Why Russian Applicants Need a Second Passport Strategy

In today’s volatile geopolitical environment, an increasing number of Russian nationals are pursuing second citizenship not as a luxury, but as a practical risk-management tool.

Motivations range from relocation and family security to asset diversification and continuity of global business operations.

The Russian passport currently offers limited global mobility, ranking around 96th worldwide, and Russian nationals face heightened challenges with:

• Visa-free travel;
  
  
• Opening and maintaining foreign bank accounts;
  
  
• Cross-border investments;
  
  
• Enhanced due diligence across financial institutions.

Since 2022, many Golden Visa, Residency by Investment (RBI), and Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs have restricted or closed access to Russian applicants outright, regardless of net worth or compliance history.

While a small number of investment migration programs remain technically open to Russian citizens, these routes are:

• Fewer in number;
  
  
• Slower and more administratively complex;
  
  
• Often insufficient for meaningful EU or Schengen access.

As a result, Russian investors are increasingly adopting a two-step approach.

Instead of viewing citizenship as the final objective, they use select CBI programs that remain open to Russians to obtain a strategic second passport.

This “bridge citizenship” is not necessarily chosen for lifestyle or travel benefits, but for its ability to unlock stronger residency and citizenship pathways that are otherwise inaccessible when applying solely on a Russian passport.

At present, the two primary CBI programs available to Russian citizens are:

• Türkiye Citizenship by Investment;
  
  
• Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

Both offer legal second passports within months in exchange for qualifying investment. However, they differ significantly in cost, speed, credibility, and long-term strategic value.

In the sections that follow, we examine how these two options compare and explore the Golden Visa and residency pathways available to Russian investors holding a second passport.

Step 1: Secure a Second Passport Fast (Your Bridge to EU Residency Options)

There are two main programs that currently offer direct Citizenship-by-Investment to Russian nationals: Türkiye and Vanuatu.

Option A: Türkiye Citizenship by Investment 

Minimum Investment Options:

• Real estate: $400,000 held for a minimum of 3 years;

• Alternatives: $500,000 routes (bank deposit/bonds/funds/capital investment).

Timeline and Key Advantages:

• Processing typically 3–6 months, depending on documentation and compliance review;

• Well-established program with strong legal infrastructure;

• Broad international acceptance and relatively stable passport credibility;

• No physical presence required.

Who This Fits Best:

• Investors comfortable with property ownership;

• Families seeking inclusion of spouse and dependent children;

• Applicants prioritizing credibility and long-term structuring over speed alone;

Potential Difficulties:

• Mandatory holding periods;

• Translation and certification;

• Detailed source-of-funds documentation and Turkish banking procedures.

Option B: Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment 

Minimum contribution for a Single Applicant:

• $130,000 (~€111,300) under standard contribution-based routes.

Processing Speed:

• 2–3 months in many cases;

• Often regarded as a “speed-first bridge passport”;

• Minimal bureaucracy and straightforward capital requirements

Mobility Caveat:

• Passport strength is limited and inconsistent;

• Contribution is a non-refundable rather than investment with potential for returns;

• Best viewed as a functional gateway, not a standalone mobility solution.

Which Second Passport Is Best for Russian Nationals?

If your priority is…

• EU and Schengen Access: Türkiye. While neither passport offers direct EU or Schengen access, Türkiye’s geographical proximity and cultural ties make obtaining a Schengen visa and travelling to the EU more straightforward;

• Speed: Vanuatu's program is the fastest, offering citizenship in as little as 2–3 months;

• Cost: Vanuatu also has the cheapest program, though the cheapest pathway consists of a non-refundable donation;

• Family Inclusion: Both. The two programs both offer comprehensive family inclusion, including spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents;

• Property Investment: Türkiye. While both programs offer real estate options, the Turkish real estate is much stronger and likely to offer better returns.

Step 2: Unlock Stronger Residency-by-Investment Options With Your Second Passport

A second passport with stronger global mobility opens access to a wider range of Golden Visa and Residency by Investment programs worldwide, while also making programs that may have been technically available but operationally risky far more secure, predictable, and reliable.

Greece Golden Visa

Best Option For 2026: €250,000 Property Investment

• Available through commercial-to-residential conversions or heritage building renovations;

• One of the lowest-cost entry points into EU residency:

• Zero physical presence requirements.

