CIS Desk.
Russian and CIS-language consultations on asset protection, sanctions screening, family-office structuring, and Polish residency for relocated entrepreneurs. Every matter is screened against EU and Polish sanctions before engagement.
What this desk does
The CIS Desk serves the Russian-speaking diaspora — primarily Russian, Belarusian, Kazakhstani and Uzbek nationals — who have relocated to Poland or are structuring assets via Polish or EU vehicles.
Daria Kovalenko coordinates the desk. Every engagement begins with a sanctions screen: EU sanctions (consolidated list), the Polish Sanctions Act of 13 April 2022 (which goes beyond EU sanctions with domestic-listed persons), and US OFAC (where US-nexus exists). We decline engagements where sanctions exposure exists and instruct sanctions counsel for wind-down where appropriate.
For relocated entrepreneurs — typically tech founders or asset-light service businesses — we advise on Polish residency (Karta Pobytu, eventual citizenship), business structuring (sp. z o.o., family foundation, IP Box), and banking introductions.
Key legal services in demand
- Sanctions screening — EU, PL, OFAC (mandatory pre-engagement)
- Karta Pobytu temporary and permanent residence
- Sp. z o.o. and S.A. company formation
- Family foundation (fundacja rodzinna) for CIS HNWI
- Banking introductions — Polish and EU institutions
- Real estate acquisition — MSWiA permits for non-EU nationals
- Asset protection — pre-emptive structuring (no client funds custody)
- Citizenship by residence (after 10 years, faster for some)
- Russian/CIS law coordination — through partner network
- EU sanctions wind-down licences — KE, KAS applications
Our team for this desk
Telegram channel available for CIS clients.
How we work
Send your cross-border matter in 5–10 sentences.
A partner reads within 2 business hours.
We outline scope, local-partner coordination, fee.
Work begins only after your approval.
Related practices
Contact this desk
Every engagement begins with EU + PL + OFAC sanctions screening. We work in Russian and English. Telegram available for ongoing matters.