanent residence or citizenship.
Where is the available property?
Another important factor that is useful to consider when people think about how to choose a city to move to is the availability of a square meter of residential real estate. Moving is always associated with the sale of housing in the previous city of residence and the purchase of living space in a new city. The following rules apply here.
- Proximity to the center: Moscow and the Moscow region have the most expensive housing. The further away, the cheaper.
- City size: the larger the city, the more jobs there are, which means more expensive real estate.
- Proximity to the resort area: buying your own home within popular resorts is quite expensive.
Based on statistics for the 4th quarter of 2021, the cost per square meter of housing in different regions of the country is presented in the table.
Name of the federal district | Lowest price for 1 m2 of housing in the district, rub. |
Far Eastern region | Jewish Autonomous Region - 34064 |
North-West region | Pskov region - 32947 |
Siberian region | Altai Territory - 32202 |
Volga region | Saratov region - 30,000 |
Ural region | Chelyabinsk region - 29929 |
central region | Kursk region - 28046 |
North Caucasus region | Republic of Dagestan - 27110 |
South Region | Republic of Kalmykia - 26010 |
There is another important criterion for choosing a region of residence - the cost of the shopping basket. This includes a basic set of goods and services. According to this criterion, the cheapest place to live is in the Kursk, Lipetsk, Saratov or Belgorod regions.
the cost of living
From various sources you can find out that the most expensive country to live in is Switzerland. It is also necessary to note that you can obtain permanent residence only after 10 years of residence in this country with the status of a residence permit. But that's not all. It is necessary to pay taxes to the state in the amount of 100 thousand Swiss francs annually. If you think about it, this is not such a big figure for living in a country that is considered one of the best in the world.
The opposite of Switzerland is Hungary. Among the European Union countries, it can be called one of the most accessible and inexpensive in terms of purchasing real estate. For 35-40 thousand euros you can buy quite good housing. It is also worth noting that rent in Hungary is not expensive, and for 400 euros you can rent an entire house. When thinking about where to move to live, think about Hungary. Gorgeous nature, environmental friendliness and clean air, because there are no harmful industries that pollute the atmosphere, environmentally friendly products and low prices - all this can be a key factor for moving.
It is also worth noting Portugal, which has already distinguished itself for its safety of life. Prices here are also as flexible as possible, and for two adults 2 thousand euros per month is enough to pay for housing and living needs.
If you want to go to the sea
A large number of people love to relax on the sea coast. It is not surprising that resort towns seem to many to be the place to move for permanent residence, where it is warm and there is work in Russia. Indeed, few people can resist the temptation to live near the sea. But let’s consider what difficulties a person who is planning to move, for example, to the city of Sochi or to one of the cities of Crimea may encounter.
Crimea
This region recently became part of the Russian Federation. Now many Russians, when deciding which city to choose to live in Russia, also consider the cities of Crimea. There are places on the peninsula that are close to pristine nature; the environment here is not yet polluted; the wonderful maritime climate pleases with warm weather almost all year round. The large cities of Crimea - Sevastopol, Yalta, Alushta, Feodosia - have become favorite holiday destinations for Russian tourists.
However, like any resort region, Crimea has an inherent disadvantage - its entire economy is based on tourism. It is extremely difficult to find a job in the off-season. The situation is aggravated by the difficult economic situation in the banking and trade sectors. All this does not allow us to give a definite answer as to whether it is worth going to Crimea to live.
Sochi
The city of Sochi with its subtropical climate is known throughout Russia as the most popular resort. Everyone who vacations here involuntarily thinks about how wonderful it would be to move here from their city for permanent residence. The gentle climate of Sochi is due to its favorable location: the Caucasus Range protects the city from sudden temperature changes. Warm weather prevails here more than 200 days a year. There is no sweltering heat in summer, and winter is mild and frost-free. The resort town is very beautiful. There are palm trees, gorgeous flower beds, fountains, and amusement parks everywhere. The following factors oppose moving to Sochi:
- work in the city is seasonal, there is practically no work in winter, there is no industry;
- exorbitant prices for goods and services;
- very expensive housing to buy or rent.
Therefore, just like that, right off the bat, it will be difficult to move and “survive” in Sochi. This city is suitable for those who have a remote source of income, for example, a profitable business in their previous city of residence.
Business abroad. Where is it easier to open?
According to the ranking published annually by Doing Business, the country with the most convenient and loyal ways to start a business is the UK. But it is also worth considering the disadvantages, the most important and basic of which can be called high taxes, which are among the largest in all of Europe.
And again Portugal, which offers its residents much more favorable conditions for starting a business. Of all the countries, the easiest way to register commercial real estate is in Portugal.
It is also necessary to note such a country as Spain. It provides the most flexible conditions for regulating your own business.
USA
The US dropped four places from 2021 to 2021 and another place from 2021 to 2021, but it is still the strongest economic and military power in the world. Moreover, their influential media actually dictate their will. Americans know their country's business opportunities, respect religious freedom, value their culture, and are proud of their international power. Income equality and the environment leave much to be desired.
