Maxim Levoshin

ru_RU Russian
ru_RU Russian

Category: Citizenships

  • Thinking About Emigrating? Now’s the Time

    Thinking About Emigrating? Now’s the Time

    So, When Are You Emigrating?

    Time’s ticking. Not your personal clock—the global one. One day they're calling in tech workers, the next they're hiking taxes or sealing borders.

    “No money”? Emigrate first, figure it out later

    No money? So what. Emigrate now, solve it later. If you were given citizenship, you'll find a way to get permanent residency. The key is to jump. You’ll learn to swim once you’re in the water.

    “I don’t want to leave”? Be honest—you do

    “I don’t want to leave”? Stop lying to yourself. You do. You're just scared. And that’s normal. Everyone’s scared. Then suddenly you're haggling in Guarani with your plumber.

    Leave before it’s too late

    You need to go while you still can—while your brain works, your legs walk, and bureaucracy hasn’t strangled you yet.

    Yes, moving is hard. But freedom hides behind the fear

    Yes, moving is stress. Life is pain. All of that. But sometimes behind the stress is joy. Freedom. The real you.

    Still waiting for a sign? This is it

    Jackie Chan had already moved through three countries by your age. And you’re still waiting for a sign? Here it is.

  • Portugal Doubles Citizenship Wait to 10 Years

    Portugal Doubles Citizenship Wait to 10 Years

    Portugal Just Made Citizenship Much Harder

    Every week, another country seems to mess up its citizenship laws. This time, it’s Portugal.

    The government has proposed increasing the residency period required to apply for a passport from 5 to 10 years. For citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries, there's a "discount"—just 7 years. Technically, it’s still a proposal, but with backing from the far-right Chega party, it’s all but guaranteed to pass. Sad but true.

    The Global Trend: Longer, Harder, Less Accessible

    It’s becoming the theme of the year: extend the timelines, complicate the rules, and ask—do you even need citizenship?

    The U.S. has cracked down on undocumented immigrants, Argentina stopped automatically granting citizenship to parents of newborns, and now Portugal. Who’s next?

    Why Waiting Is a Bad Strategy

    I’ve always said: sitting on a residence permit hoping for better times is a terrible plan. The world changes fast. Today you think, “five years—no problem, I’ve got time.” Tomorrow, the rules change. And just like that—goodbye.

    Faster EU Options Still Exist

    Thankfully, a few EU countries still offer quicker paths to a passport. Want advice on where to go for a faster route to citizenship?
    Message me.

  • New Argentine Decree Turns Tourism Into a Survival Game

    New Argentine Decree Turns Tourism Into a Survival Game

    Новый указ от Милея превращает въезд даже для туристов в настоящий квест по выживанию.

    What’s changing for tourists

    Now it’s not just about showing your passport — border officials can force you to sign a loyalty oath.If you’re traveling with a child, they can even seize them temporarily if you appear suspicious.No court. No lawyer. Just because a border officer is in a bad mood.

    Airlines now responsible for deportations

    Airlines are now required to deport tourists at their own expense if they lack proper insurance or paperwork.

    In plain terms: getting on a flight to Argentina will soon feel like a U.S. visa interview — except the rules are even less clear.

    Fighting tourists instead of welcoming them

    While the rest of the world competes for tourists, Argentina seems to be fighting them off.

    What’s next?

    Pregnant women interrogated at the border? 48-hour “integration tests” in a tent at Ezeiza Airport??

  • Argentina Ends Fast-Track Citizenship for Parents of Newborns

    As I warned earlier, Argentina has officially ended its fast-track citizenship for parents of newborns.

    Decree 366/2025 has been published — here’s what’s changing:

    New Citizenship Requirements for Parents

    Parents of newborns will no longer be able to obtain Argentine citizenship quickly. Previously, Argentina had the fastest citizenship timeline in the world for parents — as little as six months after a child’s birth.

