We’ll figure out why Russians need a residence permit and citizenship by investment, what methods of obtaining there are, and what the holder of the coveted document needs to take into account.
Obtaining a residence permit or second citizenship is becoming a particularly pressing issue for Russians today. On the one hand, entrepreneurs want to move freely around the world and not depend on visas while solving business problems. On the other hand, in light of the current international situation, the requirements for Russians abroad are constantly becoming more stringent.
This material will be useful to those who have not yet heard about the benefits of a residence permit, to those who have already decided to get it, and even to those who already have it. Looking ahead, a temporary residence permit can be obtained in several countries at the same time.
Benefits of a residence permit in Europe
First of all, a residence permit is of interest to Russians who want to move to another country. Obtaining this document becomes the first stage in obtaining citizenship through naturalization - permanent residence in a new country legally.
For wealthy Russians, a residence permit allows them to move freely around the world and use foreign real estate for longer than visas allow. For some entrepreneurs, an alternate airfield may be relevant, in case they suddenly need to urgently leave the country.
Someone invests in foreign instruments and wants to simultaneously obtain a residence permit or citizenship under a special investment program. In addition, a residence permit provides advantages and benefits for local residents - for example, it allows children to study on more favorable terms, and in some cases even for free.
For wealthy families, a residence permit allows them to open accounts in reliable foreign banks, protect family capital and structure taxation. And finally, someone dreams of moving to a warm and calm country in order to benefit from high-quality medicine and meet old age with dignity.
Residence permit in Russia
A residence permit is a status for a foreign citizen or stateless person, which gives the right to permanent residence in the Russian Federation for five years, to freely leave and enter its territory.
It is issued in the form of a separate document and is an identity card of a foreign citizen or stateless person. You can obtain a residence permit for a period of five years; upon expiration, it can be extended an unlimited number of times.
Obtaining a residence permit in Russia
For one category of citizens, obtaining a residence permit in Russia is the next step towards acquiring the coveted citizenship of the Russian Federation.
For another category of people, this is a good reason to forget what long queues are like at the territorial offices of the Federal Migration Service, which they must stand in order to get into the coveted quota and obtain a work permit.
In other words, a foreign citizen who has received a residence permit in Russia can carry out labor activities throughout the entire territory of the Russian Federation in any of its constituent entities without the appropriate permission to carry out labor activities.
It should also be noted that there are other bright sides of this status, such as receiving pension benefits in Russia and the right to freely choose your place of residence without prior approval from the Federal Executive Power.
However, any white side always has another dark side. If you compare a residence permit, or rather obtaining it, with other statuses in Russia, it will become obvious that obtaining a residence permit is the most difficult “acquisition”.
If you do not have registration at your place of residence in the Russian Federation as of July 1, 2002, or you are not a citizen of the Republic of Belarus, then you will be able to obtain a residence permit in Russia only after you receive a temporary residence permit. It is this condition that the legislator defined as a mandatory basis.
But it is not enough to obtain temporary residence; you must live under it for at least one year on the territory of the Russian Federation. So, in order to obtain a residence permit, the first step will be to obtain a temporary residence permit, and only after the temporary residence has completed one year will you be able to apply for a residence permit.
It is worth noting that applications for a residence permit from this category of persons are considered first and in the shortest possible time. It is important to know that a residence permit today is not burdened with any quotas and is issued without taking them into account.
If any of you are connecting your plans with Belarus in the foreseeable future, then keep in mind that citizens of the Russian Federation, in turn, also have the opportunity to take advantage of the same privileges as our neighbors. Documents for obtaining a residence permit:
- photographs 3.5x4.5 cm application of the established form identification document of the applicant temporary residence permit document that confirms that a foreign citizen has funds that can ensure that he and his family members live in the Russian Federation at least at the subsistence level document confirming the right to free of charge use the residential premises for further residence in it; a certificate indicating that the foreign citizen does not have HIV infection; a medical report confirming that the foreign citizen does not have infectious diseases that pose a danger to others.
A foreign citizen or stateless person who has received a residence permit is required to annually confirm his residence in the Russian Federation and provide information about his presence outside its borders.
It is worth noting the most common conditions in law enforcement practice that can serve as a basis for cancellation or serve as a refusal to issue it:
- Providing false documents or false information Inability to support yourself and your family members within the subsistence level Have been outside Russia for more than 6 months
A very important point that Federal inspectors so often forget to tell the applicant is the mandatory confirmation of their residence with a residence permit in Russia. Therefore, there is no need to relax at the sight of your treasured book and it is worth remembering that every year you are expected at the territorial office with a detailed report on where and how many times you went.