Eligibility Rule for Russians with Dual Citizenship

• Application must be made under the non-sanctioned nationality;

• Full transparency across disclosures is essential.

Family Inclusion

• Dependents may be included even if they only hold Russian passports, subject to program rules.

Banking & Funds Transfer

• Proper structuring and advance banking setup are critical;

• A compliance-first approach avoids delays and rejections.

Portugal Golden Visa

The headline route in 2026: €500,000 Fund Subscription

• €500,000 in qualifying investment fund remains the primary route

• Real estate option discontinued in 2023

Note for Russian applicants:

• The Portugal Golden Visa has technically been open to non-sanctioned Russian nationals since 2024;

• However, enhanced due diligence and additional administrative burden is common;

• Holding a second passport significantly reduces friction.

Stay requirement and citizenship timeline positioning:

• Minimal physical presence (~7 days per year);

• Potential citizenship eligibility after five years, subject to prevailing law and compliance.

Malta Permanent Residence Program

Property Investment Route:

• Buy: €375,000

• Rent: €14,000/year

• 5-year commitment for both.

Government Costs:

• €37,000 contribution + €2,000 donation;

Why Investors Choose Malta:

• Stable EU residence status;

• No minimum physical presence;

• High standard of living.

Extra Non-EU Option: UAE Golden Visa

Though not part of the EU, the UAE Golden Visa is still an interesting choice for Russian nationals, as it is available to Russian nationals.

Property Pathway Threshold:

• AED 2,000,000 (~€464,500) investment in real estate

No Citizenship Shortcut:

• The UAE Golden Visa is residency only;

• Best suited for lifestyle, business, and tax planning.

How the “Second Passport Bridge” Works

• Step 1: Choose your bridge passport (Türkiye or Vanuatu);
  
  
• Step 2: Align banking, source-of-funds documentation, and compliance strategy;
  
  
• Step 3: Obtain bridging citizenship;
  
  
• Step 3: Apply for the Golden Visa or residency under the eligible nationality;
  
  
• Step 4: Add family members strategically where permitted;
  
  
• Step 5: Maintain compliance and plan renewals and citizenship pathways.

Build Optionality, Not Just Residency

For Russian investors in 2026, the objective is no longer to secure a single residence permit or passport in isolation.

The real goal is to build a resilient personal and financial structure that remains functional across shifting geopolitical, regulatory, and banking environments.

A well-executed second-passport strategy restores access, but more importantly, it restores choice to where you can live, invest, bank, educate your children, and plan for the long term.

When designed correctly, the bridge citizenship is not a destination but an enabler.

Strategic Options That Work in Practice

• Speed-first bridge: Vanuatu + EU residency options;
  
  
• Asset-backed bridge: Türkiye + EU residency options;
  
  
• Lifestyle and tax hub: UAE offers a strong and financially rewarding residency base for those for whom EU access is a lower priority

The most effective strategies begin with a compliance and eligibility assessment, followed by structured route selection aligned with long-term mobility, family, and asset-protection goals.

Plan Your Second-Passport Strategy Confidently with Investment Visa

Second citizenship and Golden Visa planning for Russian nationals requires careful sequencing, compliance alignment, and realistic expectations.

At Investment Visa, we assess eligibility, routes, and chances of success before you make any commitment.

If you’re considering a bridge citizenship, EU residency, or a combined strategy, start with a confidential consultation to determine what options are available to you in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can Russian citizens still get a Golden Visa in the EU?

• Not directly in most cases. However, Russians holding a second passport from a non-sanctioned country may apply, subject to standard due diligence.

What is the cheapest second passport available to Russians?

• The Vanuatu passport is one of the most affordable passports for Russian citizens with a $138,000 investment.

What is the minimum investment for Türkiye Citizenship by Investment?

• The minimum qualifying investment is $400,000.

Can I include my family if they only hold Russian passports?

• In many programs, yes. Dependents may be included even if only the main applicant holds the second passport, subject to program rules.

Is the UAE Golden Visa available to Russian citizens?

• Yes. However, holding a second passport significantly simplifies banking, due diligence, and administrative procedures.

Which option is best for long-term EU citizenship?

• Portugal Golden Visa: fastest citizenship eligibility;

• Greece Golden Visa: lowest cost for EU entry;

• Malta MPRP: strongest permanent residence stability.

The optimal choice depends on timeline, budget, and mobility goals.