    Now, it will take at least 3.5 years: first obtain residency, live in Argentina for two years, and only then apply for citizenship.

    Travel Restrictions

    Here’s the kicker: during those two years, parents cannot leave Argentina.

    Who Still Qualifies Under Old Rules

    Good news: those who have already submitted their applications to court will still be processed under the old rules.

    Which Country Is Now Fastest for Parents?

    According to Murblz statistics — Brazil:

    — Equally strong passport
    — 1.5–2 years to citizenship for parents
    — 6 months to citizenship for older siblings
    — Close to Argentina — expectant mothers who can’t fly can travel there by land.

    New Fast-Track Citizenship for Investors

    At the same time, Argentina introduced a new fast-track citizenship path for investors — they won’t need to wait two years and can apply immediately. More details in the previous post.

    As always, feel free to DM me with questions.

  • Argentina Launches $500K Golden Passport Program

    Argentina Launches $500K Golden Passport Program

    Latin America is no longer just for downshifters and surfers. Argentina is about to introduce a true game changer — an investment citizenship program.

    What Argentina’s Investment Citizenship Offers

    Soon, anyone willing to invest $500,000 in Argentina’s economy will be eligible to apply for citizenship. An Argentine passport grants visa-free access to 172 countries, including all of Europe, the UK, and the MERCOSUR bloc. Plus — the right to live in a paradise for meat lovers, free-market enthusiasts, and tango fans.

    Who’s Behind the Program

    The team of President Javier Milei (yes, the same “anarcho-capitalist” with a chainsaw) is moving to monetize citizenship — just as Caribbean nations, Malta, and Turkey have done for years.

    Additional Changes to Naturalization

    At the same time, Argentina plans to tighten its standard naturalization process: now requiring 2 years of continuous residency, legal income, and a clean criminal record.

    Why This Matters for Investors

    If you follow the "citizenship as insurance" trend, this is a serious move. It’s not Malta, of course — but it’s also not $1.2 million. A solid option backed by a real country.

    P.S. With Europe tightening its rules and Caribbean programs shutting down, this could be one of the last open windows in the coming years.

  • Why Caribbean Passports Are Losing Their Value

    Why Caribbean Passports Are Losing Their Value

    Caribbean Passports Are Turning Into Pumpkins

    Мы живем в нестабильном мире. Любая страна может внезапно изменить правила. Один паспорт — это риск, два — лучше, три — разумная диверсификация.

    The end of donation-based citizenships

    So:

    - Banks are rejecting Caribbean passport holders

    - Visa regimes are tightening

    - These schemes lack international due diligence, leading to distrust

    Reliable alternatives: real investments in stable countries

    Paraguay stands out for Russians and global investors alike:

    - Visa-free to Europe

    - 0% tax on foreign income

    - Fast-track citizenship for real contributors

    - No red flags at borders or banks

  • Why You Need a Second Passport (Or Three)

    Why You Need a Second Passport (Or Three)

    Why People Get Second Passports — and Why That’s Not Enough

    Most people talk about just two things when choosing a second citizenship: 1. How “strong” the passport is for visa-free travel 2. Tax advantages for business But honestly, they’re missing the point.

    The Real Question — Where Do You Want to Build a Base?

    Here’s the real starting point: where would you actually want to live?

    We’ve all seen how fast the world can change - closed borders during Covid, wars, natural disasters, unstable governments. Being a citizen of just one country is a personal risk. When things go sideways, you’ll need to figure out where you’re allowed to go, how to legalize your stay, where to live - all while competing with a flood of other people trying to do the same thing. Much easier to plan ahead.

    Citizenship as a Diversified Investment Strategy

    Вы же не инвестируете все деньги в акции одной компании, а раскладываете по разным корзинам? Вот с гражданствами так же.

    The basic security setup: three passports from three different continents, in places where you’d actually enjoy living - plus property in each. One region might go bad. Two, even. If all three do? Well, guess it’s time to catch the next rocket to Mars with Elon.

