Updated: June 2026

Case study · Greece · Residence permit

How a Russian investor obtained a Nauru passport beforethe price increase and secured Greek residence permit

A Russian investor was solving two problems simultaneously: obtaining a Greek residence permit (which cannot be done directly with a Russian passport) and doing so cost-effectively. The Nauru program had a deadline - after a certain date, the contribution amount increased. We helped him meet the reduced threshold deadline and subsequently secure Greece. We explain how timing and calculation worked.

Sergey EvdokimovSergey EvdokimovManaging Partner, BRIDGESReading time9 min readVerificationReviewed by an expert

This case is based on a real matter. The name and certain identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality.

BRIDGES client story - How a Russian investor obtained a Nauru passport before the price increase and secured Greek residence permit
Contents

Case at a glance

Situation, solution and outcome in seven lines

Client
Russian investor, cost-conscious
Objective
Cost-effective Greek residence permit
Barrier
Golden Visa applications under Russian passport suspended
Opportunity
Nauru passport at reduced contribution before deadline
Action
Successfully obtained before price increase
Subsequently
Greek Golden Visa as Nauru citizen
Result
Greek residence permit + savings on second passport

Client story

Client's story

Where they started

The client - a Russian investor - approached with a calculator: he needed a Greek residence permit, but he did not want to overpay. The barrier was standard: a Golden Visa cannot be obtained under a Russian passport. This meant a second passport was necessary, and the question was which one and at what cost.

Why the standard route did not work

The Nauru program had a deadline at that time: a reduced contribution was valid until a certain date, after which it would increase. For a cost-conscious investor, this was a direct opportunity to save on a second passport if he managed to apply in time.

What BRIDGES had to solve

We worked at speed: we compiled the application package and completed the Nauru passport process before the price increase date, securing the reduced threshold. This is the part where timing is just as important as the route itself - the window could have been missed.

Why a standard answer would not do

With a Nauru passport (non-sanctioned country), the client applied for Greek Golden Visa through the standard procedure with a real estate investment. As a result, he obtained a Greek residence permit and saved on the second passport by meeting the deadline before the price increase - thus solving the access issue cost-effectively.

I needed a Greek residence permit, but it's not possible with a Russian passport, and I didn't want to overpay. Nauru had a deadline - after it, the contribution would be more expensive. BRIDGES helped me obtain the Nauru passport at the old, reduced price in time, and then I applied for Golden Visa as a Nauru citizen. As a result, I got the residence permit and saved on the passport because we made it in time.

Anna · Russian investorThe name and certain identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality.

What was at stake

What was at stake

The threat was twofold: failing to gain access to Greece with a Russian passport and overpaying for a second passport by missing the Nauru deadline. The danger was to delay and end up paying the increased contribution. The key was to obtain the Nauru passport before the price increase date and then apply for Greek Golden Visa.

that a Golden Visa application will not be accepted under a Russian passport - a second passport is required;

  1. 01that the Nauru program had a deadline with a reduced contribution;
  2. 02that after the date the threshold would increase - the window could be missed;
  3. 03that the timing of the application process is as important as the choice of route;
  4. 04that applying for Golden Visa with a non-sanctioned country passport follows standard procedure.

The logic of the solution

How the matter progressed: from checks to result

The chart is built from the facts of this matter and shows the logic of the work without decorative or unverified data.

  1. 01
    Stage 1

    We secured two objectives - access and cost savings. An RF passport does not work; a second passport is required, preferably without overpaying.

  2. 02
    Stage 2

    We identified the Nauru window. We spotted the deadline with the reduced contribution and decided to meet it before the increase.

  3. 03
    Stage 3

    We quickly assembled the document package. We prepared all documentation and submitted the Nauru citizenship application within the deadline.

  4. 04
    Stage 4

    We obtained the passport at the previous price. We locked in the reduced threshold by meeting the deadline before the increase date.

  5. 05
    Stage 5

    We made the investment in Greece. With the Nauru passport, we made a real estate investment at the threshold amounts.

Takeaway. Conclusion: with an investment second passport featuring a deadline, timing is essential - meeting the deadline before the contribution increase; access to Greece's Golden Visa is unlocked by an alternative passport.

How we solved the challenge

How we solved the challenge

The work was split into verifiable stages so that every conclusion rested on documents.

  1. 01

    Stage 1

    We secured two objectives - access and cost savings. An RF passport does not work; a second passport is required, preferably without overpaying.

  2. 02

    Stage 2

    We identified the Nauru window. We spotted the deadline with the reduced contribution and decided to meet it before the increase.

  3. 03

    Stage 3

    We quickly assembled the document package. We prepared all documentation and submitted the Nauru citizenship application within the deadline.

  4. 04

    Stage 4

    We obtained the passport at the previous price. We locked in the reduced threshold by meeting the deadline before the increase date.

  5. 05

    Stage 5

    We made the investment in Greece. With the Nauru passport, we made a real estate investment at the threshold amounts.

  6. 06

    Stage 6

    We obtained residence permit and cost savings. The client obtained Greece residence permit and saved on the second passport due to timing.

Expert comment

This client counted every dollar, and rightly so. A Russian passport cannot open the door to Greece - a second passport is required. Nauru had a deadline at the time: before the date the contribution was lower, after - higher. Here, not only the choice of country matters, but speed: the window was closing. We managed to obtain the passport at the reduced price, and then submitted for the Golden Visa as a Nauru citizen. As a result, the individual gained both access and saved on the passport. When a program has a deadline, timing is part of the work.

Sergey Evdokimov, Managing Partner, BRIDGESSergey EvdokimovManaging Partner, BRIDGES

Outcome

What the client received

What was required
How we executed · Result
Access to Greece
Nauru passport · Route opened
No overpayment
Met the deadline · Reduced contribution
Obtain residence permit
Investment + application · Golden Visa obtained
Benefit
Timing · Savings on passport
Benefit
Timing · Savings on passport

The situation: an investor from Russia wanted Greece residence permit advantageously, but an RF passport does not qualify, and Nauru's reduced contribution window was closing. What we did: we identified the objectives; we seized the Nauru deadline; we quickly assembled the package; we obtained the passport at the previous price; we made the investment; we submitted for the Golden Visa. What the client received: Greece residence permit and savings on the second passport.

Practical takeaway

What matters in a similar situation

  • Conclusion: with an investment second passport featuring a deadline, timing is essential - meeting the deadline before the contribution increase; access to Greece's Golden Visa is unlocked by an alternative passport.
  • The client obtained residence permit and saved because we identified the Nauru reduced price window and did not let it close.

FAQ

Questions people ask in a similar situation

01What does the Nauru passport deadline mean?

Investment programs sometimes feature windows with reduced contributions until a specified date, after which the price increases. Meeting the deadline means obtaining a second passport more advantageously. Current pricing is verified with authorized bodies.

02Why does a Russian citizen need a Nauru passport for Greece?

New Golden Visa applications for Russian passport holders have been suspended since 2022; a Nauru passport (non-sanctioned country) enables application as its citizen.

03Does the timing affect the Greek residence permit itself?

It affects the cost and timeline of the second passport—yes; the Golden Visa procedure itself is then standard. Therefore, savings are achieved specifically at the passport stage.

04Is it possible to meet deadlines under other programs similarly?

Yes, different investment citizenship programs periodically have price windows; it is important to monitor deadlines and process applications timely.

05Is this legal?

Yes: passport through an official program, Golden Visa application—according to Greece's rules as a non-sanctioned country citizen.

06Do you want Greek residence and not overpay for a second passport?

We will select a non-sanctioned second passport within your budget and timeline, catch a favorable price window (as was the case with the Nauru deadline), and guide you to Greece's Golden Visa—so you resolve your access issue economically.

About the author

Sergey Evdokimov

Author: Sergey Evdokimov

Managing Partner, BRIDGES

As Founder and Managing Partner of BRIDGES, I am responsible for the firm's strategy and personally lead its most complex client matters, including cases in which citizenship or residence decisions require a strategic view and consideration of capital.

I begin by defining the objective: the outcome the client needs, the facts that affect the choice, and the matters that require further review. I then establish the available directions, the sequence of work, and the key decision points.

Once the strategy has been agreed, I oversee the BRIDGES team's key decisions and remain involved at the stages that shape the course of the matter. The purpose is to give the client a clear rationale for the chosen direction and a precise understanding of the next steps.

Prepared on the basis of BRIDGES practice and reviewed by a subject-matter expert.

Discuss your situation with Sergey

We will review your situation and propose a solution

Describe your task in a few words. We will study your situation, assess the legal and practical options and propose the next step based on your goals, documents and country.

Confidential · no obligations · answered by the relevant specialist

Or message us on WhatsApp or Telegram

Anna KovalevskayaHead of Legal, BRIDGES
Anna Kovalevskaya, Head of Legal, BRIDGES

Names and certain details have been changed to protect client confidentiality. The result described reflects one specific situation and is neither a public offer nor a guarantee of a similar outcome. Programme terms are stated as of 2026 and may change - please confirm current parameters with a BRIDGES consultant.