During 2022 a noticeable share of Russians who left the Russian Federation did not settle permanently abroad. A sizable portion, about forty percent, eventually returned to Russia. This pattern was highlighted in a report described as a News piece, citing data gathered by Finion, a company that provides services related to obtaining residence permits. Finion’s team framed their conclusions around a survey conducted with their existing and prospective migration-service clients, totaling roughly 2,700 individuals who expressed interest in relocating or securing residency in another country. The takeaway from Finion’s newsroom is that in 2023 the overall appetite among Russians for registering residence permits abroad fell by about one-tenth of the previous year. This points to a pronounced cooling of demand for foreign residency among a notable segment of potential applicants.
Industry observers point to several factors behind this back-and-forth mobility. A key driver seems to be the tightening of rules surrounding residence-permit acquisition and the conditions tied to living in foreign territories. Specifically, reports indicated that Hungary planned changes to its residence-permit framework after February 2024, Cyprus was adjusting its value-added tax regime, and Greece announced higher minimum investment requirements to obtain a permit. These developments were cited by Anna Larina, director of NF Group’s foreign real estate division, in comments to the publication. Such shifts can raise entry barriers and lengthen the time and cost involved in securing a permit, which in turn influences decisions to stay or return home.
Another factor mentioned by Finion’s leadership relates to employment instability that might accompany a move abroad. If job prospects falter or the paperwork becomes burdensome during a foreign assignment, there is a higher chance that a residence permit would not be renewed. Vyacheslav Kartamyshev, the director at Finion, expressed this view in an interview with Izvestia, stressing that continuity of work often determines whether a permit is extended or terminated. The practical implication is that prospective emigrants should factor employment trajectories into their residency plans, recognizing that fluctuations in the labor market can directly affect legal status in a foreign country.
Experts also note that several European destinations are viewed as more restrictive regarding renewal policies for Russians. Some Baltic states, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia have been named as places where renewal might be unlikely even when applicants meet local requirements. In these markets, new, politically influenced conditions could come into play, adding another layer of risk for those counting on uninterrupted residency. This sentiment was echoed by Kartamyshev, who observed that these jurisdictions had begun tightening renewal criteria, pushing prospective migrants to reassess their options and timelines. Such regional variations underscore the importance of thorough due diligence and a flexible strategy when pursuing residency abroad.
Overall, officials in Russia signaled openness to returning residents, while clarifying that the invitation did not extend to everyone. Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the Russian president, commented on the topic regarding returning citizens who had left the country, indicating a controlled and selective approach to returns. This message aligns with the broader narrative of mobility and policy shifts that influence where citizens feel confident about relocating or reestablishing themselves abroad.
On a broader note, leadership discussions at the highest level further complicated expectations for those considering emigration. In a separate public moment, President Vladimir Putin referred to the case of a returning businessman, L. Fridman, underscoring that the country’s stance toward returnees would be shaped by evolving policy and national economic considerations. For migrants weighing future plans, such signals from top government circles indicate that the landscape remains fluid and that decisions about international moves should be revisited as conditions change. Throughout this period, the practical question for many potential migrants remained: what happens to those who return after attempting to establish residence elsewhere, and how does that affect long-term mobility and career prospects? Findings from Finion and accompanying commentary suggest a trend toward more cautious, calculated decisions rather than rapid or impulsive departures.
In summary the migration conversation among Russians in the early 2020s has featured a cycle of departure evaluation and often return. The forces at work include policy changes in destination countries, investment thresholds, tax regimes, and the security of employment horizons. For individuals contemplating a move, the evolving environment means a careful assessment of risks timelines and benefits before initiating a relocation process. Observers agree that the situation remains dynamic with policy adjustments and market conditions continuing to shape how many people approach the idea of living abroad versus returning home and how those choices will be managed on a practical level in the months ahead.