Russian Shared Values Visa

What is a Shared Values Visa?

The Shared Values program is a special immigration initiative introduced by the Russian Federation government through Presidential Decree No. 702, signed on August 19, 2024, and entering into force on September 1, 2024. It offers citizens and permanent residents of certain countries the opportunity to move to Russia if they share traditional Russian spiritual and moral values. Under this immigration program, applicants receive a Temporary Residency Permit (TRP) without the usual requirements of obtaining a migration quota or passing the language, history, and law tests that many immigration programs require.

Key Benefits of the Temporary Residency Permit (TRP)

• Validity: Grants a 3-year residency permit to live and work in Russia within the region where the application for the TRP was submitted.
• Path to Permanent Residency: Applicants can apply for a Permanent Residency Permit (PRP) within these three years (as early as 8 months after receiving the TRP if the language test is passed), paving the way for potential citizenship in the Russian Federation after holding permanent residency status for 5 years.
• Simplified Immigration Process: Eliminates several hurdles commonly faced in standard immigration procedures in Russia.

The official Presidential Decree can be accessed through government resources of the Russian Federation.

Why Was It Introduced?

The program was established to:

1. Attract Like-Minded Individuals: Encourage foreigners who share traditional Russian spiritual and moral values to become part of society in Russia.
2. Address Labor Shortages: Mitigate the shortage of skilled workers in various sectors across the Russian Federation, such as industry, healthcare, and IT.
3. Streamline Immigration Procedures: Simplify the immigration process in Russia to make it more efficient and user-friendly for those moving to Russia.
4. Promote Cultural Integration: Foster social cohesion by attracting individuals who are likely to integrate smoothly into communities throughout Russia.
5. Highlight Cultural Diversity: Leverage the longstanding tradition of multicultural and multireligious tolerance across the Russian Federation.

What Makes It Unique?

The Temporary Residency Permit (TRP) stands out due to the following features:

No Migration Quota Required: Bypasses the need to secure one of the limited migration quotas previously necessary for a TRP in Russia. In 2024, only 5,500 federal quota permits were available.

No Language Knowledge Required: Eliminates the requirement to pass language, history, and law exams at the initial stage of the immigration procedure.

Immediate Benefits:

• Freedom to live and work within the chosen region of Russia for three years.
• Access to the healthcare system in Russia on par with citizens. Excellent and affordable state clinics, as well as private medical facilities, are available throughout Russia.
• Ability to start a business as an individual entrepreneur in Russia without registering a legal entity.
• Job search support in Russia through various employment services.

This opportunity is available to eligible individuals from many countries listed below. Given the potential cap on the number of applicants accepted for this immigration program in Russia, it’s advisable to begin the application process promptly.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Citizens or permanent residents of the following 47 countries are eligible to apply for the TRP under this program:

Europe (37 countries): Austria, Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Ukraine

North America (3 countries): Canada, United States, Bahamas

Asia and Oceania (7 countries): Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan (China), Micronesia

The official list of countries was released by the government of the Russian Federation on September 17, 2024, through Government Directive No. 2560-r and is available through official government resources.

How to Apply for the Shared Values Program?

Before Starting the Application

1. Passport Validity: Ensure the passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date and has sufficient blank pages (at least 4-5 blank pages are recommended for the entire immigration process).
2. Main Requirements: The main applicant must be at least 18 years old, be in good health, and have no criminal record.
3. Required Documents:
   • Valid passport
   • A recent Certificate of No Criminal Record with an apostille (valid for 3 months from the date of issue)
   • Authorized and apostilled translations. Both the passport (all pages) and the certificate must be translated into the language of the Russian Federation by a certified translator and the translation notarized.

Step 1: Obtain Entry Permission to Russia

The application for the Temporary Residency Permit (TRP) must be submitted to a Migration Centre in Russia – for that, travel to Russia is necessary. A single-entry private entry permission valid for up to 3 months is required to start the immigration procedure in Russia.

• Russian Federation Consulates: Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website of the Russian Federation to find information for the consulate in the applicant’s country.
• Apply for Entry Permission: There is a limited number of consulates of the Russian Federation open today in the world, especially in countries that are eligible for this immigration program. Processing typically takes 5-20 business days depending on the consulate.
• Consular Fees: Fees vary by nationality (approximately €80 for European citizens; USD 185 for US citizens).
• Health Insurance: For nationals of certain countries (Israel, Ireland, Iran, or Schengen states), medical insurance valid in Russia is required (minimum coverage €30,000 for Schengen citizens).
• Written Statement: A written statement declaring rejection of destructive neoliberal ideological views and an embrace of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values must be submitted.
• Receive Entry Permission: Once approved, entry permission to the Russian Federation will be issued, typically for 3 months to enter Russia.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

• Original Documents: Bring the passport and Certificate of No Criminal Record with apostille.
• Notarized Translations: Ensure both documents are translated and notarized according to standards of the Russian Federation.

It is very important that the name is spelled identically in all the documents, in the translation, and in the entry permission to Russia. One letter difference could mean that documents will not be accepted by migration authorities in Russia.

