Permanent residence through the Russian Investor Visa
There are several ways to move to Russia, gain residency, and eventually become a Russian citizen. In our professional opinion at Move to Russia, the most efficient way to do all of this is the Russian Investor Visa, often called the Russian Golden Visa.
Advantages of the Russian Investor Visa
No minimum stay
This exemption is unique to permanent residence granted under the program.
The whole family
One investment can cover three generations. A family of that shape can be 12 people.
Filed remotely
The application goes to the Ministry of Economic Development, not through an in-person immigration queue.
Permanent residency, with no minimum stay
A Russian Investor Visa gives you permanent residence in Russia, and with it:
- No minimum number of days in Russia.
- The right to register and live in any region.
- Free entry and exit.
- The right to work in any region without a separate work permit.
- Medical care under mandatory medical insurance, free education, and social payments.
- The right to vote and to stand in elections to local self-government bodies.
- Participation in referendums.
The same status for the whole family
Family members receive the same status as you:
- Your spouse
- Your children, including adopted children
- The spouses of your children
- Your grandchildren
- Your parents, including foster parents
- The spouses of your parents
- Your grandparents
Some clients treat this as a family investment and have the older generation make the qualifying purchase. All three generations then receive permanent residence.
An elderly couple with three adult children, each married and with children of their own, can mean 12 people on one investment.
An investment that can rise in value
A common way to qualify is to invest in real estate in Russia. The property has to be recently built, so many clients buy into projects that are still under construction and rise in value as they are completed. The return can be as high as 20–30% over one year. When the property is finished, it can be rented out or used as a home.
Less time than a temporary residence permit
The ordinary route was built to bring in workers from former USSR republics. It runs through the Interior Ministry: a visit in person, a heavy set of documents, and medical checks. It is often slow. The Investor Visa skips that stage.
| Temporary residence first | Russian Investor Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you apply | Interior Ministry, in person | Ministry of Economic Development. Documents can be filed remotely. |
| Permanent residence | After up to 3 years on a temporary permit | Granted directly |
| Citizenship | Only after that longer path | You may apply after 5 years, if you choose to |
For a large, multi-generation family, the Russian Investor Visa is the most direct way to move to Russia.
Alternatives to the Russian Investor Visa
An adult with no family connection to Russia or the USSR has other paths. None of them is as direct.
| Route | Status | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Values Visa | Temporary residence | A separate program for people who share Russia’s stated values. |
| Regional quota | Temporary residence | You must apply in person in Russia. In 2026 only 3,802 quotas were issued, and they are usually taken in the first month. |
| Shortage profession | Temporary residence | Employment in a field where Russia has a skill shortage. |
| Marriage to a Russian citizen | Temporary residence, then permanent residence | Marriage can lead to temporary residence, which can later be converted. |
| Diploma from a Russian university | Permanent residence | You complete a program that has official government accreditation. |
| Contract with the Russian military | Permanent residence for you and your family | A one-year contract. |
| “Russia — the land of opportunities” | Permanent residence, or citizenship in special cases | Reach the national final, or receive a recommendation from the organization. |
| Grant by the president | Citizenship | The president of the Russian Federation can grant citizenship. |
How to obtain a Russian Investor Visa
The most common route is a real estate investment. We help you choose a property for the region and the use you want, and we stay with you through the purchase and the application.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Gathering preferences | We start with the region you prefer and how you want to use the property. |
| 2. Property selection | We work with developers and shortlist newly built properties, not older than 2 years. |
| 3. Entry visa | We help you get a tourist visa so you can visit Russia and see the shortlist. |
| 4. Preparation | We help you get a tax number and open a Russian bank account. |
| 5. Purchase | We help you complete the purchase and check that the deal is done correctly. |
| 6. Russian Investor Visa | We collect the documents for you and your family and help file the application. |
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| From the first idea to purchase | 3–6 months. You set the pace. |
| You own the property before you apply | 1 year |
| Application after that year | 2–4 months |
