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Updated: June 2026

Case study · Greece · Residence permit

How a Russian Investor Obtained Greek Residence Permit Through the New São Tomé Program

A Russian investor sought Greek residence permit for EU access and diversification. Golden Visa cannot be obtained with a Russian passport, so from available non-sanctioned options, he selected the new São Tomé program as an affordable and innovative tool. We explain how we opened Greece through it.

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 Greek Residence Permit Through the New São Tomé Program
Contents

Case at a glance

Situation, solution and outcome in seven lines

Client
Russian investor, individual applicant
Objective
Greek residence permit, EU access
Barrier
Golden Visa applications under Russian passport suspended
Solution
Second passport—new São Tomé program
Advantages
Affordable price, remote processing, non-sanctioned country
Next Step
Greek Golden Visa as São Tomé citizen
Outcome
Greek residence permit obtained

Client story

Client Story

Where they started

The client—a Russian investor—sought personal Greek residence permit: EU access and diversification. The same barrier persisted: Golden Visa cannot be obtained with a Russian passport. Therefore, a second passport from a non-sanctioned country was required.

Why the standard route did not work

From available options, the client selected the new São Tomé program—a fresh investment citizenship at an affordable price, processed remotely. For a single applicant, this represented a budget-friendly non-sanctioned passport.

What BRIDGES had to solve

We confirmed the logic: Greece's restriction is citizenship-based, so with São Tomé passport the client applies as a citizen of a non-sanctioned country. We processed the passport under the new program.

Why a standard answer would not do

With São Tomé passport, the client applied for Greek Golden Visa under standard procedure with real estate investment. As a result, he obtained Greek residence permit—through a lawful pathway unavailable with Russian passport, and via an affordable second passport.

Darya found the new São Tomé programme for me as a second passport, and with it I received Greek residence. She explained everything in plain words.

Dmitry · Russian InvestorThe name and certain identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality.

What Was at Risk

What Was at Risk

No hardship existed—a passport-based pathway was closed. Application with Russian passport is impossible; a second passport is required. The risk was overpaying by not considering available new programs. The key was selecting the appropriate non-sanctioned passport (São Tomé) and applying for Greek Golden Visa.

Russian passport Golden Visa applications will not be accepted;

  1. 01A second passport from a non-sanctioned country is required;
  2. 02São Tomé is a new affordable investment program;
  3. 03Processing is completed remotely;
  4. 04Application with 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 identified the barrier. Applications using an RF passport will not be accepted—a second passport is required.

  2. 02
    Stage 2

    We selected São Tomé within budget. New program, affordable price, remote processing—optimal for a single investor.

  3. 03
    Stage 3

    We processed the São Tomé passport. We completed the program remotely.

  4. 04
    Stage 4

    We made an investment in Greece. We completed the real estate investment at the required threshold.

  5. 05
    Stage 5

    We filed for Golden Visa. We filed for Greece Residence Permit as a São Tomé citizen.

Takeaway. Conclusion: New non-sanctioned programs (São Tomé) provide an affordable second passport and unlock Greece's Golden Visa; the choice depends on budget and timeline.

How We Solved the Task

How We Solved the Task

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

  1. 01

    We identified the barrier

    Applications using an RF passport will not be accepted—a second passport is required.

  2. 02

    We selected São Tomé within budget

    New program, affordable price, remote processing—optimal for a single investor.

  3. 03

    We processed the São Tomé passport

    We completed the program remotely.

  4. 04

    We made an investment in Greece

    We completed the real estate investment at the required threshold.

  5. 05

    We filed for Golden Visa

    We filed for Greece Residence Permit as a São Tomé citizen.

  6. 06

    We obtained the Residence Permit

    The client obtained Greece Residence Permit status, unavailable under a Russian passport.

How the work went

From first contact to the result

  1. 01We identified the barrier
  2. 02We selected São Tomé within budget
  3. 03We processed the São Tomé passport
  4. 04We made an investment in Greece
  5. 05We filed for Golden Visa
  6. 06We obtained the Residence Permit

The sequence and timing reflect this specific case and depend on how complete the documents are and on the decisions of the competent authorities.

