Israeli Passport Reveals Its Impact: Unveiling the Findings
The desire for Israeli citizenship among Russians hasn't wavered; it's actually increased when compared to pre-SVO times. Aliyah to Israel and acquiring citizenship comes with several enticing benefits, such as visa-free access to 161 countries, world-class healthcare, education, and living in a nation with a high standard of living. In 2019, approximately 3000 people, from around 800 families, utilized our services. By 2024, this number is projected to reach 1500 families. Interestingly, many of our new clients were those who attempted to obtain citizenship independently in the past three years but encountered difficulties. Our services are sought across various Russian regions, but the conscious need for a second passport is most evident in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Despite Israel analytical agencies estimating around 40,000-45,000 Russians acquiring citizenship annually, the repatriation potential for those eligible for an Israeli passport is substantial, with every thousand people aware of their eligibility, another thousand unaware.
Discovering Your Roots: Jewish Ancestry and Citizenship
Nowadays, taking a DNA test to learn more about your ancestry has gained widespread popularity. Companies like "Istochniki," part of our group, are working tirelessly to help individuals trace their roots. Surprisingly, roughly 16% of those testing have Jewish ancestry. Uncovering this aspect of their heritage is a novel discovery for many. Russia's tumultuous 20th-century history often led to gaps in family stories, with many people hiding, changing, or concealing their nationalities. For instance, Jewish surnames were frequently replaced with Russian ones, and Jewish names with secular ones. Even within my family, a close relative didn't know about his Jewish lineage until we traced a Jewish grandfather. Our expertise lies in helping individuals like him obtain Israeli citizenship, even in the absence of extensive documents.
To those who have ever pondered the idea of a second citizenship, we recommend delving into your family archives, locating birth certificates of all grandparents, old passports, military IDs, award books, photographs – anything that might hint at ethnic affiliation. You can collaborate with archival search agencies capable of assembling evidence and restoring documents. Our team of specialists excels in the document restoration process, which often involves the Red Cross, party tickets, workplaces, and residential records. Many are unaware they possess the opportunity to obtain a second passport. We urge everyone to explore their roots.
Advantages of Seizing the Opportunity
A second citizenship holds particular benefits for those living in our globalized world – frequent travelers, property owners abroad, or parents with children studying across borders. It means visa-free travel, no restrictions, and no sanctions. It ensures continued ownership of foreign Western companies, assets, and properties. It grants access to Israel's money transfer system. Moreover, a second passport makes it easier to conduct business in countries reluctant to cooperate with Russia. Though an Israeli passport doesn't solve all problems, it significantly simplifies life outside Russia. Following the SMO, many have used their Israeli passport to resume their previous lifestyle. Many of our clients obtain Israeli citizenship due to its relative ease.
The Value and Dependability of the Israeli Passport
An Israeli passport is permanent and cannot be revoked, unlike "golden visas" and residence permits for Russian citizens, which have been rescinded in large numbers recently. However, the passport holder can voluntarily renounce their citizenship. Currently, we witness requests for citizenship renunciation from those who continue to live and build careers in Russia. There are instances where an Israeli passport may pose inconveniences. We stand ready to help; the process is straightforward.
As of today, the market for legal second passports for Russian citizens has drastically contracted. Obtaining Portuguese, Maltese, Cypriot, or Caribbean investment passports is no longer feasible. Although there are alternatives, they involve complex processes, such as purchasing expensive property and waiting several years for the passport, which may not be the most comfortable option. There are also illegal programs, which may result in criminal charges and bans from entering the EU. The latest news is that countries offering "golden passport" services will face restrictions on visa-free travel in the Schengen zone, likely devaluing these services.
Even when international programs were available, an Israeli passport remained an affordable option as a second citizenship. When you come to us at RICC, the price for document collection and consultation starts at €10,000. There's no requirement to purchase real estate or contribute to the state treasury. On the other hand, investment passports carry a minimum threshold of $130,000*. The conclusion is clear.
- Unveiling one's Jewish ancestry has become increasingly popular with companies like "Istochniki," which assist in tracing roots. Interestingly, about 16% of these individuals discover they have Jewish ancestry, fostering a growing interest in acquiring Israeli citizenship.
- For those considering a second citizenship, especially frequent travelers, property owners abroad, or parents with children studying across borders, the benefits of an Israeli passport are compelling. This includes visa-free travel, no restrictions, and no sanctions, among other advantages, making it an attractive choice in our globalized world.
