I’m an American living in Russia on just a simple visa. I’ve been here 9 months now. It’s an amazing country with a lot of beautiful towns and major cities.
1. Russian citizenship provides free higher education in any profession. 2. Free medical care and treatment. 3. High social guarantees not available in other countries.
My entire paternal family came here from Russia, so my grandmother was pregnant with my father when they came here from Russia, but my father was born here. However, my grandparents, both my grandparents and their whole families everybody is from Russia. The US keeps blocking me from even applying granite there were some CD people, in my lineage, however, in this day and age that should not stop me from enjoying dual citizenship of my inherited ancestry, and my natural born ancestry
I was born un Kharkov (Ukraine) during soviet era. My mother is from the Dominican Republic and they divorced when I was very little. Have been living in Latin America since I was 5 years old. I am not interested in Ukrainian citizenship, and I don't have it. Is there a way for me to become a Russian citizen?
Great information guys! I'm curious if either of you ever get harassed by customs/immigrations agents when you come back to the US due to the ongoing adversarial relationship between the US & Russia? For example, everytime I come back from trips to Colombia (and sometimes Mexico) I get the long, intense "welcome treatment" from customs/immigration, even though I'm in the TTP (Trusted Traveler Program) and have voluntary released so much information to them already - those guys can be real jerks and I'm curious if you have difficulties with them when coming back from Russia. I'd also be curious if either of you have been harassed in Russia by Russian authorities for similar reasons? I suppose the Trevor Reed situation (and other Americans who have been jailed) are extreme examples of this. Some of these harsh imprisonments appear to be political in nature where jailed Americans could be used as bargaining chips in sanctions negotiations. Things seem to have gotten more intense in Russia this past year with the mansion expose and subsequent jailing of Navalny. I know these are sensitive subjects, but I think any American going there needs to keep them in mind and understand the risks. Another question I have is, if you are a citizen of both the US and Russia, are you subject to full taxation in both countries from income you earn in either country? In other words, if I am a US & Russian citizen, do I have to pay Russian tax on income I earned in the US and vice versa? I'm not sure it would be worth it if that is the case.
Bear in mind that the hostility between Russian and the US is one way, Russians are not pursuing a cold or hot war the way the US media and politicians are. So no hassles ever entering or leaving Russia but my only problem with entering or leaving the US is TSA stealing something from my checked luggage. I have not been back home since 2012 so it is not a major concern. Russia, in most ways, is more mature and civilized, and it is a lot harder to land in jail in Russia than in the US. By the way the "Putin's Palace" and Navalny affair is completely distorted and 90% fabricated. The palace as claimed is 1 not a palace and 2 never had anything to do with the Russian government. It was a construction project that was intended as a residential condominium where buyers would build their individual apartments inside, I never had an interior and only the exterior was finished. The large construction company which did it with a budget of $20million, far from the claim of $20billion in the German-made production video that was pushed heavily by RU-vid. Almost all scenes of the video were CGI and obviously, the video had a large budget. The project was acquired, unfinished by another very large construction company that has plans to finish it and start selling units inside the palace this summer. Even the very anti-Russia British press debunked that story 11 years ago. In the case of Navalny being jailed having his suspended sentence revoked for multiple violations of his terms of parole was a purely legal process and not political. The only reason he was free to cause problems all over the country was the political sensitivity while his co-defendant brother in their theft of approximately 1 million euros from a French cosmetics company has been serving a regular prison sentence. He never was charged with political or security crimes much to the displeasure of the citizens. He gets massive funding from outside governments and has paid staff in 36 offices, and the funding of that German video is unknown. It was produced and he narrated it while the rest of the world was told he was in a coma in a German hospital. Regarding taxes. The US taxes worldwide any income of American citizens so even getting a bank account in other countries can be a problem because they have to send monthly financial activity documents about any money in, or flowing through the American citizen's bank account. I had only 2 banks willing to deal with US demands in Russia. The US taxes entire household income so if your Russian wife who has never been to the US, has a job, her income is claimed by the US also. No