In a move aimed at clarifying the pathway for foreign capital to participate in Russia’s economy, the prime minister’s office announced new criteria for obtaining a residence permit without first securing a temporary residence permit. The guidelines were published on the official legal information portal on January 4 and take effect from January 11. These rules define several distinct routes through which a foreign investor can pursue permanent residence status by making qualifying investments or holding qualifying stakes in Russian businesses and properties.
To qualify under the investment route focused on regional development, a foreign investor must commit to investing at least 15 million rubles within a three year period into projects deemed socially significant across Russian regions. The aim is to channel funding into sectors that have tangible public benefit, improve local infrastructure, and support socio-economic growth. Compliance requires not only the initial investment but also ongoing engagement with project milestones and reporting, ensuring that the funds contribute to measurable regional outcomes and job creation.
Another path permits the establishment of a legal entity within the Russian Federation in one of several permissible forms. The entity may be organized as a business partnership, a limited liability company, a single-founder joint-stock company, a peasant or farm economy, or a similar corporate structure. A central condition is that the business must be actively conducting activity for at least two years and must absorb state extrabudgetary funds in the form of insurance contributions. Importantly, the foreign national must be the sole participant in the company, whether in a joint-stock or a limited liability form, ensuring clear control and eligibility under the program.
A third option allows a foreign investor to inject at least 30 million rubles into a Russian legal entity that has already been operating in Russia for a minimum of three years. This route emphasizes sustained business presence and track record, linking the residence pathway to demonstrable economic activity and stability within the local market. The focus remains on enterprises with established operations and ongoing contributions to employment and local commerce.
A fourth avenue involves the acquisition of real estate with the purpose of securing a residence permit. The minimum investment thresholds vary by region: property valued at at least 50 million rubles is required in Moscow, a threshold of 20 million rubles applies to the Far Eastern Federal District, and at least 25 million rubles is necessary for properties in other parts of the country. Real estate investment as a means to residency ties immigration status to tangible assets and local real estate markets, while still necessitating adherence to related regulatory and financial obligations during the procurement process.
Historically, the State Duma signaled support for a broader reform package in December 2021, approving a draft government law that would simplify the process for issuing residence permits to foreign investors and their family members. The legislative intent was to streamline access to permanent residence, reduce administrative friction, and bolster Russia’s appeal to high-potential international capital. As with the current criteria, the emphasis rests on ensuring that investment activity aligns with national economic interests while maintaining clear eligibility rules for applicants.
Taken together, these provisions create a multi-faceted framework for foreign investors seeking permanent residence through business activity or asset ownership. Each path carries its own eligibility criteria, investment targets, and regional considerations, making thorough due diligence essential. Prospective applicants should assess their resources, timelines, and strategic objectives to determine which route best aligns with their long-term plans in Russia. While the policy signals a more accessible route for certain investors, it also imposes rigorous requirements designed to anchor investment in measurable economic value and transparent governance.
In summary, the approved criteria aim to balance openness to international investment with accountability and regional development. For officials and stakeholders alike, the framework presents a structured, policy-driven approach to residency that rewards sustained economic participation and responsible ownership in Russia’s evolving market landscape. Investors are advised to consult official guidance and consider professional counsel to navigate the nuances of regional thresholds, corporate forms, and property regulations as they pursue permanent residence status.