By Salman Siddiqui
Imagine you were born in Russia with dreams of becoming an entrepreneur who could work anywhere around the world using a powerful passport. But such ambitions hit a snag when you are confronted with the reality that your home country’s documents won’t get you far, especially with international sanctions and politics that have nothing to do with you personally. Gleb Igolkin is one such man who overcame such difficulties in his life by successfully applying for a second passport from St. Kitts and Nevis, enabling him to work as a global entrepreneur. This is his story, which could help investors from all over the world like him who want to ensure a brighter and a more prosperous future for themselves and their families.
Could you please introduce yourself?
I was born in Leningrad, USSR, in 1977. My father is a sailor and my mom is a graphic designer. I grew up in a simple family, but I was lucky to graduate from a very good language school; that was really uncommon in the Soviet Union, and it gave me a possibility to start working in an international travel company after graduating from St. Petersburg State University. That was nearly 25 years ago and shortly after getting that job, I started my first company – Pride Tour Operator – a VIP tour operator, specializing in custom tours all around the globe.
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Why did you feel the need to acquire another passport?
When you are a Russian citizen, it’s really difficult to be an international entrepreneur. You can’t open a bank account and you need a visa anywhere you go. The situation is getting worse with international sanctions and continuous confrontation of Russian government vs. the Western block. I decided to apply for my second passport a decade ago when things just started to fall apart, and it was more like a comfort zone thing. Now, with all economic and COVID restrictions, I would apply for my whole family in the blink of an eye. That’s the only possibility to travel and live a comfortable life for many nationalities at the moment.
Why did you choose St. Kitts to gain a passport when there are so many other options available?
Ten years ago, the only other option (available to Russians like me) was Dominica, and with all respect, Dominica citizenship program is another league. I invested in real estate (in St. Kitts). I bought a five-bedroom house for $400,000 and, honestly, I feel it was a pretty good investment with a steady return. You don’t have so many options of that kind on the market right now.
Russians can have dual citizenship so I’m having two passports. My parents are too old to apply now, but the rest of my family got citizenship at the same moment I did.
How long was the process to acquire the second citizenship/passport for yourself and your family members?
I got approved in three months, no delays and no red tape. St. Kitts CIU (Citizenship-by-Investment Unit) was, and still is, very reliable, in terms of due diligence time. They had some delays when the new prime minister was elected and the unit had to be restructured, but that was the only moment I can think of.
How would you describe your experience working with the firm you hired to acquire your second citizenship?
They were very helpful. I’ve got complete guidelines how to prepare my documents, translate and notarize it. Usually, if the agent is giving you complete guidelines filing your petition, it is really easy. Stacey Ann Aberdeen of Aberdeen Law helped me a lot when I was getting my citizenship.
Can you describe the feeling when you got your second citizenship? What did that mean for you?
Oh, I was super happy. My problems were solved. Next week, I established my new international company, that is still a core of my business. I forgot about all this visa applications for European and UK visas. I was finally free to do what I wanted.
What advice would you offer to other foreigners like you who are looking to acquire a second citizenship?
With so many options on the table at the moment, my only advice would be to study all of them and never rush the process. I would also suggest to look for a well-established agent with a good reputation.
Tell us about your life and your plans for the future?
I am 44 right now so my plan is to work hard for the next six years and retire early to enjoy my kids and a little bit of this world.
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