Getting used to a foreign country
This can be called one of the most important indicators that cannot be ignored, because moving to a foreign country can turn into both heaven and hell. The level of comfort depends on many factors, such as your family’s adaptability to new realities, the ability to make new acquaintances, language skills, etc. Here you can add a change in climatic zones, a change in mentality, and possibly a change in religion. Think about learning the language in advance so that you will feel less uncomfortable when moving.
It is worth remembering that the countries for immigration from Russia are as diverse as possible, and only you are free to decide which country to move to.
If you are not ready to radically change your way of life, then you should think about those countries whose mentality is as close as possible to ours. On this basis, we can distinguish countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Hungary. As you can see, most of them were members of the USSR, so the mentality of these countries and their inhabitants is as similar as possible to ours. It will be much easier to adapt to new realities in these countries than in Western Europe, but it is worth remembering that countries such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia are quite complex in matters of permanent residence and obtaining this status in these countries is very difficult. Bulgaria, on the contrary, is much more loyal in terms of providing permanent residence, but the standard of living in this country leaves much to be desired and does not exceed the Russian average and there is a risk that you will only get disappointment from moving there.
Let's put all the information together so that you can accurately decide and figure out where to leave Russia.
Spain. A country with a high life expectancy and standard of living. (Average age 82 years). Maximum free and loyal conditions for doing business, high level of medicine, many medical services are often free. It’s also worth adding here the gorgeous nature, a very high level of tourism development, friendly local people who will never pass by and will always help you
Hungary. When investing in the state, there is a chance to obtain permanent residence in no longer than 8 months, and not only for you, but for your entire family, no matter how large it is. Also, don’t forget about low prices, environmentally friendly products and gorgeous nature. The level of adaptability to new realities is as high as possible due to the similarity of mentalities.
Caribbean countries. The citizenship programs of these countries are the fastest in the World. For your investments in these states, you will be issued a Second Citizenship as quickly as possible. Also a huge plus is that the countries of the Schengen zone, which include England, Switzerland, etc. It will be possible to visit without visas. Also a visa to America and Canada, which you will receive for up to 10 years. Add to this the chic nature and the choice is obvious.
View programs in detail: Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica.
Switzerland. The crime rate is miniscule, the standard of living and happiness are almost the highest in the world. No corruption. A complete feeling of your safety. The only downside is the high cost of living. But if you are a self-sufficient person, then this country is perfect for you.
Great Britain. Maximum simplicity in starting your own business, but at the same time quite high taxes. An interesting state with a rich history.
Austria. It is also considered one of the safest countries according to various authoritative sources. The economy of this country is one of the most stable in the entire globe. The cost of living is also high.
Portugal. Easy conditions for starting and maintaining a business. Low cost of living compared to its closest neighbors. Gorgeous nature, minimal crime rate.
Based on the above, we can draw an unambiguous conclusion: where to move is entirely up to you, because there is no panacea in the form of an ideal country with a high standard of living and low prices. We can only guide you to make your choice thanks to the information we provide. Remember that you need to listen to yourself and your heart, which will definitely tell you which country to choose and where to go to live. Of course, everywhere has its pros and cons, but in any case you will find your happiness.
Singapore
Singapore is a rich country with very low unemployment and a rapidly growing economy. The city-state has a developed labor market, but income equality and the degree of political influence on the world stage leave much to be desired.
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Emigrating from the Russian Federation: methods and recommendations
How to emigrate from Russia? – there are 5 options. Various methods are common - from fleeing the country to school and work moves. These methods are simpler according to the documentation and other nuances, since in these cases you do not need to have high capital. Let's look at common methods.
Study and work
Studying makes it easy to emigrate. It is enough to submit documents to the university and receive a positive answer. The remaining nuances are a matter of time.
For studies, it is better to go to Europe, since the admission procedure there is much simpler than, for example, in America. For work, you need to choose the country where your specialty is in demand.
Statistics can answer the question of where it is better to emigrate from Russia. Consider your future direction at university or current work, and then look for countries where your directions are in demand.
Business and investment
For business emigration, consider the following countries: Andorra, Vietnam, Czech Republic, Australia, Great Britain, China, USA. Countries are listed according to the following criteria: opportunities for business development, low taxes, additional privileges for entrepreneurs (Interesting: How to attract investment in a startup? Experience in finding an investor from a company with a turnover of millions).
Marriage
Some people are sure that once they get married, they will be able to emigrate immediately. Yes, this is possible, but, for example, the American consulate requires proof of the authenticity of the marriage and union. Photos and videos are suitable as evidence. If you have plans to emigrate, then be active on Instagram, posting photos with your loved one. Oddly enough, photos on social networks from a year ago are also proof.