other country has that double taxation where taxes paid in the country of residence can't be deducted from your gross income. but the only reasonable aspect of US taxes on foreign income is a $72,000 income threshold. So stay below that and you are ok. You still have to report it all, however. The taxation policies of the US are a key driver in the record number of Americans renouncing their citizenship. Regarding the Reed conviction, why would he be released for a serious crime just because he is an American? He should not assault law enforcement. If he was in the US and pulled that he would have been shot. He will not have to serve his entire sentence however Russian courts are often pretty lenient and most cases are terminated early. Sentences are shorter in Russia and it is far harder to get any prison time. In 2018-19 in fact Russia closed 72 prisons due to a lack of prisoners. He might do 3 years. All over the world, citizens of those countries are insulted by the way Americans are too good to be required to pay for their crimes, yet inside the US with the highest prison population on earth, there is no similar sentiment. That assumption of entitlement is not appreciated around the world. The guy is a hothead and attacked a police officer, he got convicted, and Americans want him released solely due to being American means laws and civil behavior do not matter in other countries. The ex-pat community here is generally happy that yet another exceptional dropping of charges did not happen. If one thinks it is ok to commit crimes with impunity in other countries they should not travel.
Yes, thanks for pointing it out John Doe, unfortunately, we are still learning the ropes to filming in two different parts of the world and getting the editing right. :)
@@TheExpatEdge That is no problem and thank you for your content, I enjoy watching your videos and hearing your unique inside information on these things. I am currently looking into moving from the US and getting citizenship somewhere else in the world so it is very good to have a knowledgeable source such as you two around :) continue with the great content
No, you must live in Russia to apply for Russian citizenship and if you are married it will take 3 years in Russia. It cannot be done outside of Russia.
Hi Matt and Marcus, if I am understanding correctly. You mean-having grown child-we can apply immediately. Means child without marriage to a Russian will get you to apply for citizenship?. I am not into any fake relationship-so want to be honest, real and legitimate for all procedures in Russia.
is this possible to register as Sole Proprietor/Self Employed in Russia to work as Freelancer with foreign companies? But what is the states of receiving salaries or payment as Payoneer does not allow payment Transactions in Russia anymore. So what's next option for digital nomad and IT service Providers?
If you have residency, a sole proprietorship is great for IT services. If you do not have residency, you'll need to open an LLC and hire yourself. Both can be used to receive payments from foreign companies via traditional payment channels.
@@TheExpatEdge Not interested in LLC as its complicated and bit expensive or not? Self employment is possibel as digital nomad? LLC means you are entitled for many types of Tax and other complicated system.(its my personal opinion) In Portugal D7 visa is best example for us. What should be my Minimum salary of couple or single to get self employment TRC and then PR?
Im a uni student double majoring in agricultural engineering and Philosophy. Whats the odd that I will be able to move to russia, if I dont know the language?
Just a little advice from and old codger, also once a Philosophy major, to someone presumably younger than I. Everyone has to start somewhere when learning a language. I'd recommend Duo, which is free. I began learning Russian on Duo on the day of my 60th birthday. Today, after 15 months, I have advanced to the highest league, ten. There are only ten. I'm guessing that I have more free time for it than you do; but perhaps that fact would be evened out by the fact that you've a younger brain which will absorb the knowledge quicker. I am no genius by the way--just an average joe. 20 minutes per day is all anyone needs to begin with.
Unfortunately yes. Unless you're a former citizen of Tajikistan or Turkmenistan. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you have certain medical conditions, you won't have to do a service. Another way is to have a valid PhD or a doctor's degree (in this case it's worth finding out what kind of degrees are valid and whether your unvisersity's degree is accepted in Russia or not). Also, if you're under current criminal investigation, you are not eligible for military service but I hope that never happens to you lol.
@@RedMadScouser You forgot to mention children. If you have two minor children, then military service is not required. It is also not necessary to undergo military service if your child or spouse is disabled
hello , thank you for the info. i have dual citicenzhip, i have a guatemalan and american passport, i live in the USA, with the guatemalan passport i don't need visa to enter Russia, which passport should i should to marry my fiancee?
