There is no country in the world whose population would not try to change their citizenship. They also leave very developed and prosperous countries, some like to change the climate, others want to get fresh impressions, others are reunited with families and close relatives. Russia is no exception, but people leave our country not only for the above reasons. Many emigrants do not like the economic situation, the difficulty of doing business, the corruption of the entire state apparatus, the lack of rights and freedoms under this political regime. There are, of course, those who want to exchange the Siberian frosts for the warm southern coast, go to their historical homeland or join their family.

What factors influence the choice of country

There is no clear answer to the question of what are the best countries for emigrating from Russia; too many factors influence the evaluation criteria. But before making a final decision, you need to know what to pay attention to when choosing a country of immigration.

Country selection criterionDescription and significance

This factor worries emigrants of working age. They not only want to work, but also to receive good wages. It is easiest to find a job in those countries that have high average annual GDP growth and a minimal number of unemployed. Canada comes first, but it is quite difficult to immigrate to it.

There are countries that create all conditions for immigrants. It is especially easy to leave Russia for Israel, Romania, Poland, and Hungary. But only if your ancestors lived on the territory of these countries or your nationality is not Russian. One more nuance. In some countries, you need to wait at least five years to obtain a residence permit and citizenship (USA, Canada, Germany), while in others such status can be acquired in 1-2 years (Poland, Portugal, Spain).

Few people want to live in states with dictatorial regimes; the standard of living does not matter. Obtaining citizenship from North Korea or Russia is not a problem, but there are few people willing to do so. The vast majority of potential migrants to the Russian Federation come from poor Central Asian countries. Although Russia has many programs for accepting immigrants, all of them are actually ineffective. Migrants are attracted not by programs, but by the standard of living and freedom.

Of course, the presence of acquaintances or relatives in the country, knowledge of the language, financial situation, etc. also have an impact.

Where do most people leave Russia?

Unfortunately, no one knows the exact statistics; government agencies are in no hurry to publish data. And the point is not only their reluctance, but also the fact that emigrants do not renounce Russian citizenship and receive a second passport. For example, in 6 months of 2016, only 14 people renounced Russian citizenship, according to official statistics. But no one will believe that exactly the same number of Russian citizens went abroad for . In addition, our compatriots with dual citizenship are not registered with the consular departments of the country of arrival, which also hinders accurate statistics. Most Russians travel to the USA, Germany and Israel. A little less to the Baltic countries, very little to distant warm states.

Which regions of the Russian Federation lead in the number of emigrants

Oddly enough, most people emigrate from the most developed regions of our country, and this is very sad. The fact is that the most educated and mobile citizens are leaving, who see no further prospects for staying in the Russian Federation, who want to work more and change their lives for the better. The flow of emigrants from depressed regions is minimal. People live there who show little desire to work and study to improve their well-being.

As recent sociological surveys have shown, up to 23% of young people with higher education have no desire to stay in Russia due to high risks for entrepreneurial activity, low wages, and mistrust in all government institutions and, first of all, in the judicial system.

For example, in 2014, the share of immigrants with higher education to Canada was 42%, up from 38%. Educational indicators for immigrants to Germany and Israel are at approximately the same level.

Where is it better to emigrate from Russia?

As already mentioned, the information is for informational purposes only; many factors influence the specific choice.

North America and Australia

English-speaking countries are traditionally attractive to our compatriots. Most often they want to come to live permanently in America and Canada.

North America Map

These countries have fairly strict immigration policies, especially recently the United States. Only qualified immigrants can enter; documents can be submitted electronically on the website of the Ministry of Migration Policy of Canada. You need to score a minimum number of points and confirm your knowledge of English or French. The fact is that in Canada there are two official languages, equal opportunities for communication are strictly controlled by the government.

As for America, the situation in this country is ambiguous. Firstly, the Green Card drawing system has been cancelled. Secondly, the new president is trying to provide work for his own population; for this purpose, artificial obstacles are created for immigrants.

Such tough measures increase the attractiveness of immigrants to Australia and New Zealand. It should be noted that these countries have a very respectful attitude towards all immigrants. Racial hostility is almost completely absent, crime is at a minimum level. In addition, the governments of these states create the most favorable conditions for business development, and the arrival of qualified foreigners with higher education is supported in every possible way. An excellent climate, a high standard of living, true democracy, protection of the rights of every citizen - these are just a few factors that attract educated youth. The disadvantage is that the great distance creates difficulties when visiting relatives and friends who remain in the Russian Federation.

