Let's skip the marketing. If you hold a Russian or Belarusian passport, the honest answer in 2026 is: the Caribbean citizenship programmes are closed to you, but Turkey, Vanuatu, São Tomé and EU residency in Cyprus are open — and Greece's Golden Visa too, if you hold a second (non-sanctioned) passport. Here is the map — what's shut, what's available, and what to weigh before you spend a rouble or a dollar.
What's closed right now
The five Caribbean citizenship programmes — Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Dominica and Saint Lucia — are not accepting applications from citizens of Russia and Belarus. This is a decision of those states themselves, and they review such lists periodically, so it is not necessarily permanent. But as of today, applying is not an option — and any agent who tells you otherwise is not being straight with you.
The same caution applies to promises of a "guaranteed" US or Schengen visa, or an instant change of tax residency. None of that is sold with a passport — see the honesty section below.
What's open — the four working routes
1. Turkey — a G20 passport ($400,000)
The strongest option available to RF/RB citizens. Real estate from $400,000 held for three years (then resellable), a passport in roughly 9–12 months, spouse and children under 18 included, and eligibility for the US E-2 investor visa. Turkey programme details →
2. Vanuatu — the fastest passport ($130,000)
The cheapest and fastest citizenship on the list — a donation from $130,000 and approval in as little as 2–3 months, with no residence requirement and zero income, capital-gains and inheritance tax. The trade-off is a narrower visa-free list than Turkey or the Caribbean, so it fits a Plan B and speed, less so a "strong travel document" goal. Programme details →
3. São Tomé & Príncipe — a niche second passport
An emerging, discreet option based on a government contribution, with processing around 2–4 months. Aftera is an officially licensed marketing agent of this programme (Licence No. STP-2026-79), and we confirm current terms on request. Programme details →
4. EU residency — Greece and Cyprus (from €250,000)
If the goal is Europe rather than a passport, Cyprus is open to RF/RB citizens directly, while Greece's Golden Visa accepts them only if they hold a second (non-sanctioned) passport. Greece's Golden Visa (from €250,000) gives renewable Schengen residency for the whole family, including parents of both spouses. Cyprus (from €300,000) grants permanent EU residency that never expires, in 3–6 months. Neither requires you to move. Greece → · Cyprus →
How to choose between them
- Need a strong passport + a route to the US? → Turkey.
- Need speed and a low budget for a Plan B? → Vanuatu.
- Want a foothold in Europe without relocating? → Cyprus, or Greece if you hold a second passport.
- Want a discreet, additional passport? → São Tomé.
For the full side-by-side numbers, see All programmes 2026: the map.
The honesty part: what stays your responsibility
Getting a second status does not switch off your obligations at home. For a Russian or Belarusian citizen specifically:
- You must notify the authorities of a second citizenship or foreign residency within the statutory deadline. Rules differ between Russia and Belarus; missing the window carries penalties.
- A passport does not automatically change your tax residency — that depends on where you actually live and other tests.
- Under CRS automatic exchange, banks abroad report your accounts. Currency-control rules and CFC (controlled foreign company) obligations remain in force.
- Visa-free access improves your travel position but is not a guarantee of a US or Schengen visa in your specific case.
We plan around these facts rather than hiding them — that's how you avoid an expensive mistake.