Relocation news digest - April 7, 2024

Cryptocurrency and sanctions

The United States and the United Kingdom are reviewing cryptocurrency transactions that passed through a Russian virtual exchange, part of a wider effort to crack down on sanctions evasion.

With a Russian passport, you could lose your crypto savings at any moment, so it is worth considering a second citizenship to feel secure.

Bulgaria: entry on a Cypriot visa

In 2024, foreign nationals can no longer enter Bulgaria on a Cypriot visa or residence permit, which were previously treated as equivalent to national visas. Travellers will now need a Bulgarian or another accepted visa to enter the country.

Turkey: new residency requirements

The authorities have announced that foreign nationals can obtain a Turkish residence permit if they deposit a monthly sum equal to 1.5 times the Turkish minimum wage into a local bank account.

Australia: tighter visa rules

The Australian government has begun tightening visa rules for residents of several countries, including Russia. Citizens of these countries may face restrictions on entering the country.

Kyrgyzstan drops the Mir payment system

Following the lead of many other countries, Kyrgyzstan has stopped working with Russia's Mir payment system, citing the risk of secondary US sanctions.

Italy: limits on the investor visa

Italy has restricted applications for its investor visa from Russian and Belarusian citizens applying through a second citizenship. The decision took effect on 20 March 2024.

Kazakhstan: tax number for foreigners

The IIN is Kazakhstan's individual identification number, the equivalent of a Russian tax identification number. It is required to open a bank account, obtain a debit card and carry out other transactions. Foreigners will be able to obtain an IIN at Kazakh embassies and consulates from 13 April.

Finland: border with Russia stays shut

Finland closed its border with Russia in November 2023 amid a sharp rise in the number of migrants. The closure had been extended in two-month increments, with the latest period due to expire on 14 April.

Italy: digital nomad visa

In 2024, Italy has launched a digital nomad visa allowing non-EU foreign nationals to live in the country for up to 12 months, with the option to renew.

To apply, you must:

• have an income at least three times the minimum wage;
• provide proof of accommodation in Italy;
• have at least six months of remote work experience.

What changed by October 2026

Bulgaria: entry on a Schengen visa

Bulgaria has joined Schengen: by air and sea from 31 March 2024, and at land borders from 1 January 2025. Bulgaria still does not accept Cypriot visas, but any valid Schengen visa or residence permit of a Schengen country is now enough to enter. More about life there on the page about Bulgarian residence permits.

Finland: the border is closed with no end date

The land border with Russia has been closed since 15 December 2023. On 4 June 2026 the Finnish government decided to keep the crossing points closed until further notice: Imatra, Kuusamo, Niirala, Nuijamaa, Raja-Jooseppi, Salla, Vaalimaa and Vartius. Asylum applications are still accepted only at designated places. In summer 2026 Russia, for its part, closed rail crossing points, including on the Finnish border.

Italy: the investor visa is closed to Russian citizens

The suspension mentioned above remains in force: since 14 July 2023 for citizens of Russia and Belarus, and since 20 March 2024 also for holders of a second passport if one of their passports is Russian or Belarusian. Investment options and conditions for everyone else are on the page about the Italian investor visa.

Italy: the digital nomad visa is open

In 2026 it requires income of at least 28,000 euros a year, high qualifications, at least 6 months of remote work and health insurance with cover from 30,000 euros. The permit is issued for a year and can be renewed. More on the page about the Italian digital nomad visa.

Turkey: residence permits got stricter

Since 16 October 2023 a residence permit through property requires a home worth at least $200,000 in every city. Since 1 January 2026 the residence card costs 964 lira, about $20. Tourist permits are renewed less and less often, and more than a thousand districts are closed to new foreign residents, so the address must be checked before signing a lease. Details are on the page about Turkish residence permits.

Italy: family on the nomad visa

A spouse, minor children and dependent parents receive residence permits through family reunification. For a couple income must be at least 34,087 euros a year, plus 1,550 euros for each child. Working for Italian employers on this visa is not allowed, and after 183 days in the country in a year the holder becomes Italian tax resident and pays tax on worldwide income.

Turkey: the path to a passport

Long-term residence is granted after 8 years of continuous residence. The faster path to citizenship is an investment of $400,000 or more in property, a deposit, bonds or business, which takes 6-8 months. More on the page about Turkish citizenship by investment.

How we help

We track entry and residence rules in the countries our clients move to and check your situation against the rules in force on the filing date. We choose a country whose programme is open to your nationality, prepare the documents and support the application. Write in the chat and we will suggest options for your passport and budget.

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