Vladlena Baranova
Head of Legal & AML Compliance Department, CAMS, IMCM
Vladlena leads preparation to Due Diligence and application for citizenship or residency by investment. She performs independent and in-depth analysis of investors’ situations and indicates possible risks. Vladlena helped to get second passports and residence permits to over 300 investors from all over the world.

Work experience
In the field of investment migration 5 years
Education
Riga Specialized Police Youth Training Center (RSJMC) 2006
Latvian Police Academy, law science/jurist consult 2009
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) 2020
ACAMS membership in Fighting Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
BDO Anti Corruption, Mitigation of conflict of interest, Data protection courses
Functions and risks of compliance, practical implementation of their management (FA-21) at the Baltic Computer Academy
Finance Latvia Association Counter-Proliferation Finance training
PWC Academy: Sanctions assessment and optimization. European banking regulation and supervision: priorities for 2019 and beyond. Trade Compliance challenges & technology trends
FA 16, AML/CTF advanced level training module: Transaction supervision, monitoring. Transaction research and analysis. Signs of suspicious transactions
FA 12, AML/CTF advanced training module: sanctions imposed by international organizations (Baltic Computer Academy)
Guidelines for the risk management and compliance functions (Institute of Internal Auditors)
FA 5, Anti-Money Laundering Basic Training Course
Participation in industry events
ACAMS Baltics Chapter — Inaugural Estonia Event and Riga Event
ACAMS Baltics Symposium
Counter Proliferation Finance under the supervision of King's College London at Avalon Hotel & Conferences
Data Security Forum Digital Age: Data Regulation and Data Security (General Data Protection Regulation)
Risk Revealed event, World Check features (Thomson Reuters)
Publications
Stories of investors,
who obtain citizenship or residence permit

Case studies

Case studies

Case studies

Case studies

Case studies

Case studies

Case studies

Case studies

Case studies
Questions and problems,
answers and solutions to which Vladlena Baranova knows

Visa-free travel with a Turkish passport: full country list updated for 2026
As of February 2026, the Turkish passport allows its holder to enter 126 countries without applying for a visa, including South Korea and Singapore. Moreover, an investor can obtain a C-2 Schengen visa for five years and a tourist visa to the USA for ten years. The article explores the complete list of visa-free countries for holders and considers all possible ways to get a Turkish passport.
Travelling

How stateless people can gain citizenship: investment routes explained
There are officially 4.4 million stateless people worldwide\[1\]. For a small group with sufficient resources, citizenship-by-investment and Golden Visa programs offer a potential way to secure a passport and full legal identity. São Tomé and Príncipe and Grenada are among the few CBI programs that accept stateless applicants, with minimum investments of $90,000 and $250,000. São Tomé and Príncipe takes about 2 months, while Grenada takes around 8 months but offers a stronger passport and extra benefits.
Citizenship

Residence permit vs. permanent residency: what’s the real difference?
A temporary residence permit grants the right to live abroad for a set number of years. It is often tied to employment, university enrolment, family reunification, or investment. Over time, one may become eligible for a permanent residence permit. This status allows indefinite stay and typically comes with fewer restrictions. This article explains the key differences between temporary and permanent residence permits, covering how they work, who qualifies, and why they matter for those looking to settle abroad.
Residence permit

Citizenship by birth: updated list of countries that grant it to foreigners in 2026
Newborn children acquire citizenship either by "right of blood" or "right of soil". In the first case, it is based on the citizenship of the parents, and in the second case, it depends on the country of birth. In some countries both these principles apply. We explain these concepts in detail.
Citizenship

Dual citizenship: updated list of 123 countries that allow it in 2026
49% of all countries allow dual citizenship: the US, Caribbean states, Türkiye, and many others. With dual citizenship, one can choose better living conditions, receive social benefits, and have more opportunities to travel. Careful planning is essential when obtaining dual citizenship; it's important to verify whether the home country permits it to avoid losing the original citizenship. Continue reading to learn which countries offer dual citizenship and what is the easiest way to obtain one more nationality.
Citizenship

