The founder of the social network VKontakte and the head of Telegram Pavel Durov has taken UAE citizenship, joining his existing holdings of passports. He now holds four citizenships: Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis in the eastern Caribbean, France, and the United Arab Emirates. The last time a new citizenship was reported was August 2021 when France was added to his list.
UAE citizenship became accessible only after amendments to the law were adopted in January 2021. The changes authorize granting UAE citizenship to investors, talents, and professionals in certain fields, including scientists, doctors, engineers, artists, and writers, along with their families. Experts note that Durov lived in the UAE for years and has notable achievements in informatics, which could have contributed to his eligibility and appeal for the passport that many regard highly.
Ivan Samoylenko, managing partner at B&C Agency, remarked that for wealthy individuals, a UAE passport opens doors for large-scale business development. He suggested that Durov could establish a company registered in the UAE, which would help integrate his ventures into the regional market. The passport is also seen as a status symbol that can elevate a business leader’s public profile, a trend common among Russian entrepreneurs who invest internationally. Samoylenko added that Durov’s choice reflects a broader mindset among modern IT entrepreneurs who see themselves as global citizens rather than bound by a single jurisdiction.
Samoylenko described Durov as a cosmopolitan figure who aims to transcend traditional boundaries, aligning with a broader image often associated with influential tech founders. UAE citizenship affords visa-free travel to 170 countries, access to education and health services, and, for someone with extensive work experience, potential retirement opportunities in the UAE. Telegram, Durov’s company, has maintained a strong presence in the Arabian Peninsula since its expansion in 2017, with its headquarters located on a prominent floor of a Dubai complex within the Dubai Media City free economic zone. Durov has publicly cited tax considerations in the UAE as a factor behind this regional choice, while experts note the strategic advantages of this arrangement for business operations. A leading consultant pointed out that opening banks in Europe or the United States with a Russian passport has grown increasingly difficult, making alternative passports more practical for global business activities. Looking ahead, analysts expect some IT leaders to reassess their passport portfolio as part of their broader business strategy, with Durov showing no immediate plans to renounce his Russian citizenship.
Island Passport for Immigration
Ivan Samoylenko observed that the primary benefit of obtaining a foreign passport for a Russian businessperson is to gain the political and economic credibility of the chosen state. This is particularly relevant in light of Western critiques of Russia, which some view as creating incentives to diversify citizenship. Saint Kitts and Nevis offers visa-free travel to 155 countries, including access to the European Union and the Schengen area, enabling smoother international mobility. The passport also provides an option to relocate quickly if circumstances require it, a factor cited by many investors seeking personal and professional flexibility.
Vladimir Krikorov from O2Consulting Family Office explained that acquiring a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport can be pursued through a non-refundable donation of about $150,000 or a real estate investment ranging from $200,000 to $400,000, with the property typically redeemable in five to seven years. For Durov, the path to second citizenship represented a practical option amid geographic mobility and evolving global opportunities. The practicality of an island passport is underscored by its potential to facilitate EU and UK travel without visa hurdles, a consideration among high-profile entrepreneurs who navigate multiple jurisdictions. The islands also house one of the most favorable tax environments, characterized by the absence of income tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains, according to Krikorov.
European passport for prestige
Samoylenko noted that French citizenship provides freedom of movement within the European Union and the Schengen area, along with the ability to obtain visas to many countries, including the United States and Canada, more readily. For Durov, French citizenship allows business activities to be conducted freely within EU markets. Krikorov observed that while the strategic rationale for France versus Saint Kitts and Nevis may be unclear, the move signals a desire to diversify the citizenship portfolio with a prestigious European option. The broader view is that Durov might be cultivating a collection of passports to enhance personal and professional standing on the global stage, a trend seen among leaders in the technology sector who operate across borders.