For private investors
Start with what you can see and touch
Apartments with a view of the Kremlin, a share in a growing regional business, a stake in the market itself. A clear route for entrepreneurs and individuals from friendly countries - and for Russians living abroad.
Options
Five ways private capital works in Russia
- 01Property
Residential and commercial real estate
Foreign individuals can generally buy apartments and commercial property. Moscow, St Petersburg and Kazan are the most liquid markets.
- 02Business
Direct stakes in operating companies
Minority stakes and partnerships in manufacturing, food, logistics and services - where the exit of Western brands left room.
- 03Markets
Shares and bonds
Non-residents from friendly jurisdictions can open accounts with Russian brokers and banks after identification. Access rules depend on your country.
- 04Platforms
Regulated investment platforms
106 platforms are registered with the Bank of Russia and connect investors with small and mid-sized businesses. Whether a non-resident can join depends on the platform's rules and the investor's status; limits apply to non-qualified investors.
- 05Residency
Living where you invest
Russia offers routes to residence for investors and entrepreneurs. Requirements change - we explain the current rules individually.
Context
What private investors look at
- Moscow housing
- ₽303Kper m², existing housing in MoscowSource: IRN.RU, Aug 2026
- Prime offices
- $746per m² a year, Moscow class A inside the Third RingSource: Nikoliers, Q1 2026
- Government bonds
- 16.5%10-year government bond yieldSource: Bank of Russia, Sep 2026
- Key rate
- 14%Bank of Russia key rateSource: Bank of Russia, Sep 2026
- Labour cost
- $1,190average monthly wageSource: Rosstat, 2025
- Starting a business
- 3 daysto register a company online, no state feeSource: Federal Tax Service, 2026
- Payments
- 88%of retail payments are cashlessSource: Bank of Russia, 2025
- Connectivity
- $0.25per GB of mobile data (global avg $2.61)Source: Cable.co.uk, 2023
Property
Buying a home in Russia as a foreigner
Foreign citizens can in most cases acquire residential property in Russian cities. Transactions are registered with Rosreestr; payments go through a Russian bank account.
Restrictions apply to agricultural land and to land in border territories - a list that includes resort cities such as Sochi, Anapa and Gelendzhik. Investors from some countries need additional approvals for real-estate deals. Always check your status before signing.
- Open a Russian bank account
- Verify title and encumbrances via Rosreestr
- Use an escrow or letter of credit
- Register the transfer of ownership
Questions private investors ask
Can a foreigner buy an apartment in Moscow?
Generally yes. Citizens of most countries can buy apartments. Investors from countries on Russia's 'unfriendly' list may need government approval for certain transactions. Land in border areas is closed to foreigners.
How are dividends taxed for a non-resident?
The base rate for dividends paid to non-resident individuals is 15%, and may be reduced under a double taxation treaty. Russia has partially suspended treaties with 38 countries, so confirm the current status for your country before investing.
Can I open a brokerage account?
Russian brokers work with non-residents from friendly jurisdictions after identification. Some products are only available to qualified investors.
Is there a residence permit for investors?
Russia offers residence routes for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. The criteria - including investment thresholds by type of investment and region - are set by the Government and change, so we check the current rules for each case.
Can I lose money?
Yes. Any investment - especially in private companies - may result in a partial or total loss. Returns are not guaranteed.
Start with the right questions
Tell us your country and interests. We will explain the rules that apply to you and the steps to take.