Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and owner of the owner of Chelsea soccer club took Israeli citizenship on Monday and will move to Tel Aviv where he has bought a property.
He has been counted as the richest men in Britain since he bought the English Premier League soccer club in 2003.
His British visa expired last month and sources have told Reuters it was taking longer than usual to get it renewed. The British government has declined to comment on his case.
According to Israeli news, said Abramovich, on Monday and had received documents confirming his status as an Israeli citizen.
Israel grants citizenship to any Jew wishing to move there, and a passport can be issued immediately. Israeli passport holders can enter Britain without a visa for short stays, although they require visas to work there.