    So - Where’s Your Emergency Runway?

  • Crossing into Armenia by Car with Dual Citizenship

    Crossing into Armenia by Car with Dual Citizenship

    Entering Armenia with Lithuanian Plates - Here's How It Started

    I’m driving into Armenia. Border guards look carefully at my car (Lithuanian plates), then at me. Back at the car. Then back at me. And say:
    — Sooo, you’ve got a Russian passport. Under the customs union rules, you’ll need to leave a $25,000 deposit in cash for vehicle import. You’ll get it back when you leave.

    Sure, I’ll Just Leave $25K in the Mountains — Totally Safe

    Yes, I pictured it exactly like that: leaving a fat wad of cash at the border, and two weeks later, the envelope is still patiently waiting for me in the mountains, untouched.

    When a Second Passport Becomes a Get-Out-of-Customs-Free Card

    Погодите, ну это же для граждан РФ, у меня вот есть ещё паспорт.

    — (long sigh) In that case, no deposit needed. Just pay a $10 "gyneco-ecological fee" at the bank and you’re good to go.

  • Tech Founders and Migration: To the U.S. or Out of It?

    Tech Founders and Migration: To the U.S. or Out of It?

    Two Migration Paths for Tech Founders — Into or Out of the U.S.

    Давно заметил, что эмиграционные потоки техфаундеров делятся на два трека:
    — Those trying to get into the U.S.
    — And those trying to get out.

    Peter Thiel: From California to Miami — and Maybe Further

    Peter Thiel touched on this in a recent interview with Joe Rogan.

    1. During COVID, Thiel joined the exodus from California to Miami - chasing simple pleasures: lower taxes, looser laws, and better weather.
    2. Now he’s considering moving even further - out of the U.S. altogether. His reasoning: every country has its own issues. Simpler countries have different trade-offs: freedom of speech (as if the U.S. is a shining beacon of that), safety, and more. His short list? New Zealand and Costa Rica. (Ocean proximity clearly a key filter.)

    So, Which Direction Are You Headed?

  • Argentina: Two Years Later - Life, Markets, and Memes

    Argentina: Two Years Later - Life, Markets, and Memes

    06.2024

    Two Years in Argentina — Everything’s the Same, and That’s Great

    Глобально ничего не поменялось, приезжайте! Всё та же лёгкая легализация, всё тот же сильный паспорт — 11-й по силе в мире, всё та же беспощадная тормознутая бюрократия (не занимайтесь этим в домашних условиях без профессиональных каскадёров). Всё то же дружелюбное общество, толерантное ко всем расам, нациям и прочим способам самовыражения. Уникальная природа никуда не делась! Горы, вулканы, ледники, водопады — всё на месте. Киты вырастили китят и уплыли в большой океан, но к весне вернутся. Климат не испортился, Буэнос-Айрес всё так же красив и радует выставками и музыкальными фестивалями.

    Yes, Prices Went Up - But Still Laughably Cheap

    Okay, steaks aren’t $10 anymore - they’re $20. Tragic. And a nanny/gardener/cleaner is now $3 an hour instead of $2. The horror.

    What’s New? Just a Rockstar President and Capitalist Shift

    The only real change? Argentina now has a wildly entertaining president who kisses adult film stars on stage, takes selfies with Elon Musk, and claims he’s turning the economy toward capitalism. Let’s see what happens.

    Market and Policy Updates That Actually Matter

    Some real improvements:

    1. My portfolio of Argentine stocks is up 53% in USD in 6 months (hi skeptics).
    2. Banks now support transactions in USD and crypto with no restrictions.
    3. You can sign contracts in any currency - even meme coins.
    4. The peso is stronger and inflation is down noticeably.

    What We’re Waiting For (and Laughing at Weekly)

    Looking forward to lower import taxes, rising real estate prices - and of course, a fresh wave of local memes every week.

    P.S. Even I Learned Spanish - You Can Too

    Still wondering why people complain about Argentina?