Russia: Streamlined Permanent Residence Processes

Citizens of Ukraine (including those permanently resident in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions), Kazakhstan or Moldova can apply for a permanent residence permit without first obtaining a temporary residence permit, according to a new law. Additionally, Ukrainian citizens (including those permanently resident in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions) are exempt from the requirement of passing tests on the Russian language, history and basics of legal knowledge, when applying for temporary or permanent residence. Lastly, effective January 10, 2023, foreign investors will be able to apply for a permanent residence permit without a temporary residence permit, if they meet certain criteria not yet established by the Russian government.