Expert comment

The secondary passport market is changing with new programs emerging—and this is beneficial for clients: greater selection and often more affordable pricing. São Tomé is a fresh non-sanctioned option. Access to Greece is unavailable with a Russian passport, so we obtain a non-sanctioned country passport; for a single investor, São Tomé proved affordable and remote. We processed the passport, filed for Golden Visa—and obtained the Residence Permit. I always monitor current programs to ensure clients don't overpay.

Sergey Evdokimov, Managing Partner, BRIDGESSergey EvdokimovManaging Partner, BRIDGES

Outcome

What the client received

What Was Required
How We Did It · Result
Access to Greece
São Tomé passport · Route opened
Avoid Overpaying
New affordable program · Optimal pricing
Obtain Residence Permit
Investment + application · Golden Visa granted
EU Access
Greece Residence Permit · Diversification
EU Access
Greece Residence Permit · Diversification

The situation: An investor from Russia wanted Greece Residence Permit but could not apply under an RF passport. What we did: We identified the barrier; selected the affordable new São Tomé program; processed the passport; made the investment; filed for Golden Visa. What he received: Greece Residence Permit as a São Tomé citizen.

Practical takeaway

What matters in a similar situation

  • Conclusion: New non-sanctioned programs (São Tomé) provide an affordable second passport and unlock Greece's Golden Visa; the choice depends on budget and timeline.
  • The client obtained Greece Residence Permit through an affordable pathway because we identified a fresh non-sanctioned passport matching his budget.
  • A new second citizenship programme can be a fast solution for a single applicant that opens the Golden Visa. We will look at your case.

FAQ

Questions people ask in a similar situation

01Can one obtain Greece Residence Permit through a São Tomé passport?

Yes: São Tomé is a non-sanctioned country; its citizens apply for Golden Visa without restrictions applicable to RF/RB passports. This is lawful investment citizenship.

02Why should one consider new programs?

New investment citizenship programs often offer affordable pricing and expand options. This allows selection of a second passport within budget without overpaying.

03Is residency required for São Tomé?

No, the program is remote. Exact terms are clarified with the authorized bodies.

04Is this suitable for a single applicant?

Yes: for one investor, a new program is available - a convenient and cost-effective pathway to a second passport and subsequently to a Greek Golden Visa.

05Is this legal?

Yes: passport through an official program, Golden Visa application - in accordance with Greek regulations for citizens of non-sanctioned countries.

06Which documents were key in this case?

We identified the barrier. Applications using an RF passport will not be accepted—a second passport is required. We selected São Tomé within budget. New program, affordable price, remote processing—optimal for a single investor.

07Why did the standard route not suit the client?

From available options, the client selected the new São Tomé program—a fresh investment citizenship at an affordable price, processed remotely. For a single applicant, this represented a budget-friendly non-sanctioned passport.

08What risk had to be closed before filing?

No hardship existed—a passport-based pathway was closed. Application with Russian passport is impossible; a second passport is required. The risk was overpaying by not considering available new programs. The key was selecting the appropriate non-sanctioned passport (São Tomé) and applying for Greek Golden Visa. Russian passport Golden Visa applications will not be accepted;

09How did BRIDGES check that the chosen solution would hold?

We filed for Golden Visa. We filed for Greece Residence Permit as a São Tomé citizen. We obtained the Residence Permit. The client obtained Greece Residence Permit status, unavailable under a Russian passport.

10What confirmed the result in the end?

The situation: An investor from Russia wanted Greece Residence Permit but could not apply under an RF passport. What we did: We identified the barrier; selected the affordable new São Tomé program; processed the passport; made the investment; filed for Golden Visa. What he received: Greece Residence Permit as a São Tomé citizen. What Was Required: How We Did It · Result. Access to Greece: São Tomé passport · Route opened. Avoid Overpaying: New affordable program · Optimal pricing. Obtain Residence Permit: Investment + application · Golden Visa granted. EU Access: Greece Residence Permit · Diversification. EU Access: Greece Residence Permit · Diversification

11Can this route be repeated directly in another situation?

No, the route cannot be copied without checking the initial data. This case reflects a specific situation: A Russian investor sought Greek residence permit for EU access and diversification. Golden Visa cannot be obtained with a Russian passport, so from available non-sanctioned options, he selected the new São Tomé program as an affordable and innovative tool. We explain how we opened Greece through it. Programme terms and the requirements of banks or authorities can change, so the documents and risks of a new applicant need to be checked first.

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.

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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.