And don’t forget to submit a document that actually confirms that you have funds that will more than cover all the expenses of your household at a level not lower than the subsistence level for the next year, even the past one.
What is a residence permit
A residence permit is a document that gives the right to live without time restrictions in a country without being a citizen. The general scheme looks like this: first, on one legal basis or another, the applicant receives a temporary residence permit, then it is extended, and after a few years receives a permanent residence permit (PR). Having this status, after a certain period of time you can already apply for citizenship.
Temporary residence permit > Permanent residence > Citizenship
It should be immediately noted that in order to obtain citizenship through naturalization, as a rule, it is necessary to pass an exam on knowledge of the local language; the process itself takes many years, requires permanent residence in the country and payment of taxes. In addition, not all countries allow dual citizenship.
These disadvantages make naturalization not the most effective way for entrepreneurs permanently living in Russia. However, for wealthy people today, various investment programs are available that allow them to obtain a residence permit and even citizenship much faster, often without the obligation to permanently live in the country, and therefore become a tax resident.
What is a residence permit in Russia
The Russian migration system is constantly improving and changing. To date, several basic principles have already been established for foreigners and an effective algorithm for obtaining citizenship has been developed.
Foreign nationals cannot live and work in the Russian Federation without special documents. Initially, after moving, a person should apply for a temporary residence permit.
When living with a temporary residence permit, you need to think about what to do next. When the period of temporary residence permit exceeds six months, foreigners will be able to obtain a residence permit in Russia. Not every foreigner knows what it is and what privileges a residence permit provides. That is why an effective solution would be to seek help from experienced lawyers in the field of migration law.
Only competent specialists know all the advantages of a residence permit, understand the current legislation and will help you get around its sharp corners. Legal experts will answer all applicants’ questions, explain how much a Russian residence permit costs, what the document looks like, and what prospects a residence permit gives to its owner.
Today you can get professional legal advice online. On our resource, the services of the best experts are available around the clock, who will answer what to do next after you become the owner of a green book called “Russian Residence Permit.”
What does a residence permit of Russia give to persons with foreign citizenship? A residence permit of the Russian Federation, in comparison with a temporary residence permit of Russia, gives citizens a wide range of opportunities and obligations. A residence permit is a significant step towards registering a Russian passport. The document is a green book and allows you to permanently reside in Russia.
In addition, foreign nationals with a residence permit can: freely leave the country and return back; get a job without obtaining a special patent; arrange pensions, receive medical care, loans, educate children; move across the territory of Russia without notifying the FMS, since a temporary residence permit allows the owner to live and work only in the subject of the Russian Federation where he is registered.
After receiving a residence permit, citizens are required to annually notify the Federal Migration Service of their place of residence in the country. To do this, just fill out an application and send it to the territorial division of the FMS. Along with rights, foreigners who have issued a residence permit acquire responsibilities. One of the most important is compliance with the laws of Russia, respect for its traditions, rules and orders.
A person is also required to obtain registration at his place of residence, not leave the Russian Federation for more than six months, and have a legal source of livelihood.
How to obtain a residence permit for the Russian Federation Not all foreigners know what to do next after receiving a temporary residence permit. Registration of the next step is carried out according to a similar principle through the FMS department. The applicant must collect a list of documents, fill out an application, pay a state fee and submit all this to the Federal Migration Service at the place of registration.
It should be noted that there is a category of citizens who have the right to obtain a residence permit under a simplified program without a temporary residence permit. The preferential group includes specialists in rare professions and their relatives, citizens of the Republic of Belarus, native speakers of the Russian language, refugees and persons restoring citizenship of the Russian Federation. To purchase a residence permit within the federation, you must provide the following documents to the FMS:
- application of a certain format (Appendix No. 3); international passport; four passport-sized photographs; RVP; certificate from a medical institution, income statement, certificate of proficiency in the state language; receipt of payment of the state fee.
However, citizens also have access to the classic version of an application to the local migration service department. Validity period and possibility of extending the residence permit Having decided what to do next after the temporary residence permit and having decided to obtain a residence permit, you need to understand for how long the green book is issued and how long it takes to issue it.
A permanent residence permit gives the right to stay in the Russian Federation for five years. The number of extensions of this status is unlimited. You should annually confirm your residence in Russia and apply for a residence permit extension at the nearest branch of the migration service. Sample application to the Federal Migration Service for the issuance of a residence permit of the Russian Federation 144.6 KiB 301.