If you intend to stay in Russia long-term and/or until you get your residency, you may want to consider using your US passport because you can get a 3 year visa as a US citizen. If you use your Guatemalan passport, you'll have to leave and get a visa after 90 days and you cannot apply for a long-term visa like US citizens. Although, you can apply for the 1 year private visa after you marry, but it can be a pain to get.
Get a multi entry visa into Russia. I’ve got one and for 3 years I can basically stay as long as I want as long as I’m registering my address within Russia.
One of the options to obtain Russian citizenship for yourself and their family members is to enter into a contract as part of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or other military formations of the country! Russian President Vladimir Putin has allowed foreigners who serve under contract in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or other military formations of the country to receive Russian citizenship. Together with them, members of their families will be able to apply for citizenship, as follows from the decree of the head of state, published on the official portal of legal information. “To establish that foreign citizens who entered into a contract for military service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or armed formations during the period of a special military operation or who are serving during a special military operation have the right to apply for citizenship of the Russian Federation service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or armed formations,” the document specifies. The President also noted in the decree that foreigners who, during a special operation, were dismissed from military service in the Russian Army for health reasons, upon reaching the age limit, upon expiration of the contract, and also “in connection with with the end of martial law."
Hey guys. What if we aren't rich and don't have any connections at all with Russia?? I just want tf out of the states!! Get me out of here!! How do I do that? I wanna go to Russia but idk how it's even possible. Help me!
One of the options to obtain Russian citizenship for yourself and their family members is to enter into a contract as part of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or other military formations of the country! Russian President Vladimir Putin has allowed foreigners who serve under contract in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or other military formations of the country to receive Russian citizenship. Together with them, members of their families will be able to apply for citizenship, as follows from the decree of the head of state, published on the official portal of legal information. “To establish that foreign citizens who entered into a contract for military service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or armed formations during the period of a special military operation or who are serving during a special military operation have the right to apply for citizenship of the Russian Federation service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or armed formations,” the document specifies. The President also noted in the decree that foreigners who, during a special operation, were dismissed from military service in the Russian Army for health reasons, upon reaching the age limit, upon expiration of the contract, and also “in connection with the end of martial law." You can arrive in Russia on a tourist visa and contact the military commissariat of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation with a statement of desire to perform military service under a contract in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, other troops, military formations or bodies.
Foreign citizens who want to apply for Russian nationality can do so after proving that they have already been in Russia for at least 5 years, with permanent residence, it still takes one year from the date of submission of documents though.
Господа! Попробуйте учить для начала русский язык! Если не сломаете мозг - тогда вперед. Зачем ехать жить в Россию, если вы даже пока не можете сказать трех фраз на русском? Не думайте, что мы ради вас будем учить английский...😂
No, you must be a native speaker of Russian. Having learned it does not qualify you for this route. You must prove your parents were native speakers of Russian. Also, even if they did allow someone who learned Russian as a second language to qualify, it would take you many years to get to the level of a native speaker. You have far better options.
One of the options to obtain Russian citizenship for yourself and their family members is to enter into a contract as part of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or other military formations of the country! Russian President Vladimir Putin has allowed foreigners who serve under contract in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or other military formations of the country to receive Russian citizenship. Together with them, members of their families will be able to apply for citizenship, as follows from the decree of the head of state, published on the official portal of legal information. “To establish that foreign citizens who entered into a contract for military service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or armed formations during the period of a special military operation or who are serving during a special military operation have the right to apply for citizenship of the Russian Federation service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or armed formations,” the document specifies. The President also noted in the decree that foreigners who, during a special operation, were dismissed from military service in the Russian Army for health reasons, upon reaching the age limit, upon expiration of the contract, and also “in connection with the end of martial law." You can arrive in Russia on a tourist visa and contact the military commissariat of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation with a statement of desire to perform military service under a contract in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, other troops, military formations or bodies.