How to sponsor an immigrant for citizenship or residency: full guide
If an immigrant does not have enough money to stay in the country, they can ask for help from a sponsor. The sponsor guarantees the government that the immigrant will receive financial support during their stay. Sponsors can be family members, friends, companies, or anyone else. Sponsors have certain responsibilities. First and foremost, their financial situation must allow them to help the immigrant while still being able to provide for themselves.
Citizenship

20 powerful benefits of Turkish citizenship — here’s why it’s worth it
A Turkish passport offers a variety of benefits, including travelling to 113 countries visa-free and receiving long-term visas to the USA and Schengen states. There’s a way to obtain Turkish citizenship by an investment of $400,000+. Investors can choose one of five options: real estate purchase, business investments, bank deposit, and purchase of government bonds or units in an investment fund. The whole process takes 6—8 months.
Citizenship

D7 Passive Income Visa vs Digital Nomad Visa: which one fits your lifestyle?
The Portugal D7 Visa appeals to foreigners with its accessible requirements. A monthly income of at least €920 is enough to obtain the visa, followed by a residence permit. However, an important detail is often overlooked: only passive income qualifies, meaning salaries and freelance payments do not count. As an alternative, Portugal offers the Digital Nomad Visa, which does not require passive income. Instead, applicants qualify based on remote work earnings if they can demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,680. In 2023, Digital Nomad Visas were issued to 2,460 foreigners.
Residence permit

How to get a Portuguese taxpayer number — and why it matters
Portuguese taxpayers are issued with a unique nine-digit number, Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF). It is also referred to as Número de Contribuinte, the contribution number. NIF is often required even for simple everyday transactions. We explain why you need this individual tax identification number even if you are not planning to move to Portugal and pay taxes there.
Taxes

Second citizenship: 15 real pros and cons you can’t afford to miss
Benefits of second citizenship depend on the country in which one obtains a passport. Caribbean citizenship allows travel without visas to more than 100 countries, while with a Maltese passport, one can choose to live in any EU country and visit 169 nations freely. Second citizenship can also have certain disadvantages. For example, in the United States, individuals with multiple nationalities may face restrictions on holding security clearance or specific government jobs, particularly those involving sensitive national security positions.
Citizenship

Andorra residence permit: ultimate 2026 guide for expats
To obtain a residence permit in Andorra, one must invest €600,000 and spend at least three months a year in the country. Andorra offers one of the most favourable tax regimes in Europe. There are no taxes on wealth or inheritance for tax residents, while dividends, capital gains, and corporate profits are taxed at a flat rate of just 10% This article explains who can apply for Andorra’s investment residency and its conditions.
Residence permit

Residency vs citizenship: what’s the real difference between the two in 2026?
State permission is required to live in the country. It is confirmed by the following documents: a residence permit, a permanent residence card or a citizen's passport. We will tell you the opportunities each status brings and how to choose the right one.
Residence permit

When achievement becomes nationality: 11 countries with citizenship by merit
Some countries grant citizenship not for money or years of residence but for excellence. Exceptional talent, achievements, and service can open the door to a passport. This rare path is reserved for those who stand out in science, business, culture, or sport and whose contributions align with national interests. Among the notable figures recognised in this way are Elon Musk and Tom Hanks. Explore how citizenship by merit works, which countries offer it, and what alternatives exist.
Citizenship

How to open a bank account in Malta: top reliable banks for expats
More than 20 local and international banks are operating in Malta. Foreigners with Malta residence permits can open bank accounts in any of them: to do it, they should usually provide an ID, proof of an address in the country and other documents. The requirements, costs and application processing time depends on the bank itself.
Banks

How many passports can you hold? Two, three, or more: updated guide for 2026
Is it possible to obtain multiple citizenships? The answer is yes. A person can be a citizen of two or even more countries. However, some countries do not allow dual citizenship, and in such cases, the original passport may be revoked. For instance, Austria requires individuals to renounce their previous citizenships when acquiring Austrian nationality. Keep reading to explore the conditions and potential challenges of holding multiple citizenships.
Citizenship

