Moscow 4 Aug Vesti. Russian citizens are becoming more interested in…
Moscow 4 Aug Vesti. Russian citizens are becoming more interested in obtaining residency permits or second citizenship in island nations such as Vanuatu, Sao Tome and Principe, Nauru, and Mauritius.
Consensus
- Russian citizens have shown increased interest in obtaining second citizenship or residence permits from island nations.
- The countries most frequently mentioned are Vanuatu, São Tomé and PríNCipe, Mauritius, and Nauru.
- The demand has grown significantly in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year.
- The increase in demand is attributed to Russian entrepreneurs and wealthy families seeking international mobility, business development, and risk diversification.
- Citizenship can be obtained through a financial contribution to a government fund, without requiring physical residence in the country.
- The process typically takes a few months.
- These passports do not grant visa-free access to the Schengen Area, the EU, or the United States.
- The programs are no longer available or have been restricted for Russian citizens due to international pressure, especially after 2022.
- The demand has shifted from Caribbean nations (e.g., Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis) to countries in Oceania and Africa.
- The cost of obtaining citizenship ranges from $90,000 to $130,000.
- The number of transactions for Vanuatu has tripled compared to the same period last year.
- São Tomé and Príncipe has seen comparable demand since its program began in late 2025.
Points of divergence
- The minimum investment required is $100,000 per person. — gazeta_spb
- The demand growth is specifically noted for the first half of 2026. — tg_govorit_nemoskva
- The programs allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 100 countries. — tg_radiosvoboda
- The Malta citizenship-by-investment program was closed in 2025 due to a ruling by the European Court of Justice. — meduza
- The demand increase is estimated at 30%. — vesti
Coverage (5 sources)
- Russians are increasingly applying for citizenship of island nations - SPB Newspaper - St. Petersburg news — Gazeta.SPb
- Russians' demand for 'second passports' of island states is growing — Говорит НеМосква
- Affluent Russian citizens are increasingly interested in obtaining citizenship of island nations... — Радио Свобода
- Russians are increasingly interested in obtaining Vanuatu and Nauru citizenships — Meduza
- Media: Russians are becoming more interested in residence permits in island states — Вести