Concept
After 2022, relocation from Russia became widespread, and the choice of destination came down to practical questions: where to open a bank account, how to obtain a residence permit, and what will happen with taxes. Four destinations are most commonly considered—Armenia, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and the UAE. Each has its own strengths and pitfalls.
Russian Tax Context
Russian tax residency is lost if a person has spent less than 183 days in Russia during a calendar year; a non-resident pays personal income tax in Russia only on income from Russian sources. An important caveat: since 2024, payments to remote employees of Russian companies are considered income from sources in Russia and are taxed at 13/15% regardless of residency status. In parallel, Presidential Decree No. 585 of August 8, 2023, suspended key provisions of DTAAs with 38 "unfriendly" countries; the foreign tax credit mechanism and information exchange were preserved.
Armenia
Armenia is a member of the EAEU: entry with an internal passport, simple account opening and residence permit acquisition, and accommodating banks. Personal income tax is 20%, with a preferential regime for micro-businesses. The DTAA with Russia continues to operate in full, which simplifies the elimination of double taxation.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is also part of the EAEU. Obtaining an IIN, bank cards, and residence permits is well-established, and individual income tax is 10%. The double taxation avoidance agreement with Russia remains in effect, although banks have strengthened compliance checks.
Georgia
Georgia attracts with its territorial system: foreign income of individuals is generally not taxed, and for small businesses there is a 1% turnover regime. Many nationalities can stay in the country for up to a year without a visa. The downside is the absence of a DTAA with Russia (diplomatic relations have been severed since 2008) and banks' more cautious attitude toward new clients from Russia.
UAE
The UAE offers zero personal income tax and residence permits through a free zone company or real estate purchase. The key change is the new comprehensive DTAA: it was signed on February 17, 2025, entered into force on July 18, 2025, and applies from January 1, 2026; the withholding rate on dividends, interest, and royalties is 10%. The treaty replaced the previous narrow agreement and became accessible to private businesses and individuals.
⚙️ Changing your country of residence does not automatically mean changing your tax residency. To become a resident of a new jurisdiction, you usually need to accumulate days of presence and transfer your center of vital interests there; otherwise, you may end up being a resident of two countries at once or of neither.
Banks and Practice
🔗 Related topics
Loss of Russian tax residency · UAE tax residency · Georgia: territorial tax · Tax residency: basics · CRS — overview
The general trend across all destinations is tightening compliance. Banks request confirmation of the source of funds, tax status, and often a local address. Therefore, relocation is structured sequentially: first a legal basis for residence and local tax status, then a bank account, and only then the transfer of assets.
🍓 Armenia and Kazakhstan are convenient for their proximity, EAEU membership, and active DTAAs; Georgia for its territorial tax; the UAE for its zero rate and updated treaty from 2026. The choice depends on income structure, banking needs, and planning horizon.
This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute individual advice.
Key factual claims
- After 2022, relocation from Russia became widespread, and the choice of destination came down to practical questions: where to open a bank account, how to obtain a residence permit, and what will happen with taxes.
- Russian tax residency is lost if a person has spent less than 183 days in Russia during a calendar year; a non-resident pays personal income tax in Russia only on income from Russian sources.
- Georgia attracts with its territorial system: foreign income of individuals is generally not taxed, and for small businesses there is a 1% turnover regime.
- Related links: Loss of Russian tax residency · UAE tax residency · Georgia: territorial tax · Tax residency: basics · CRS — overview · Presidential Decree of the Russian Federation No. 585 (pravo.gov.ru) · B1: new Russia–UAE DTAA.