How did Depardieu obtain a Russian passport?
Gerard Depardieu was granted Russian citizenship in early January 2013, through a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin.
The decree cited the Constitution of the Russian Federation and stated that Depardieu, born in France in 1948, met the requirements for admission to citizenship. The Kremlin press service confirmed the decision.
Putin’s press secretary later explained that the president awarded the passport in recognition of Depardieu’s significant contributions to Russian culture and cinema. He noted that the actor had appeared in several major projects and had taken on bold roles, including a notable take on Rasputin, a project not yet released in Russia at the time.
According to Depardieu, Putin personally called and arranged transportation for him. The passport was formally issued during a meeting with the president in Sochi on the evening of January 5, after which Depardieu joined a private visit. In an interview with Canal+, the actor recalled, “Putin called and said, Gerard, come. He sent a plane for me. He gave me a passport.”
The rapid grant of citizenship sparked public debate, as this process typically takes much longer. Within a day, Depardieu traveled to Saransk, where regional leaders offered housing. He was soon awarded the title Honorary Udmurt, and in February the Chechen leader granted him the keys to a five-room Grozny apartment and named him an honorary citizen of the Chechen Republic.
In 2018, he received a residence permit in Novosibirsk and began pursuing a mix of commercial and cultural projects there.
Why did Depardieu seek Russian citizenship?
Beyond Russia, the actor also holds Belgian, UAE, and Algerian citizenships. In 2012 he renounced his French citizenship after France discussed a 75 percent wealth tax for individuals earning over one million euros. Although the wealth tax proposal did not pass, the move reflected a broader strategy. A Russian residency path can offer favorable tax conditions if one spends enough time there, while France maintained higher rates for high earners. Comparisons often point to Russia’s lower effective rates for residents relative to France’s top marginal rates during that period.
Economic observers noted that Depardieu’s attitude toward Russia resonated with some segments of the public and policymakers. He publicly expressed admiration for Russia and its leadership, and his stance became a symbol in discussions about democracy, culture, and national identity.
Business in Russia
After arriving in Russia, Depardieu registered as an individual entrepreneur and established a cultural center in Saransk in 2016. The regional administration noted attendance by the Mordovian president and leaders from the Russian State Film Fund at the opening.
Depardieu spoke of pride in his choice to live in Saransk and thanked friends who supported the cinema project, emphasizing the link between culture and spirituality. He later moved to Novosibirsk, where he founded a company under the name Tastes of France. The business produced French-inspired foods and related products; the company later wound down due to organizational concerns. A parallel venture with a similar name produced goods in Moscow, featuring a distinctive portrait of the actor on packaging.
Public records also show a registered entity connected to film and television production under Depardieu’s name, indicating ongoing engagement in the arts and entertainment sector.
In the summer of 2021, Depardieu and a Novosibirsk restaurateur announced a neo-bistro project named Gerarnya. Sanctions challenges delayed progress, but plans continued into 2023, with preliminary work underway on a site associated with the project at the time. Reports noted ambitions for an early-2024 opening in a historic district, with discussions about ensuring local talent and management support.
Where is Depardieu now?
In 2015 the public checked rumors about selling Russian real estate and changing citizenship, but those reports were denied. He publicly displayed his Russian passport in Moscow in October 2015 and stated a preference for Russian culture over American culture.
In a 2015 interview, he described his love for Russia and its people, stressing a sense of belonging. He also publicly stated a willingness to defend Russia’s cultural landscape, while noting it would not be appropriate to mix politics with acting. His representative has indicated that he does not support humanitarian withdrawal efforts and plans to maintain ties with Russia.
Later developments included a 2023 report about allegations by several women, which sparked discussions about honors and public roles. The episode drew attention from a wide circle of figures in the arts and politics, triggering debates about accountability and public life. Throughout, Depardieu has emphasized a continued affinity for Russian culture and people, while noting the complexity of political events influencing public perception.