Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, 1 in 10 Russian citizens have expressed a desire to emigrate (source). In 2025, Russian nationals exploring the options of a second passport are turning to alternative residency and citizenship programs that provide global mobility, economic freedom, and long-term security.
While some traditional Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs have suspended applications for individuals born in Russia, there are still viable, legal pathways available. This guide explores top-tier Citizenship by Investment for Russian nationals, highlighting current programs with open access and flexible requirements.
Among the leading options are the Portugal Golden Visa, El Salvador Freedom Visa, and Turkey Citizenship by Investment programs. These routes provide legitimate residency and citizenship options for Russians in 2025 and offer varying degrees of global access, tax advantages, and speed to citizenship.
What is Citizenship by Investment?
Citizenship by investment is a legal process where foreign investors obtain citizenship in another country through a financial investment. A citizenship by investment program typically requires a minimum investment, often through a real estate purchase or a non-refundable contribution to a national fund. These economic citizenship programs promote economic growth and benefit future generations.
While Russian citizenship by investment options are limited, many countries offer pathways that attract Russian investors seeking flexibility, security, and long-term opportunities for themselves and their families.
What are the Benefits of a CBI program?
Citizenship and residency by investment programs offer foreign nationals a pathway to alternative citizenship, providing numerous advantages. These programs grant security, mobility, and opportunities that traditional immigration routes often lack.
Here are the key benefits of citizenship by investment:
- Visa-Free Travel: Successful applicants gain access to visa-free travel across numerous countries, including Hong Kong and the Schengen Zone, making global mobility easier for foreign citizens with dual citizenship.
- Access to Social Services: Citizenship rights in a foreign country often include healthcare, education, and other essential social services, enhancing the quality of life for successful applicants and their families.
- Favourable Tax Implications: Many CBI programs offer minimal income tax burdens, making them attractive for foreign citizens seeking to reduce global tax implications while securing legal status in a foreign country.
- Expanded Economic Opportunities: Caribbean citizenship opens doors to foreign markets, allowing successful applicants to pursue business ventures, real estate investments, and other economic opportunities with fewer restrictions.
- Security for Future Generations: CBI programs offer a lasting legacy, as citizenship rights extend to future generations, ensuring a stable foundation for families in a foreign country with promising long-term benefits.
9 out of 10 people don’t know these benefits of citizenship by investment
Which Countries Offer Citizenship by Investment Options for Russian Citizens?
Several countries offer citizenship by investment options for Russian citizens, providing alternative citizenship through financial contributions or real estate investments. These programs grant global mobility, economic opportunities, and long-term security for eligible applicants seeking to expand beyond their original nationality.
🇵🇹 Portugal Golden Visa: Gateway to EU Residency
Portugal’s Golden Visa program remains one of the most reliable pathways to EU residency for non-EU nationals, including Russian investors. It offers a blend of lifestyle, legal residency in the European Union, and long-term access to a second passport for Russians seeking future naturalization.
Portugal’s appeal lies in its stability, low-cost living, and relatively minimal physical presence requirements. While a residence permit can be obtained quickly, full citizenship takes time and requires a commitment to integration.
✅ Key Advantages of the Portugal Golden Visa Program
- EU Residency Access: Legal permanent residence in an EU country with a track record of economic and political stability.
- Schengen Zone Travel: Visa-free access across 26 European countries.
- Second Passport Potential: Apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years, subject to basic language and integration requirements.
- Minimal Stay Requirements: 7 days in year one and 14 days over each subsequent two-year renewal period.
- Family Inclusion: Eligible to include spouse, children, and dependent parents.
- Investment Pathways:
- €500,000 in regulated investment funds
- €250,000 donation to arts or cultural preservation
- Company formation with job creation
- Attractive Tax Regime: While Portugal’s traditional Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) regime has ended for new applicants, alternative tax structuring options may be available depending on the investor’s specific profile. Personalized tax advice is recommended to optimize benefits.
- Permanent Residency Option: Investors may apply for permanent residency after five years if not seeking citizenship.
- Dual Nationality Permitted: Portugal allows dual citizenship, enabling global flexibility.
Note: While citizenship becomes possible after five years, processing times may extend up to 18 months due to administrative delays. Applicants should expect a longer timeline beyond the initial eligibility period.
This is a suitable program for those seeking a stable, long-term EU base, making it one of the most effective residency options for Russians in 2025.
Everything you need to know about the Portugal golden visa
🇸🇻 El Salvador Freedom Visa: Fast-Track Second Citizenship for Crypto Investors
El Salvador’s Freedom Visa is quickly gaining traction as one of the most crypto-friendly citizenship programs globally. It offers a unique opportunity for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and digital asset investors to gain citizenship through a crypto-denominated donation.
As the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, El Salvador is committed to fostering a blockchain-based economy. The Freedom Visa is an innovative citizenship by donation program designed for speed and simplicity.
🪙 Key Features of the El Salvador Freedom Visa
- Investment Requirement:
- A non-refundable $1 million contribution in Bitcoin (BTC) or Tether (USDT).
- Funds are allocated toward national development initiatives.
- Processing Time: Citizenship is typically granted within 6–8 weeks, making it a true fast-track second citizenship solution. Based on our experience at JH Marlin, processing may sometimes take slightly longer due to evolving administrative procedures.
- No Physical Residency Required: No need to relocate or visit El Salvador during the process.
- Dual Citizenship Permitted: Retain your original nationality while obtaining Salvadoran citizenship.
