Relocation news digest - May 11, 2024

Turkey: one of the country's largest banks tightens rules for Russian citizens

Russian citizens can now open an account with DenizBank only if they hold a deposit of $100,000 (over 9 million rubles). Without such a deposit, even Russians with a registered address and residence permit in Turkey are being turned away. Previously, a foreign passport was all that was required to open an account.

Italy: work permit applications can now be filed online

Italy has begun accepting online applications for intra-corporate work permits.

The permit allows employees from non-EU countries to work in Italy without being subject to work-permit quota limits.

The government has not yet released detailed guidance on the documents required for such applications.

Kyrgyzstan: the Mir payment system is no longer accepted in the country

As of 5 May, Mir cards no longer work in Kyrgyzstan. Users can neither make cashless payments nor withdraw money from ATMs, and money transfers are likewise unavailable.

Pakistan: authorities introduce a multiple-entry work visa for foreigners

Foreign nationals who wish to work in Pakistan can now apply for a multiple-entry work visa. It allows employees to enter the country for 90 days from the date of issue, with the option to extend to one year. Single-entry work visas permit a stay of only up to 90 days.

Applications can be submitted through the government's online portal, Nadra. Processing takes up to 30 business days for a multiple-entry work visa, compared with up to 15 business days for a single-entry one.

Turkey: Sberbank rolls out QR-code payments across the country

This payment method is available in 81 Turkish cities. Payments are made commission-free through the SberPay app. Every shop and restaurant that accepts QR-code payment displays a corresponding green sticker.

Georgia: authorities make medical insurance mandatory for tourists

From June 2024, all tourists travelling to Georgia are required to hold medical insurance. The fine for not having it is 300 Georgian lari (about 10,000 rubles).

Estonia: authorities ease the rules for obtaining an EU Blue Card

Estonia has introduced more lenient rules for EU Blue Cards. The main changes are:

• a shorter minimum employment-contract duration required to obtain a Blue Card;
• relaxed rules for changing employers;
• relaxed rules regarding unemployment.

Brazil: authorities resume issuing RNM cards for foreigners

The Federal Police have resumed issuing RNM cards (an identity document) to foreign nationals.

Bulgaria: Schengen visas are being issued to Russian citizens without delay

There had been reports of delays in launching the Schengen visa program for Russian citizens. The Bulgarian embassy has denied these reports. Visas are being issued as usual, with processing taking two weeks from the date biometrics are submitted.

What has changed by October 2026

• Georgia. Mandatory health insurance for tourists finally took effect on 1 January 2026, with cover from 30,000 lari, about $11,530. From 1 March 2026 a work permit is needed for local employment and self-employment. Visa-free stays of up to 365 days for Russian citizens remain. More on the living and working in Georgia page.
• Bulgaria. A full Schengen member since 1 January 2025, with no checks at borders with other Schengen countries. Since 7 November 2025 Russian citizens mostly receive single-entry Schengen visas.
• Turkey. A residence permit based on owning a home, for purchases since 16 October 2023, requires a value of at least $200,000 per a valuer's report. More on the Turkish residence permit page.
• Brazil. Foreigner cards are issued as before: the residence fee is 168.13 reais and the card fee 204.77 reais, about $72 together.

How long Russian citizens can stay without a visa

How to turn visa-free entry into a lasting status

• in Turkey, a residence permit through a home purchase from $200,000 or other grounds, and a long-term permit after 8 years of continuous residence;
• in Thailand, a long-stay visa for a one-off fee from 650,000 baht, about $19,300, for 5-20 years, but without the right to work;
• in Georgia, you can live a year without a visa and work with a permit from 2026.

Visa-free entry is fine for a first look at a country, but a bank account, a long lease and a tax status need a residence permit. We will find the right grounds for your situation in the chat.

Money abroad: what to check in advance

• Russian bank cards do not work in most countries, so accounts are opened locally or in a country where you hold residence;
• banks ask for a residence permit, a local tax number and proof of the source of funds;
• conditions for Russian citizens differ from bank to bank, so check them before the move, not at the branch.

What to check before a trip in 2026

• whether entry requires insurance and what cover the country asks for;
• how many days you can stay without a visa and how they are counted: per entry or per period;
• whether you need a work permit if you work remotely or for a local client;
• where to get a visa if the consulate in Russia does not accept applications.

Georgia, Thailand and the Schengen countries changed these rules in 2025-2026, so check them before every trip.

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