Under Government Decree No. 2573, foreign nationals can apply for an Investor VNZh (residence permit) by investing in Russia. The permit is indefinite (permanent), re-issued every ~10 years, and grants full residence rights.
There are four main pathways:
- Invest in a regionally approved socially significant project (≥15 million ₽).
- Found a company in Russia and pay annual taxes + insurance contributions ≥4 million ₽.
- Invest ≥30 million ₽ in a Russian company and ensure previous year’s taxes ≥6 million ₽.
- Buy property in Russia and hold ≥1 year:
- 50 million ₽ in Moscow
- 25 million ₽ in other regions
- 20 million ₽ in the Far East
Investment Pathways Explained
1. Socially Significant Project
- Minimum: 15 million ₽ investment.
- Must be confirmed as “socially significant” by regional authorities.
- Typical examples: infrastructure, industrial production, agriculture.
2. Own Company with Tax Payments
- Applicant is founder of a Russian LLC or JSC.
- The company must pay ≥4 million ₽ in taxes + social contributions per year.
3. Investment into Russian Company
- Invest at least 30 million ₽.
- The company must have paid ≥6 million ₽ in taxes the previous year.
4. Real Estate Investment
- Purchase real estate and hold at least one year.
- Based on cadastral value (not market value).
- Thresholds:
- Moscow: 50 million ₽
- Other regions: 25 million ₽
- Far East: 20 million ₽
Application Process & Timeline
- Investor prepares documents proving compliance with one of the above criteria.
- Ministry of Economic Development (MoED) issues confirmation.
- Application submitted to Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD).
- VNZh issued if approved.
⏱ Typical processing time: a few months.
Checklist of Required Documents
- Passport + notarized translation
- Application form
- Proof of investment (contract, bank transfer, shareholding documents)
- Tax payment receipts / MoED confirmation letter
- Property purchase documents + cadastral certificate
- Company registration papers (if applicable)
Common Pitfalls
- Confusing market value vs. cadastral value for property.
- Company tax level not meeting the required threshold.
- Incorrect shareholder structure.
- Missing confirmation letter for socially significant project.
FAQ
Q: Is Investor VNZh really permanent?
A: Yes, it grants indefinite stay but the card itself must be reissued about every 10 years.
Q: Can any real estate qualify?
A: Only certain types of residential or commercial property; agricultural land is generally excluded.
Q: How long does it take?
A: Several months from submission, depending on MoED/MVD.
Q: Can my family apply together with me?
A: Yes, family members may qualify as dependents once the investor is approved.
👉 If you are considering applying for Investor VNZh in Russia, Bukreev Consulting can assist with:
- Eligibility check
- Document preparation
- Communication with MoED & MVD
- Full legal support
📩 Book your consultation: businessinrussia.online | Zalo: +79853590384
References
- Government Decree No. 2573 (2024)
- Government Decree No. 1375
- Federal Law 115-FZ “On Legal Status of Foreign Citizens”
- Ministry of Economic Development official letters