Where you can travel with an EU residence permit: full list inside
The European Union is not the same as the Schengen Area: some EU countries are not part of the Schengen Area, and vice versa. These differences can restrict visa-free travel for second passport holders, and they need to be considered when selecting the European country where you want to live. Learn which countries are visa-free for EU residents.
Travelling

Benefits of an EU residence permit: rights, travel, and long-term value
Third-country nationals can move to the EU after getting residency. A residence permit allows one to move to the country that granted the status, study there, get treatment, use reliable banking services, and in most cases — travel across the Schengen Area visa-free. Participating in state residency-by-investment programs is the most convenient way to become an EU resident. One can obtain not only status but also acquire profitable assets.
Residence permit

Politically exposed persons: who qualifies and how to get second citizenship
The PEP status, or the one of a politically exposed person, is associated with civil servants and senior executives at the national or international level. When obtaining a second citizenship, politically exposed persons undergo a stricter Due Diligence check than other applicants. The risk of rejection remains high even in the case of an ideal reputation and no criminal record. Learn how a politically exposed person can pass Due Diligence and get a second passport by investment.

Turkey cost of living for foreigners: updated prices in Istanbul, Izmir, and more in 2026
One of the cheapest countries in Europe, Turkey offers almost as high a level of life as the major European states in terms of housing, transportation, healthcare, and more. Let us take a closer look at some of the most popular destinations in Turkey, such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya.
Living abroad

How to get EU citizenship by descent: updated rules for the path to EU passport
EU citizenship by descent can be granted based on proof that your ancestors were citizens of an EU country. In this article, we discuss who and in which EU countries can obtain citizenship by descent.
Citizenship

Why fake passports are a trap — and how to get one legally, without scams
Obtaining citizenship is divided into legal and "working" ways. Fraudsters offer to buy a passport in violation of the laws of several states at once. This is fraught with trouble from large fines and a ban on entry into the EU countries to criminal liability and compromising evidence, which is at their disposal. We will tell you how to get a passport without consequences and how not to accidentally entrust your money and reputation to scammers.
Citizenship

How to obtain Türkiye citizenship and a second passport in 2026
The Turkish passport allows permanent residence in the country, visa-free travel to over 120 countries, and obtaining an E-2 business visa to the USA. Turkey сitizenship can be held without renouncing other countries' citizenships. There are several ways to get a Turkish passport: investments, naturalisation, and marriage. The fastest way to get it is to invest in the Turkish economy.
Citizenship

9 pros and cons of dual citizenship in 2026: what you should know first
Holding multiple citizenships provides a person with a number of benefits, such as freedom of travel, the ability to choose the more advanced healthcare system, and wider educational opportunities. However, there are some cons to holding two passports, too.
Citizenship

Documents for citizenship by investment: ultimate checklist
Countries issuing citizenship by investment do not grant it automatically: they need to check on the applicant to ensure they are not likely to bring trouble into the country, even if they can fulfil the conditions for investment. The main points of interest are usually the sufficiency and legality of income, criminal record, and civil status. All of the above must be confirmed by specific documents. Here is the list of documents needed for citizenship application.
Citizenship

How to travel with two passports: updated dual citizen guide for 2026
After obtaining second citizenship, many practical questions arise. These include how to travel with two passports, which one to use, to whom, and what to show when crossing the border. The answers can be confusing. Documents must be shown several times: in the home country at the airline counter, at passport control, and again after arrival in another country. Learn how to cross the border with two passports in 2025.
Travelling

Schengen Area countries in 2026: complete list and latest updates
The Schengen Area is a zone that covers the majority of the European countries. Within this zone, there is no border control. Although most of the Schengen countries also belong to the European Union, these two areas are not the same. We explain how the Schengen area differs from the EU, how it functions and which countries it includes.
Travelling