Europe

The countries that are most attractive to emigrants from Russia are traditionally located here. Back in 1999, the President of the Russian Federation promised that Russia would catch up with Portugal, by the way, one of the least developed EU countries. Today there are no such communications, but our compatriots are trying to independently improve their standard of living in Portugal by emigrating. EU countries attract Russians not only with their high standards, but also with their proximity to the Russian Federation. Most people leave for permanent residence in Germany, the UK and France.

The Scandinavian countries, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Baltic states are also popular.

But it should be noted that now developed countries are reducing the number of immigrants, establishing quotas and artificial barriers.

Many European countries welcome investors, and money can be invested not only in business, but also in real estate. For those who have enough funds, there are very real options for obtaining citizenship - you just need to buy a house and live in it for a certain period of time.

South American countries

For Russians they are not considered a popular destination for emigration, but in vain. Many states in this region are developing very dynamically, their standard of living exceeds ours. Not the entire population, of course, but only that part that wants to work. It should be noted that their mentality is strikingly different from the Russian one; you need to get used to the coloring. Most countries in South America speak Spanish. But Portuguese is also present. For example, the official language of Brazil is Portuguese.

Asia and Middle East

Most often, our compatriots go to South Korea and Singapore. It is very difficult to obtain citizenship there, but for a normal life it is enough to have a residence permit. The most popular destination for emigration from Russia is Israel. If your distant relatives on your maternal side are Jewish, then obtaining citizenship is not difficult. Of course, for this you need to prove knowledge of the customs, laws and language of Israel.

Rating of the best countries for emigration

There are many different studies and ratings of the most favorable countries for migrants, but the most trusted are the studies of the Legatum Prosperity Index agency. According to the latest data, Norway and Switzerland are recognized as the best countries for migration. Canada and Sweden are slightly inferior to them in terms of indicators. New Zealand rounds out the top five. It is worthwhile to dwell in more detail on these and other states.

Norway

If we talk briefly about this country, developed socialism has long been built here. Free education and medicine, high wages and care for pensioners at the state level. A very low crime rate, high life safety - according to these indicators, the state ranks first among all EU countries. Norway has signed the Schengen agreements, its citizens can freely not only travel, but also permanently reside in many countries of the world. If something goes wrong, you can change your country of residence at any time. The disadvantage is that Norway has some of the highest taxes, and the slightest attempt to evade them will inevitably result in severe criminal penalties. This is explained by the fact that all free social services have their own price; money for them is taken from the state budget. And it is filled by taxpayers. Norwegians see where their money goes, and the vast majority do not even try to evade their civic responsibilities.

Norway is one of the few countries that occupies a leading position in terms of living standards

Another drawback is the rather cold climate, although for Russians from the northern regions of the Russian Federation this does not become an obstacle. Norwegians themselves react positively to migrants; the aging nation really needs young, able-bodied citizens.

Switzerland

A global financial center, the country receives large incomes due to smart banking policies. By all indicators, it is the best state for permanent residence. It is difficult for residents of the Russian Federation to get there; only very wealthy citizens do not have problems. The Swiss government has a strict migration policy, with a strict limit set for foreigners. Of course, with the exception of people from EU countries, but they are fine at home; no one from there is in a particular hurry to move to Switzerland for permanent residence.

Canada

America

Despite the change in the policy of the President of America regarding , America has not become any less attractive to hundreds of thousands of Russians. The great opportunities offered by every American citizen appeal to our most educated and hardworking compatriots.

Immigrants have full civil rights and freedoms on an equal basis with US citizens, with the exception of the right to vote and be elected, to hold certain positions, and are also limited in the right to apply for immigrant visas for persons who are their relatives

Finland

The state hospitably welcomes its compatriots who, after the annexation of its territory during the Second World War, ended up on the territory of the USSR. In Russia, these are residents of the northern regions of the Leningrad region. By the way, the Adaptation Law has been in force here since 1999, which guarantees them equal rights with indigenous residents. Now all social programs fully apply to them, regardless of their work experience and length of residence.

Video – Ten best countries for emigrating from Russia