- Global Mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 135 countries, including the Schengen Area, most of Latin America, and parts of Asia.
- Crypto-Friendly Legal Environment: No capital gains tax on Bitcoin and robust crypto laws and incentives for blockchain entrepreneurs.
🌍 Who Should Consider This Program?
This is a targeted option, ideal for:
- Crypto investors and early adopters seeking legal residency in a blockchain-accepting nation
- Digital nomads and Web3 entrepreneurs
- Individuals who want to support crypto innovation and diversify their global status
The Freedom Visa is currently one of the fastest and most crypto-integrated citizenship by investment options for Russian nationals.
Everything you need to know about El Salvador Freedom Visa
🇹🇷 Turkey Citizenship by Investment: Strategic Eurasian Access
Turkey’s CBI program remains a compelling option for Russian nationals due to its affordability, geopolitical location, and investor-friendly structure. It provides a legal and straightforward path to a second passport without residency requirements.
Program Highlights:
- Investment Requirements:
- $400,000 in real estate (residential or commercial)
- $500,000 in Turkish bank deposits, government bonds, or qualifying venture capital funds
- Processing Time: Citizenship typically granted within 4–6 months; however, timelines may extend due to increased application volumes.
- No Residency Obligation: Investors are not required to live in Turkey.
- Dual Citizenship Accepted: Applicants can retain their Russian or other nationalities.
- Family Coverage: Include spouse and dependent children under 18 in one application.
- Visa-Free Access: Travel to 110+ countries including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and parts of Latin America.
- Access to E-2 Visa: Turkish citizens can apply for the U.S. E-2 investor visa, a key advantage for entrepreneurs.
🌐 Why Turkey?
Turkey offers a well-rounded combination of business opportunity, mobility, and real estate investment potential. It is particularly beneficial for:
- Investors looking for citizenship by investment for Russian nationals
- Families seeking relocation options without long stay requirements
- Entrepreneurs exploring the U.S. market through the E-2 visa
Everything you need to know about Turkey Citizenship by Investment
Comparative Overview of CBI Options for Russian Citizens
Program | Investment Requirement | Processing Time | Residency Requirement | Dual Citizenship | Unique Benefit |
Portugal Golden Visa | €250,000–€500,000 | 12+ months 5 years + for citizenship | 7 days/year | Yes | Path to EU passport, stable residency |
El Salvador Freedom Visa | $1 million crypto | ~6–8 weeks | None | Yes | Fast-track second citizenship, crypto-friendly |
Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program | $400,000–$500,000 | 4–6+ months | None | Yes | U.S. E-2 visa access, Eurasian base |
How to Choose the Right Citizenship by Investment Option for You
Choosing the right citizenship by investment option involves evaluating eligibility criteria, financial requirements, and long-term benefits. Foreign nationals must assess programs carefully to secure foreign citizenship, permanent residence, and global mobility that align with their goals and personal circumstances.
1. Review Eligibility Criteria and Background Checks
Before applying, understand the eligibility criteria for each investment citizenship program. Most require clean background checks with no criminal record. Foreign citizenship applicants must provide documentation and meet strict guidelines to ensure transparency. This step is essential for those maintaining original citizenship or seeking dual national status through permanent residence or direct investment.
2. Compare Investment Criteria and Financial Requirements
Each program has unique investment criteria, such as a financial contribution to a government fund or a direct investment in real estate. Consider your financial capacity, long-term residency goals, and whether retaining original citizenship is important. Also, factor in application fees, return on investment, and the economic stability of the host country.
3. Evaluate Long-Term Benefits and Mobility
Look beyond immediate approval and assess the long-term benefits of foreign citizenship. Consider visa-free travel options, access to global markets, and the ability to secure permanent residence for your family. Choose an investment citizenship program that aligns with your lifestyle, business goals, and the flexibility needed for future personal or professional plans.
How to get a second passport: Step by step guide and expert tips
Secure Citizenship or Residency by Investment with JH Marlin
Russian nationals continue to seek legitimate alternatives for second citizenship and global mobility. While some countries have restricted access in recent years, programs like Portugal, El Salvador, and Turkey remain open, strategic, and compliant options.
Whether your goal is access to Europe, a fast-track second passport, or entry into a crypto-friendly jurisdiction, JH Marlin can help guide you through each step with tailored legal and investment advice.
For more information about Citizenship by Investment for Russian nationals or to begin your application, contact us at jennifer@jhmarlin.com or visit www.jhmarlin.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, as of 2025, Russian nationals are still eligible to apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa program. While some European countries have paused processing for Russian applicants, Portugal continues to accept applications provided the investor passes enhanced due diligence checks and complies with all residency requirements.
Absolutely. El Salvador’s Freedom Visa is a government-backed initiative that legally grants citizenship to individuals who make a qualifying cryptocurrency donation. The program is fully regulated by Salvadoran authorities and is considered a legal and transparent pathway to second citizenship for crypto investors.
The speed depends on the country and the type of investment. El Salvador currently offers one of the fastest citizenship-by-investment timelines, often within 6 to 8 weeks. Turkey’s program takes around 4 to 6 months, while Portugal offers residency within months but requires a 5-year period before citizenship eligibility. For those seeking fast-track second citizenship, El Salvador is among the most efficient options.
St. Kitts & Nevis
Antigua
Grenada
Dominica
St. Lucia
Bahamas
Canada
Cyprus
Greece
Malta
Panama
Cayman Islands
Dubai/UAE