What is citizenship by naturalisation and which countries offer it in 2026?
If a foreigner officially lives in the country for a long time, they can become its citizen. For example, you can come to Australia on a student visa and apply for citizenship after four years. What conditions must be met in order to become a naturalized citizen, and how to go through the path of integration into a new society in the easiest way — learn from the examples of different countries.
Citizenship

European citizenship by birth: full list of eligible countries in 2026
The principle of obtaining citizenship “by right of blood” applies in the European Union. This means that a child born in the EU receives their parents’ citizenship. The “right of soil" or automatically granting citizenship of the country of birth also applies in some countries, albeit, with restrictions. In Europe, the easiest way to obtain citizenship by right of soil is in Portugal.
Citizenship

Domicile vs. residence: key differences, how to apply, and top countries
Residence and domicile are often confused, yet they carry distinct meanings. In short, the difference lies in permanence and intent. Residence typically involves a temporary stay, while domicile refers to a permanent home. Domicile and residency concepts influence tax obligations, legal rights, and long-term commitments. In this article, we unpack these crucial distinctions and highlight seven countries where you can obtain non-dom status.
Taxes

Turkey citizenship by investment: updated ultimate guide to apply in 2026
Turkey citizenship offers the advantages of travelling to 120+ countries visa-free and the opportunity to pursue an E-2 business visa for the United States — all alongside moving to a country with a mild climate, gorgeous sea, and diverse culture. Foreigners can obtain these benefits and get a Turkish passport by investing at least $400,000 in the country’s economy. The process of obtaining citizenship typically spans six to eight months, with the potential for investment returns within three years. Read on to learn how one can get Turkey citizenship by investment, who is eligible, and how this program differs from others.
Citizenship

How to choose a Turkish bank and open an account: updated guide for foreigners
56 reliable banks operate under government control in Turkey. Opening an account in these banks is available for foreigners. The documents that must be provided while opening an account are standard. However, the process of opening an account may differ from one bank to another. How to choose a bank and what documents are required from a non‑resident to get a bank card in Turkey, told the Immigrant Invest expert.
Banks

Turkish healthcare system: services for locals and expats explained
Turkey is not only a well-known medical tourism destination but also a country with an advanced healthcare system. The quality of medicine there can be compared with that of the USA and Israel. About 80% of the Turkish citizens' expenses on healthcare are covered by Universal Health Insurance. It is a state-funded national healthcare plan. We have prepared a detailed guide on the Turkish healthcare system, prices for medical services in the country, and the availability of Turkish healthcare for expats.
Healthcare

Moving to Türkiye: all residency types, key tips, and real hurdles
Turkey, offering 9 residency options and a citizenship by investment program, has already attracted almost 5 million foreigners. Moving to Turkey provides the opportunity to live in a country that bridges two continents while enjoying a lower cost of living than in the US and UK. From obtaining the right visas to finding housing and navigating daily life, this guide covers all the key steps to ensure a seamless transition.
Living abroad

14 benefits of EU citizenship every global investor should know
Of the top 10 happiest countries in the world, five countries are from the European Union. The region is renowned for its high quality of life, stable economic growth, and vast business opportunities. It is no wonder that the number of EU citizens continues to grow yearly. Let’s revise the main benefits of the EU passport and all possible ways to obtain one.
Citizenship

Start a business in Portugal: how to open a company and get residency
Portugal is confidently among the European countries most attractive to investors from all over the world. Some of them consider the Pyrenean country as a place to relax or an opportunity to invest in real estate. And many seek to open a business in Portugal. We figure out whether it is profitable and what advantages the presence of your own company in Portugal provides.
Residence permit

Best ways to invest in Türkiye: opportunities for foreigners
Turkey is becoming more and more popular as a place to invest. The nation ranked third among rising European countries for FDI destinations in 2019. And it rose to the top spot in 2021. Between 2003 and 2021, there was a total of 239 billion dollars in foreign direct investment.
Citizenship

10 EU citizenship myths and how to get the passport legally
Let’s address common misconceptions related to EU citizenship: from the idea that one can buy a passport to the concept of a fictitious marriage.
Citizenship