Historical Motherland
In order to move to your historical homeland, it is easier to indicate the presence of relatives. In this case, they submit a petition for reunification. In some cases, they may be asked to clarify the reason for the move. The person entering is required to have no criminal record and, in some cases, a certain amount of capital.
Refugee
To obtain such status, you need a lot of irrefutable evidence of danger to life. In such cases, a lawyer will help who can legally support the facts and act as an intermediary between you and the government, for example, the United States. If you have a turbulent political situation in your homeland, then it can also act as evidence of the need to change the country.
Reasons for refusal of refugee status:
- Early application was refused
- Fleeing from a country with a stable political situation
- No financial difficulties
- No evidence of persecution
Programs for pensioners
Pensioners can emigrate to a more comfortable country for living. The easiest way to obtain a residence permit is in Hungary. Also, a high level of healthcare is important for pensioners so that they have the opportunity to receive free treatment. The nuances of such emigration depend on the country; there are no general parameters. We advise you to start searching by level of healthcare, and then consider specific prospects.
The best cities to live in based on a set of selection criteria
Moscow and St. Petersburg are still considered popular cities among visitors. The Southern and Northern regions of Russia are not far behind them. Crimea and Sochi are also valued for their excellent climate and good standard of living.
Moving to Moscow
Moving to the capital promises prospects for many. But before you start packing for Moscow, you should know that this city is quite expensive. Therefore, it is better to create a financial airbag in advance for the first time. According to reviews from those who left, you will need at least 300 thousand rubles per person, enough to cover rent, security deposit, transportation and food for several months. For children with children the amount will be much higher. It is best to find a job before moving to the capital. This can be done in different ways:
- through large recruiting agencies;
- on classifieds websites;
- through branches of Moscow companies.
This precaution will help you avoid wasting valuable time searching for employers and will save money.
Moving to St. Petersburg
The city on the Neva attracts visitors with its beautiful architecture and leisurely life. Unlike the capital, rental prices are significantly lower here. As for salaries, they are also much lower than in Moscow. St. Petersburg is famous for its higher educational institutions and affordable fees. In addition, in your free time you can see monuments, temples and other attractions of the city on the Neva. The real estate market is extensive and offers visitors both apartments in the center of St. Petersburg and rooms on the outskirts or in residential areas at an affordable price.
Moving to the northern regions of Russia
According to Rosstat, the overwhelming majority of migrants choose the northern regions of Russia for permanent residence in the territory. This list includes:
- Murmansk region;
- Magadan region;
- Republics of Buryatia and Tyva;
- Far East.
In addition, the most popular northern regions for moving are the Arkhangelsk region, Krasnoyarsk region, Omsk region, Yakutia and Chukotka. According to Rosstat, the best cities in Russia to move to in the north are Novosibirsk, Omsk and Krasnoyarsk. Despite the not very high salary, these settlements are famous for their developed infrastructure, low cost of housing and acceptable climate. For those who want to move to the village, the government has prepared programs for relocating to the region and starting a business.
Moving to the south of Russia
The south of Russia is suitable for those Russians who love warmth. Most often, small towns in Crimea are chosen for moving. The cost per square meter of housing there is much lower than in central Russia. But you don’t need to expect big salaries when moving to such a region. As a rule, on average they amount to about 17 thousand rubles.
Permanent residence by the sea: moving to the resort city of Sochi, moving to the Republic of Crimea
Many residents of the cold Far East, Buryatia, Siberia or Yakutia want to move closer to the sea, to warm regions. Most often they choose Sochi or Crimea as their place of residence. It must be remembered that housing in large southern cities is quite expensive and is sometimes at the same level as the cost of Moscow apartments in the center. Therefore, it is best to opt for small towns in the Republic of Crimea or villages near Sochi.
It is necessary to take into account that wages in these regions are not very high, so many visitors take seasonal jobs serving tourists on the Black Sea coast, catching fish or processing fruits. The advantage is a warm, humid climate, fresh air and proximity to the sea.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Where is the easiest place to emigrate from Russia?
For 2021, European countries are still relevant, where you can go and often visit loved ones. The borders of Europe are located relatively close to Russia, the standard of living in the countries is high, social services, healthcare and education are developed.
Where do Russians most often emigrate?
Traditionally, Russians are more drawn to Germany and the USA. In 2021, taking into account the influx of refugees, the Czech Republic and small European countries took the lead.
Is it true that to emigrate from Russia you need to buy real estate?
Depends on the country. If your main purpose of moving is to study or work, then in most cases it is not necessary to purchase real estate. It is enough to prove that you have at least a small capital.
Where is the easiest place to emigrate from Russia? From the text above it becomes clear that emigration in 2021 is a controversial and difficult issue. It all depends on your initial data: capital, work, family, study, etc. It is difficult to find reliable statistics on emigration from Russia by year and for 2021. Comparing data from Eurostat and Rosstat, the data differs. Therefore, compare data from 2 sources of statistics for countries and cities of interest.