Roman Abramovich Image by getty images

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Russian-Jewish billionaire businessman Roman Abramovich made aliyah.

Abramovich arrived in Israel on Monday afternoon, and immediately received Israeli citizenship. He is now eligible to receive and Israeli passport. He left Israel about three hours after taking care of his citizenship, the business daily Globes reported.

He reportedly applied for citizenship from Russia last week. “Roman Abramovich arrived at the Israeli embassy in Moscow like any other person. He filed a request to receive an immigration permit, his documents were checked according to the Law of Return, and he was indeed found eligible,” a spokesperson told Channel 10 news.Abramovich is the owner of the British Chelsea Football Club. He has a net worth of $11.4 billion, according to Forbes magazine, and is now the wealthiest Israeli, as well as the 126th wealthiest individual in the world.
Some have speculated that Abramovich wants Israeli citizenship so that he can enter Britain without a visa. He recently was denied a new visa for the country.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

Abramovich’s British visa expired last month, according to the Israel Hayom daily. His previous visa was granted before more rigorous regulations were instituted in April 2015.

Abramovich will have to explain the source of his wealth to receive the new visa, according to reports.

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount