Relocation news digest - March 3, 2024
Here is our roundup of the key developments worth factoring into your relocation plans.
Kazakhstan
New rules for issuing the IIN (the local equivalent of a tax identification number), which is required to open a bank account, have come into force. It can now be obtained only by applying in person at a Public Service Centre in Kazakhstan.
In addition, the list of professions eligible for a fast-tracked residence permit has been expanded.
Serbia
Twelve cases have come to light in which Russian citizens were barred from entering the country and had their residence permits revoked.
United States
The Mir payment system has been added to the latest US sanctions list drawn up by the Treasury Department.
Germany
A proposal would require foreigners who have applied for asylum to work at least four hours a day.
In 2024, the German government is extending the validity period of student visas.
Greece
Qualifying for Greek residency now requires a minimum investment of 800,000 € in real estate.
Latvia
The entry ban for Russian citizens has been extended until 4 March 2025.
Hong Kong
Income above 640,000 $ will now be taxed at 16 %, up from the previous 15 %.
South Korea
In 2023, 5,750 Russian citizens applied for political asylum.
Kuwait
From 1 March 2024, foreign nationals and residents of Kuwait aged 18 and over must undergo mandatory biometric fingerprinting.
Bulgaria and Romania
From 1 April 2024, both countries will begin issuing short-stay Schengen visas.
What has changed since: October 2026
- Greece. The golden visa threshold now has three tiers: €800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with more than 3,100 residents, €400,000 elsewhere, and €250,000 only for converting a commercial building into housing or restoring a listed building. In September 2026 the government announced a rise in the transfer tax on homes bought by non-EU nationals from 3% to 15% in 2027. Applications from Russian citizens with only a Russian passport are not accepted. More in the Greece residence by investment section.
- Bulgaria and Romania. Both have been full Schengen members since 1 January 2025: there are no more checks at borders with other Schengen countries.
- Schengen visas for Russian citizens. Since 7 November 2025 they mostly receive single-entry visas. Multiple-entry visas go only to close relatives of EU citizens and of people lawfully living in the EU, drivers and humanitarian cases.
- The EU border. The entry/exit system has run since 12 October 2025 and fully since 10 April 2026: a facial image and fingerprints instead of stamps. Details in the article on the entry/exit system.
- USA. From 21 January 2026 immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Russia, were paused; on 21 August 2026 a federal court struck the pause down. Details in the article on moving to the USA in 2026.
- Hong Kong. The higher 16% rate applies to income above 5 million Hong Kong dollars (about $640,000), with 15% below that.
How to plan trips to Europe now
- A single-entry visa means a new application before each trip: allow time for the appointment and processing.
- The entry/exit system counts the 90/180 rule itself, and consulates see any overstay at the next application.
- A residence permit or national visa of a Schengen country solves both: no new visa for each trip and no 90-day count in that country.
Where you can realistically get residence for an investment in 2026
| Country | Investment | Russian passport |
|---|---|---|
| Hungary | a real estate fund from €250,000 (~$280,100) for 5 years | a 10-year permit, 21-day review |
| UAE | property from 2 million dirhams (~$544,600) | available, a 10-year golden visa |
| Turkey | a home from $200,000 by valuation | available, a short-term permit of up to 2 years with renewals |
| Greece | property from €250,000 to €800,000 | only with a second citizenship |
Exchange rate: $1.12 per euro on 6 October 2026. We will tell you which option suits your family in a free consultation.
Taxes: what changed in popular destinations
- Cyprus: corporate tax is 15% from 2026, and stamp duty on contracts was abolished from 1 January 2026.
- Greece: until the end of 2026 there is no 24% VAT on new builds and no 15% capital gains tax on a sale.
- Hong Kong: a two-tier income tax rate, 15% and 16% above 5 million Hong Kong dollars.
We work out the tax effect of a move before you change residence, not after.
We will work out your taxes after the move
The chat will ask about your income and countries and tell you where and how much you will pay.
What to check before moving in 2026
- the programme threshold on the filing date, not on the article date: amounts and lists of districts change;
- whether applications from your country's citizens are accepted and whether a second passport is needed;
- where to file: some embassies in Russia are not working, and appointments are made in neighbouring countries;
- how the move affects taxes in your previous country and where you will become tax resident.
FAQ
How do I get a Kazakh tax number?
How much do you need to invest for a Greek golden visa?
Does a Mir card work abroad?
Do Bulgaria and Romania issue Schengen visas?
Can you get a multiple-entry Schengen visa in 2026?
How much must I invest in property for a Greek residence permit in 2026?
Are there passport checks at Bulgaria's and Romania's borders with other Schengen countries?
Can you get a UAE golden visa in 2026?
At which borders does the EU entry/exit system apply?
Is Greece's golden visa still an option for you?
We check the current investment amounts in Greece, compare them with other residence-by-investment programmes and prepare the documents. The catalogue lists every golden visa.
The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.
Free consultation