The decision must come in writing no later than 60 days after submitting the application. In some cases, renewal and issuance of a new green book may take six months.
At the time of re-registration, the citizen will receive a certificate stating that his residence permit has been withdrawn by the FMS for the purpose of re-registration after the expiration of the deadline. It is worth noting that a person who has submitted a request for an extension may be refused to issue a new book. Employees of the migration department have the right to do this if a foreign citizen violated the law on the territory of the federation, left the country for more than six months, etc.
The main ways to obtain a residence permit in Europe
- Employment
- Marriage with a local
- Selected place of residence
- Buying a property
- Investments in the country's economy
- Starting a local company
- Opening of a representative office of a Russian company
- Payment of lump sum (fixed) tax
Demanded specialists can obtain a residence permit through contract employment (blue specialist card). Spouses of local citizens also receive residence permits.
Wealthy people who are willing to consider moving to a new country without the right to work can obtain a national visa D (based on the chosen place of residence). To do this, you must have your own or rented housing and confirmed passive income (dividends, rental income, pension, but not employment).
Entrepreneurs and wealthy families can take advantage of investment programs for second citizenship and residence permits. Thus, a residence permit can be obtained based on the purchase of real estate, through investments in the country’s economy, opening a representative office or registering a local company. Switzerland and Italy also offer a flat tax regardless of income.
There are other ways, for example, family reunification, volunteering or scientific activities, and so on.
I would like to draw your attention to the fact that there are also illegal ways to obtain residency, for example, through fictitious ancestors. I strongly do not recommend dubious schemes. Not long ago there was a big investigation in Hungary and Romania and all passports issued under this scheme were canceled.
What does a residence permit provide in terms of work?
A foreign citizen permanently residing in the Russian Federation has the right to work in any Russian company and in any region .
does not need to obtain a work permit .
- VRP
Is it possible to get a loan from Sberbank with a residence permit?
- Marina Danilova
- 20.03.2020
Unfortunately, many companies do not want to hire migrants because they are afraid of problems with the migration authorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. At the same time, there is nothing difficult in employing a foreigner. The registration procedure and labor relations are regulated by the Labor Code of the Russian Federation. The rules are the same as for Russians. The only caveat is that the employer needs to submit a notice of hiring a foreign employee and make the same notice when terminating the employment contract.
Read more about employment with a residence permit.
Features of employment with a residence permit
What is the difference between a temporary residence permit and a permanent one?
As a rule, you can obtain a permanent residence permit after 5 years of legal stay in the country. As the name suggests, permanent residence permits permanent residence in the country and does not require renewal.
For example, if you received a residence permit in the Schengen area based on the purchase of real estate, for example, in Spain or Greece, then in order to maintain your resident status you cannot sell it for 5 years. However, once you obtain permanent resident status after the five-year period, you can already do this.
Another fundamental difference. If a temporary residence permit is obtained in several countries, then a permanent residence permit can only be obtained in one.
Permanent residence permits provide the same rights as citizenship, with the exception of the right to vote and be elected to government bodies.
Does a residence permit lead to tax residency?
In most countries, paying taxes does not depend on the presence of a residence permit, but on the length of stay in the country. If you receive a residence permit based on the chosen place of residence, you are required to reside in the country for more than 183 days a year. And, therefore, pay taxes.
If you spend less than six months in the country, then the extension of residence may be refused, since the authorities will consider that in this case a visa will be sufficient.
Investment programs allow you to maintain your resident status without permanently residing in the country, which means you do not become a tax resident.
The notable exception is the United States. Receiving a green card immediately entails the status of a US tax resident, regardless of how much time you spend in the US and where your sources of income are located. Therefore, before receiving a green card, I recommend planning tax migration or specifying another family member as the main applicant; in particular, the EB-5 program allows this. You will be able to join the program later.
What does a residence permit give in European countries?
The most attractive for Russians are 22 countries that are members of both the EU and Schengen: these are Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia , Finland, France, Czech Republic, Sweden, Estonia.
Another 4 countries of the Schengen area are not members of the EU - Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein. Having a residence permit from one of the 26 Schengen countries, you can spend unlimited time in the Schengen zone. You can also enter without a visa into the territory of 4 countries that are members of the EU but not Schengen: Cyprus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania. However, to enter the UK and Ireland, which are also not part of Schengen, you will have to obtain a visa.
As for these 6 EU member countries, you will have to obtain a visa to enter the Schengen territory.