Hey I'm of russian decent my great grandfather was a russian citizen during the russian imperial days is there a new law to make it easy for me and my family to gain russian citizenship?
The only thing that would apply is if your father or mother were Russian. Great grandfather is too far back. You could try the native Russian speaker route, but that might also be difficult.
I'm in a similar boat here. I'm Russian, my whole family is Russian and we speak Russian, but none of us had Russian citizenship for generations. I think my Great-Grandmother was the last of us who had a Russian passport. I've never even been to Russia. :'( but I plan to visit once this whole pandemic is over. I want to see the place I REALLY come from with my own eyes.
@@dimonddust4318 i feel you man, we're in a tough spot in this situation i don't know why but the only people eligible to get russian passport are descendants of the soviet union. But for us descendants of imperial russia we don't seem to have that privilege... which is quite unfair to be honest with you. I've been to Moscow many times and to my great grandfather's city of Saint Petersburg once they're amazing cities i just wish to live and settle in russia
No... as they said you have to live there 6 months and 1 day a year, in order to be eligible for citizenship, just buying a house won't make you eligible.
I feel like I’m gonna get a lot of shit for this one desire to become a Russian citizen has not been deterred by the current circumstances! That being said I know things are more tricky but I am pursuing it! If you two gentlemen happen to see this comment what is your opinion should I continue to pursue it or should I not? Yes I’m aware of what’s going on in the world and I’m not an asshole
It is very hard to recommend it given we have no idea how this will develop, let alone end. There will be so many problems to navigate and no way to solve some of them. It's up to you, but I would recommend you hold off for now.
Pursue what you desire. Don't listen to the lies. Or go as a tourist check it out. But remember going as a tourist you will view things as temporary. Going to with a mind set to live is different. St. Petersburg and Moscow is the place if you only speak english- it will be easier to communicate and navigate. Give it a try and if you like good and if not - well you gave a go. The food is amazing, the walks never get boring. Good luck. For warmer weather Krasnodar, Sochi, and Anapa.
Why in the world (unless you are rich so you can afford to) why would anyone want to have more than 1 citizenship?!? I mean at least for the US our law states that no matter what you have to pay US taxes so you would hardly make any money at all and wouldn't be able to live.
There are many advantages to holding multiple citizenships! 1. It makes it much easier to travel. A second passport not only means less friction for that particular country but also it may open visa-free visits to other countries. 2. When traveling extensively, having 2 passports is a major advantage, especially when you have deadlines and need to get visas at the same time. 3. There are different visa agreements with different countries. So if you're visiting a country that requires a visa to enter, one passport could have more options for visas, faster processing, etc over the second passport. 4. Easily set up bank accounts, buy real estate, even rent a car in the second country you have a second passport from. 5. Diversify your options. If at any time one government imposes strict regulation on travel or some area of your life, you can up and go to the second country without hassle. This has happened in many countries during covid. There are definitely more reasons to get a citizenship in a second country!
@@TheExpatEdge like I said. Unless you are rich there's absolutely no reason for you to have more than 1 citizenship. I am not talking to rich people and don't intend to at all so idc about them and what they do, I care about normal people and what we are able to do bc that's the base not being rich and being able to do whatever you want whenever you want. Everything you said only applies to rich people.
@@TheExpatEdge no they cannot. If you really believe that then you do not know the stats on this country. European countries are much better off, or were before the U/R proxy war. You are literally out of touch with normal people if you believe what you said lol
Yes it did Russia is still a thriving country with a strong economy and enough jobs for people. Ive been living inside Russia as an American military veteran for the last 9 months. This video is very informative and I’m sure tons of people will appreciate
@@Wild-Siberia Are you afraid your kids might be drafted in their military and do you mind having freedom of speech? And why do they always threaten nukes all the time like putins stupid speeches?
I want to spend a year on Crimea so i can learn Russian , or at least 10% of the language as that is sufficient to operate and be understood by the native speakers moreover , if i really like Crimea i will look into Citizenship or permanent residency . Thanks for sharing.........Blyat !