Investment in Real Estate

The US Citizen  invests into a currently being build piece of real estate (residential or commercial)        Or
​
​Purchases real estate that has been built within last 2 years.

How much do I need to invest?
Moscow is 50 million rubles ($515 000)
Crimea and the Far East region is 20 million rubles ($210 000)
Other Russian regions is 25 million ($260.000)

The US Citizen will be eligible to apply for residency after 1 year of such purchase!!!

Is it a cadastral value or a market value?
The amount you need to spend on this program  is the cadastral value. Usually market value is higher, so your numbers will go up. Usually market values is higher 30% of the cadastral value.

In the region I want to live I can't find an apartment so expensive
You can buy several apartments. And the total amount will be added.

What other documents do I need?
Clean criminal record . ( Police check)
Valid passport  
​Medical examination (done in Russia)

Can I get Russian citizenship with this program?
Yes. You need to maintain your investment for 5 years. After 5 years you apply for citizenship and you get your Russian passport. 

Can my family members get residency too on this program?
Yes. 
Spouse,
Children,
Parents,
Spouse's parents,
Grandparents, and
Grandchildrency

Can I Invest by getting a mortgage?
No. Only cash purchase.

What is the Tax Rate in Russia?

Flat Income Tax of 13% when you are resident.​

Can I deduct some business expenses?
Yes You can : 
​Depreciation
Interest
​Operating Expenses

Do I need to file tax returns?
Yes, you do.  You have to file and pay 13% tax. Also You need to obtain Russian Tax ID for that. ( like in the USA you have social security Number).

What is the processing time for this program?
Up to 4 months after submission of application.

After I get my permanent residency do I need to reside in Russia for 6 months?
No. You don't need to reside in Russia at all. 

Do I need to pass Russian language test to apply for Residency?
Yes. You do.

Are there any exceptions to avoid taking Russian language test?
Yes.
If you are under 18 years of age.
Retirees, namely: women over 60 and men over 65;
Owners of diplomas or certificates of graduation from a Soviet or Russian university;
Holders of documents that prove limited capacity or incapacity.

How complicated is the Russian language test?
For example:
В магазине " Одежда" я купил:
1)   Хлеб
2.)  Стол
3)  Костюм
You need to choose the right answer.  The correct answer is 3.

What documents do I need to bring with me from the USA?
1. )  Ensure that your passport has enough validity ( At least 2 years before expiration date)
2.) Birth certificate, marriage certificates - make sure to do Apostil ( You take those papers with you and you go to the Secretary of State) 
3.) Police check Valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.  90 days are counted from the moment it's issued.  You will need Apostil on this too. If you had DUI that is not a problem. If your police check shows drugs or murder that will be a problem.
4.) Ensure that ALL of your names are spelled identical in all of your documents.  ( Let's say in your birth certificate is one name and in your passport the given name is not there or it comes not full ( just one letter) - that will be a problem for Russian immigration officer.   You may ask what to do if you have incorrect spelling? Go to your local court in the USA and you can change that there.  Also if you are married they will need to see the connection between wife's maiden name and her new last name.
5.) Registration at the address in Russia within 7 working days upon arrival. If you are staying in the hotel - they will register you. However if you are staying in the apartment before coming to Russia make sure that you landlord will happy to register you in that apartment.  Will you register me in the apartment? That is the question you need to ask your landlord. If he says yes, you need to get something in writing. Because if you come to Russia and they don't register you within 7 days that is not a good thing, so this way you are prepared.

I am bringing $250 000 cash with me to Russia, do I need to declare it?
You can bring up to $10 000 without declaring it. However if you bring more than $10 000 you need to declare them at customs. Moreover, If you bring more than $100 000 you need to provide documents, confirming the origin of  your money. For example purchase and sale agreement if you sold the house.