Please note: a residence permit from a Schengen country does not provide visa-free entry into the UK and Ireland. In turn, even with a British investor visa you will have to obtain a visa to Schengen.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the unique country of San Marino, which is not part of either the EU or Schengen, however, residence permit holders can freely live and move around Europe and enjoy the privileges of an EU resident due to the absence of external borders and signed agreements, which also makes this country one of the most attractive for Russians.
There are also countries in Europe that are not members of either the EU or Schengen. These are Montenegro, Türkiye, Albania, Macedonia, Serbia. A residence permit of these countries allows you to live only on their territory.
In the summer of 2021, Montenegro and Moldova announced the launch of programs for obtaining citizenship of these countries through investment. To obtain citizenship, you must make a free contribution to the State Development Fund, and also purchase real estate in Montenegro. Montenegro has limited the duration of the program to three years and the number of applications for citizenship to 2,000 investors.
A passport from Montenegro and Moldova provides visa-free or simplified entry into more than 120 countries, including all Schengen countries, but does not allow you to stay on their territory on a permanent basis.
Citizenship by Investment in the Caribbean
Recently, Russia has been actively promoting investment citizenship programs for the Caribbean states: St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica.
A passport in the Caribbean can be obtained relatively quickly and inexpensively. And thanks to competition between countries, the conditions are becoming more and more interesting. In addition, after the devastating hurricanes of 2017, these countries reduced the gratuitous contribution - now it starts from 100 thousand US dollars, depending on the country. Citizenship can be obtained by the entire family of the investor, including parents, and it can be inherited. Caribbean programs have no residency requirements and recognize dual citizenship.
In my opinion, Caribbean passports are expensive multiple visas: they open entry into Europe, but do not allow you to live and work permanently.
Citizenship in the Caribbean primarily allows the investor and his family to live permanently in one of the tropical countries. These passports also provide visa-free access to most countries in the world, as well as the ability to optimize taxation. However, tax planning in the Caribbean requires additional structures, and in Europe, for example, it is impossible to live and work under it all the time, and there is a wary attitude towards their owners.
Important point. Applicants are carefully vetted by the same US office that issues green cards. If the applicant had problems with the law or with obtaining a visa from one of the countries with which a free entry agreement was signed, citizenship will be denied.
Obtaining a residence permit in Europe through opening a company representative office
Owners of a company in Russia who want to live in Italy or Latvia for more than six months, but remain a tax resident of Russia, can obtain a residence permit by opening a representative office of a Russian company.
The representative office performs an auxiliary function and does not have the right to engage in direct commercial activities. A residence permit is issued for 1 year with subsequent extension, and a permanent residence permit is issued after 5 years, after passing the language proficiency exam.
The advantages include low creation and maintenance costs, as well as the absence of tax obligations. The holder of a residence permit under this program can freely move and live in the countries of the Schengen zone as a resident of an EU country for 365 days, receive medical care and study in prestigious educational institutions in the countries of the Schengen zone and in the UK - according to the standards for EU residents, which are 30 % cheaper than for Russians.
Obtaining visas to the USA, Canada, and Latin American countries occurs at consulates located in Italy and Latvia. This simplifies and speeds up the procedure and guarantees a positive result.
What rights does a residence permit give?
The residence permit they receive gives foreign citizens very different rights. But the main thing is that this does not require you to renounce the citizenship of your state, if, of course, its laws allow this. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly a residence permit holder can do in Russia.
Firstly, he can reside permanently in the country. At least as long as the document that serves as an identification document is valid. A residence permit is issued for this period, if it is no more than five years. However, unlike a temporary residence permit, a residence permit can be extended. Thus, for those who do not plan to obtain Russian citizenship, VEJ is essentially unlimited.
Secondly, a residence permit gives the right to choose and change the region of residence without the consent of the migration service. This right is similar to what citizens of the country have. However, just like for them, this rule does not eliminate the need to obtain temporary or permanent registration at the place of residence.
Thirdly, the holder of a residence permit can freely leave Russian territory and re-enter it. There are no restrictions on the number or timing of visits. You do not need a visa to enter Russia.
And fifthly, submitting documents for a residence permit is the next step before the transition to Russian citizenship for those who wish it. However, for those who have the right to obtain citizenship in a simplified manner, a residence permit is not required.
Thus, for foreigners who have a residence permit in Russia, the rights are almost the same as for citizens. With the exception of political ones. In order to participate in the election procedure as a candidate or voter, you will first have to wait to obtain citizenship.
