Blog · 2024-12-20

Relocation news digest: key updates for those moving abroad

VTB launches payments via foreign banks' QR codes abroad

VTB customers will be able to pay for purchases abroad using a QR code in the VTB Online app. The service has already been tested in one neighbouring country. In the first half of 2025 QR payments will become available in other nearby countries, and in the second half of the year in friendly states both near and far, the bank said. It did not disclose exactly which countries. The bank's press office added that VTB Online users will receive notifications when the service becomes available in the country where they are located.

The payment terminals can belong to any foreign bank; no special partnership with VTB is required. Payment will go through with most (between 50 and 100 percent) formats of payment QR codes, the bank's press office noted.

"There is no need to withdraw cash or exchange currency - when you pay, roubles are automatically converted into the required currency," said Alexey Khranilov, head of the Transfers division at VTB's transactional retail business department.

No commission is charged to customers for processing a payment. The limit for a single transaction ranges from 10,000 to 350,000 roubles, the press office noted.

Australia launches the National Innovation Visa

On 6 December 2024 Australia's Department of Home Affairs introduced a new visa programme, the National Innovation Visa (NIV), which replaces the existing Global Talent Visa (subclass 858).

The new visa is designed to attract world-class talent across a range of fields, including leading researchers, established and emerging entrepreneurs, professional athletes and figures from the arts.

The National Innovation Visa offers a number of advantages, among them:

A pathway to permanent residence: visa holders gain the right to live, study and work in Australia permanently.
Waived requirements for applicants over 55: they no longer need to provide additional supporting evidence.
Flexible English-language requirements, which simplify the application process for many candidates.
No occupational restrictions: the visa is open to professionals from a variety of sectors, provided they meet the achievement criteria.

Australia: the new Skills in Demand visa

On 7 December the Australian government officially introduced the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which replaces the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa.

The government also amended the Employer Nomination Scheme visa programme within the Temporary Residence Transition Stream. It is now possible to apply for permanent residence after two years of work in Australia on certain visa types (for example, Temporary Work (Skilled) Subclass 457, TSS or SID).

China extends its transit stay period

The Chinese authorities have extended visa-free transit stays to 10 days for citizens of 54 countries, including Russia.

The number of airports where this is possible has also grown, from 39 to 60.

Russians travelling through China in transit to a third country will be able to enter the country visa-free through any of the 60 listed airports across 24 provinces and stay for up to 240 hours.

Vanuatu: the EU fully suspends its visa-waiver agreement

On 12 December 2024 the European Council adopted a proposal by the European Parliament and the European Commission to move Vanuatu from the visa-free list to the list of countries whose citizens require a visa to enter the EU.

There will be no practical change, since Vanuatu citizens already need a visa to enter the Schengen area: their visa-free status was suspended back in 2022.

Czech parliament passes bill banning citizenship for Russians

The bill would require anyone seeking a Czech passport to first renounce their Russian citizenship. The measure must now be considered by the Senate.

Thailand moves to an electronic visa system

From 1 January 2025 Thailand is switching to an electronic visa (e-visa) system for entry into the country. The change will not, however, affect Russians' right to enter Thailand visa-free for 60 days, senior officials from Thailand's foreign ministry said at a press conference in Bangkok marking the launch of the new system.

"Starting on 1 January 2025, the electronic visa system will be operational at all 94 Thai embassies and consulates-general worldwide," Thailand's foreign minister Marit Sangiamphong said at the press conference.

"This means that everything related to obtaining a visa, including filling out the paperwork, will be done online, at any time of day and anywhere in the world," the minister added. He explained that the visa itself will no longer be a stamp or sticker placed in a passport but an image file that can be downloaded to a smartphone, tablet or computer and shown at passport control on entry.

To obtain an electronic visa, applicants will need to go to the website, complete and submit an application form, and attach scans of the required documents.

Canada: tighter border rules

The Canadian government has published a plan to strengthen border security aimed at tackling problems such as illegal migration, drug trafficking and organised crime.

The main immigration measures include plans to end the practice of "flagpoling" (whereby foreign nationals leave Canada and re-enter the country to obtain immigration services at a port of entry), to streamline the asylum system, and to amend immigration legislation to prevent illegal migration and reduce security risks.

The government is expected to publish further details and timelines for specific measures in 2025. Foreign nationals should be prepared for increased security checks at the borders.

Spain: the golden visa is abolished

Congress has approved a law that ends Spain's Golden Visa programme. Once the law takes effect - which will happen three months after its publication in the Official Gazette - the programme will be discontinued.

During the three-month transition period, golden-visa applications will still be accepted. Applications approved before the law's effective date will be renewable even after the transition period ends.

FAQ

How can you pay abroad with a Russian card?

Visa and Mastercard cards issued in Russia do not work outside the country. What is left: a MIR card in a small number of countries, cards from banks in other jurisdictions, QR-code payments through a banking app where the service has launched, and cash exchanged locally. Availability changes fast and without notice, so check before you travel and always carry a backup payment method.

Do QR code payments work abroad?

Russian banks have rolled out this option: you scan a local merchant's payment QR code in the app, roubles convert automatically, and no partnership with the foreign bank is required. There are per-transaction limits, not every QR format is supported, and coverage expanded country by country. Treat it as a supplement to cash and foreign bank cards, not your main payment method.

What is Australia's National Innovation Visa?

The National Innovation Visa is for people with an outstanding record in research, business, technology, sport or the arts. It replaced the earlier global talent visa and grants permanent residence. Selection is based on your track record and likely contribution to the economy, and usually requires backing from a recognised nominator. Criteria get adjusted, so check the Department of Home Affairs for the current version.

Can you get Australian residency through investment?

Australia wound down its classic business and investor programme and shifted the focus to talent and skills: the innovation visa, skilled visas in shortage occupations and employer sponsorship. Money alone no longer buys residence. The visa line-up is reshaped fairly often, so confirm which streams are open before you start preparing documents.

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