How to get citizenship or residency for siblings: legal options explained
Investors can include their siblings in citizenship applications in the Caribbean countries, like Grenada or St Kitts and Nevis. Some European residency programs also allow applicants to obtain residence permits for brothers and sisters. And it’s possible to get a US Green Card for a sibling, too. But there are some peculiarities to consider, like age thresholds, high costs or an enormously long procedure. Let’s discuss all the conditions for getting a passport or an RP for a sibling.
Citizenship

Türkiye citizenship cost revealed: how much to invest for a passport
The Turkish passport offers many benefits, including the ability to travel to over 120 countries without visas, pass citizenship on to future generations, and obtain long-term visas to the US and Schengen states. Turkey also allows dual citizenship. Foreigners can become Turkish citizens by investing at least $400,000. Read on to learn about all the costs and fees associated with obtaining a Turkish passport by investment.
Citizenship
which Vladlena Baranova comments

Turkey launches a new Tech Visa: what is it and how to get it
The Türkiye Tech Visa was announced in September 2024. It is a three-year work permit available to highly skilled IT specialists and entrepreneurs planning to launch a startup. An official list of required documents has yet to be released, but here is what is currently known about the visa.

The European Parliament has proposed to abolish visa-free entry for Caribbean countries
The European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties has approved amendments to the visa regulations. The proposed changes suggest restricting visa-free entry for citizens of countries where citizenship can be obtained by investment. We have reviewed the draft legislation and explain why there is no need to panic just yet, and what will happen if the amendments are passed.

15 countries with the hardest paths to citizenship by naturalization in 2023
A foreigner typically must live in a country for 5—10 years before applying for citizenship, though some countries extend this to 30 years. Applicants are also often required to learn the local language and laws, show societal integration, and possibly renounce other citizenships. Take a look at 15 countries with notably tough naturalization laws. Some, despite strict rules, offer simpler routes like investment-based residence. We'll explore these options and other countries that provide swift citizenship to cosmopolitans.

Record-breaking Greece residence permit program: how many investors got golden visas in 2023?
The number of investors who want to get a "golden visa" to Greece has almost tripled at the beginning of 2023. Changes in the residence permit program cause increased interest: starting August 1, 2023, the minimum real estate investment amount will double, growing from €250,000 to €500,000 in 36 regions of Greece.

Why Portugal is booming: how many residence permits did investors and digital nomads get in 2023?
Portugal is among the Top 10 luxury holiday destinations of 2023, according to Condé Nast Johansens magazine. Most tourists choose resorts for vacation. About 38% of respondents will spend at least €8,000 on them. Resort real estate is becoming increasingly popular with investors. By purchasing it, they receive a Portugal residence permit.

Latest Schengen Visa statistics: which countries were most likely to reject applications?
Eurostat has published new Schengen Visa statistics. France, Spain, and Germany remain the top Schengen countries that received the most Schengen Visa applications. However, they were also responsible for the most rejections. Learn what other Schengen countries led the visa rejection chart, which foreigners were most rejected, and what alternatives are available.

Why do Americans get Caribbean citizenship in 2022?
Expats from the United States continue to move to the Caribbean. These are not just digital nomads, but also businessmen, investors, and retirees. They get second citizenship for an entire family. We explore what exactly makes the Caribbeans attractive to Americans.

How the requirements for investors will change in 1-2 years: trends launched by the pandemic
The restrictions that countries have introduced in connection with the pandemic have marked new trends in the investment immigration industry. Let's talk about changes in the procedures and conditions of citizenship and residence permit programs that have already begun or are expected in the coming years.

Yacht harbor opened in Olhão. How will this affect the real estate market in Portugal?
Porto Recreio de Olhão - a harbor in a small Portuguese town - is officially open. It was built in 2001, and in 2017 the management of the harbor was transferred to the private company Verbos Do Cais. The management company invested 8.5 million euros in the reconstruction of the harbor. Construction continues in 2022. But the basic infrastructure is already in place: new marinas, a gas station and an entertainment center. We explain why the project is important for Portugal and how it will affect the value of real estate in Olhão and the Algarve region.

