In many countries of the former USSR, Russians feel at home. Here, domestic entrepreneurs are happy to wait, officials do not fix obstacles in obtaining visas and permits, and the local population is highly solvent, which is beneficial for any business.
After evaluating a number of factors, Forbes experts called the best cities in the former USSR for doing business.
10. Baku
The average salary in Baku is $ 754. The city has a magnificent sports village, a five-star resort, business centers, shopping complexes. The share of the Russian population in the metropolis is 5.3%. It is noteworthy that in Baku the lowest crime rate in the top ten.
9. Tbilisi
The city has the highest unemployment rate among dozens of participants - 29%. The Russians are actively opening hotels, restaurants, and car rental offices in Tbilisi. The average salary in a city is $ 430. The share of the Russian population is 3%.
8. Yerevan
Almost 25% of Armenia’s foreign trade turnover falls on Russia. The average salary in Yerevan is only $ 415. The share of Russians is very small - 0.6%. But almost everyone understands the Russian language, which is important for doing business.
7. Riga
To obtain a residence permit in the country, you must buy real estate, the minimum value of which is 143,000 euros. The Russians are owners of shares in almost 4.5 thousand Latvian companies.
6. Astana
The average salary in a city is $ 925. The VAT rate is attractive - 12% against 18% in Russia. Prospects for business development here were appreciated not only by Russians - Arab businessmen are building a huge multifunctional center “Abu Dhabi Plaza” in the city.
5. Alma-Ata
The GRP of the largest city in Kazakhstan amounted to $ 32 billion last year. The average salary in the city is $ 880, the share of the Russian population is more than 33%. The cost per square meter of real estate in Almaty is $ 2195.
4. Vilnius
Many Russian companies use Vilnius as a launching pad for transferring their business to the European market. One of the highest rates in the EU for deductions to various social funds hinders business activity.
3. Tallinn
Unfortunately, an agreement on avoiding double taxation by business and protecting investments has not yet been signed between Russia and Estonia. But the registration of a company in the country gives the right to receive an Estonian residence permit for 5 years. In addition, the Estonian tax rate on retained earnings is 0%.
2. Minsk
Business in the city is developing very actively. 73% of revenues to the municipal budget are contributions from private enterprises. Half of the 10 largest taxpayers in Belarus are partially or fully owned by Russians. Among them are Lukoil-Belarus, Slavneftekhim, Gazpromneft-Belnefteproduct, MTS, Gazprom Transgaz Belarus.
1. Moscow
The best city to do business. The average salary in Moscow is $ 1,524, which guarantees high purchasing power for customers of any business. The unemployment rate in the city is only 2%. One of the biggest problems for entrepreneurs is the cost of renting premises.