The below information is relevant to Russian nationals only:

For information on Ukrainian nationals please visit this page. For information on Belarusian nationals please visit this page.

Georgia

Why are we recommending Georgia as the preferred option for Russian nationals seeking to leave Russia?

Speed - We have evaluated visa routes to multiple countries in EMEA and the fastest option for Russian citizens to be able to leave Russia, is to enter Georgia visa free. Processing Times - There is no processing time required. Russian nationals are eligible to live and work in Georgia for up to 1 year. After the expiry of 1 year period, and in order to apply for residency the applicant shall first obtain the special type visa (D Visa) that allows further application for the longer residence permit.

Requirements:

• They must be holders of a valid Russian passport.
• They require an employment agreement in Georgia (if they have existing work arrangements with Remote prior to relocating to Georgia this will be ended and a Georgia employment agreement will be set up)
• They have to meet COVID-19 requirements before entering Georgia. Please check up to date COVID-19 requirements here

Excerpt from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

According to the Ordinance N.255 approved by the government of Georgia, citizens and stateless persons permanently residing in the Russian Federation may enter and stay in Georgia without a visa for 1 (one) full year. Citizens of the Russian Federation, who are staying in Georgia legally, may also apply for residence permit through the powers of the Legal Entities under Public Law (LEPL) within the Ministry of Justice of Georgia – LEPL Public Service Hall or LEPL Public Service Development Agency.

Armenia

• Russian nationals are visa exempt and can enter Armenia for up to 6 months also for work.
• Russian nationals are exempt from work permits If they remain on the foreign company payroll. To stay and work beyond 180 days, they need to register their address.
• If locally hired, Russian national are required to register their address immediately at the Passport and Visa Department. This registration serves the same purpose as a ‘residence permit’. They also have to obtain a social security number to be able to work in Armenia. The process is relatively straightforward; for Russians, they need a valid Armenian address and can be obtained freely at OVIR. Here you can find information about the SSN application.
• Once registered, their residence will be tied to their passport expiry, and to extend their stay, they just need to renew their passport and re-register.