Why is the UAE Essad Privilege Card beneficial for Golden Visa holders?
Dubai now issues a free Esaad Privilege Card to UAE Golden Visa holders. Previously, only citizens of the country could receive it. The card entitles its holder to discounts of up to 70% in various establishments in the UAE and 92 other countries. Here’s how to get an Esaad Card for Golden Visa investors.

More and more investors receive a residence permit in Portugal for the purchase of shares of investment funds
Buying shares in investment funds is gaining popularity: 100 investors have chosen the option to get a residence permit in Portugal in 2022. This is already 19% more than last year. We tell you why investors are attracted by the option with funds and what else they have invested in.

The best countries to live with children in 2022 according to the UN
UNICEF — the United Nations Children's Fund — assessed the living conditions of children in 43 countries of the European Union and the Organization for Economic Co‑operation and Development, or OECD. The Places and Spaces study is being conducted for the 17th year in a row, the results are published on the foundation's website.

Cyprus plans to provide new tax incentives to employees of foreign companies
The Cabinet of Ministers of Cyprus has approved a bill introducing tax incentives for executives and employees of foreign companies who choose the country for business relocation. The bill has been sent to Parliament. It will come into force after it is approved by the deputies.

10 countries with the most advanced healthcare
Typically, health care systems are judged on the quality and accessibility of services to the population. Researchers at the FREOPP Foundation believe that this is not enough. They compiled their own World Index of Healthcare Innovation ranking for 31 countries. The rating shows how well health care systems are able to put into practice the results of modern scientific achievements and provide patients with the best service. We tell you which countries have the most modern healthcare systems.

How Many Residence Permits And to Whom Has Portugal Issued Since the Beginning of 2022
The Portuguese Immigration Service has published statistics on the residence permit program for the first quarter of 2022. The income from the program for three months amounted to about 125 million euros. We tell you how many investors received a residence permit in Portugal and what they invested in.

Immigrant Invest exiting Russian and Belarussian markets
As a result of war aggression by Russia and Belarus against Ukraine, we decided to fully exit these markets and stop working with new applications from Russian and Belarussian citizens.

European Commission forecast: what will happen to the region's economy in 2022
The European Commission has published an economic forecast for the countries of the European Union and the Eurozone. GDP is expected to decline by 1.3% compared to 2021, and the inflation rate is expected to exceed the target by two times. We share with you in which countries the economy will continue to grow in 2022 and how to get residence and citizenship in them by investment.

What to buy instead of a villa in the Caribbean: 4 options for investment property
Investing in real estate is the most popular way to simultaneously receive income, a liquid asset, and even a residence permit or a second citizenship. The demand for real estate for investment is stable, and prices are growing at least 7% per year. But how to understand which object will justify the investment and really bring profit instead of losses? We figured out what real estate investors should pay attention to in 2022.

Best cities for giving birth and raising children
William Russell, an international insurance company, has compared cities of the world by conditions for expectant parents. 50 cities are included in the list of the best ones for giving birth and raising children. Almost a half of the cities are located in European countries which offer a residence permit by investment.

Ukraine Will Allow Its Citizens To Hold Multiple Passports
The current law "On Citizenship of Ukraine" does not explicitly prohibit, but also does not allow citizens of the country to hold several passports. On 2 December 2021, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy submitted to parliament a draft law which proposes to secure the right to a second citizenship without losing the Ukrainian one.

The 10 Most Peaceful And Secure Countries In The World According To The Global Peace Index 2021
163 countries are assessed on how safe it is to live on their territory. The result is influenced by a country's crime rate, whether there is military activity on its territory and how much money the state spends on funding the army.

The best banks in the world in 2021 according to Global Finance
16 banks became leaders in the "The World's Best Banks 2021" rating from Global Finance. The magazine's experts evaluated the quality of banks in more than 160 countries around the world and chose the best in 18 categories. We will tell you which banks have become the most reliable in terms of financial performance and quality of service.