Step 3: Travel to Russia

• Plan the Route: Due to limited direct flights to Russia from many countries, consider transiting through countries like Turkey, Serbia, or the United Arab Emirates when moving to Russia. Support with itinerary and hotel bookings can be arranged.
• Financial Considerations: As many Western payment systems do not work in Russia, bringing cash is recommended (up to $10,000 can be brought without declaration at the border).
• Upon Arrival in Russia:
  1. Obtain a Migration Card at the border of the Russian Federation.
  2. Complete Migration Registration within 7 days after arrival at the place of residence.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Visit the local Migration Centre (GUVM of the Ministry of Internal Affairs) in Russia with all documents to apply for the Temporary Residency Permit (TRP). In Moscow, applications are submitted to the Multifunctional Migration Center. Note: Regular MFCs do not accept TRP applications.

Required documents:

• The passport and its notarized translation.
• The Certificate of No Criminal Record with apostille and its notarized translation.
• The application form for the TRP – in two copies.
• The Migration Card received while passing the border of the Russian Federation.
• The Notification of Registration for Migration, which should be completed within 7 days after entering Russia.
• Receipt of payment of the State Fee for the Temporary Residency application.
• Color or black-and-white photographs, 35 x 45 mm, without retouching (4 photos total).
• Medical certificates from an authorized clinic in Russia, confirming health status: no HIV infections, syphilis, tuberculosis, or drugs in the system.
• Fingerprinting is mandatory when submitting documents (applicants aged 6 and older).

Important: Applicants aged 14 and older can sign their own application. Children over 6 must be present for fingerprinting.

Timeline: The application must be submitted within 3 months of entering Russia.

Step 5: Await the Decision

• Processing Time: The immigration procedure in Russia takes up to 4 months to receive approval (up to 2 months for applicants from visa-free countries).
• Stay in Russia: Applicants can remain in Russia during this period, even if the initial entry permission expires.
• Outcome: Upon approval of the application, the Temporary Residency Permit (TRP) will be issued, allowing to begin a new life in the Russian Federation.

Processing Time

The entire immigration procedure can take approximately 6 months:

• Preparation: About 2 months — time to gather documents, obtain necessary apostilles and translations, and secure entry permission for the application to Russia.
• Application Review: Up to 4 months for the migration authorities in Russia to process the TRP application.

Starting early is recommended to account for any unforeseen delays in the immigration process.

Rights and Obligations of the Temporary Residency Permit (TRP)

Rights

• Residency and Employment: Live and work for three years in the region of Russia where the application was submitted. Employment is possible without a separate work permit.
• Multiple Entries: Enter and exit the Russian Federation without additional entry requirements.
• Healthcare Access: Use the public healthcare system in Russia on par with citizens. Excellent and affordable state clinics, as well as private medical facilities, are available throughout Russia.
• Business Opportunities: Start a business as an individual entrepreneur in Russia without registering a legal entity (though establishing an entity is possible if needed).
• Social Benefits: Access certain social services and benefits available in the Russian Federation.
• Path to Permanent Residency: Apply for Permanent Residency as early as 8 months after receiving the TRP if the Russian language, history, and law test is passed. After holding Permanent Residency status in Russia for 5 years, applicants become eligible for citizenship in the Russian Federation.
• Job Search Support: Job search support in Russia is available through various employment services and excellent digital services for comfortable living.

Obligations

• Residency Requirements: Reside in Russia for no less than 183 days per calendar year to maintain the TRP. Exceptions are possible for health, family, or work reasons through official procedures in the Russian Federation.
• Legal Compliance: Adhere to all laws and regulations of the Russian Federation.
• Annual Confirmation: Report residency status annually to migration authorities in Russia.
• Financial Stability: Maintain an income or savings above the local regional minimum established in the Russian Federation. For example, in Moscow in 2024, the minimum is 29,389 RUB/month (approximately $325/month).
• Residential Registration: Complete registration within 7 days at each new place of residence in Russia.

Restrictions

• Ineligible for certain government or security-related jobs in Russia.
• Cannot vote or hold public office in the Russian Federation.
• Unable to invite relatives under specific categories.
• Restricted from accessing secure areas without permission from authorities.

Next Steps After Receiving the TRP

Yearly Follow-Up with Migration Authorities in Russia

• Proof of income or sufficient funds in a bank must be provided to sustain the applicant and any dependents in accordance with standards of the Russian Federation.
• As an example, in Moscow, the required amount would be approximately 352,668 RUB (approximately $4,000) for a single adult for 12 months ahead.

Settle Logistics When Moving to Russia

• Housing: Find accommodation—either rent or purchase property with professional assistance when moving to Russia.
• Utilities: Set up electricity, water, internet, and other essential services in the chosen location in Russia.
• Banking: Open a local bank account in the Russian Federation.

Family Arrangements

• Education: Enroll children in schools that offer multilingual education throughout Russia.
• Healthcare: Register with local healthcare providers in Russia. The Russian Federation offers excellent digital services for comfortable living.

Legal Documentation

• Residency Registration: Complete registration at the new address in Russia within 7 days of moving.
• Driver’s License: If necessary, obtain a driver’s license valid in the Russian Federation.

Cultural Integration

• Language: Begin learning the Russian language to prepare for future residency tests and better integration into society in Russia. Nearly 3 years are available to learn the language before the Permanent Residency application.
• Community: Join local groups or expatriate communities for support throughout the Russian Federation.

Financial Planning

• Taxes: Understand tax obligations in Russia and the home country.
• Asset Management: Transfer funds and manage international finances appropriately when relocating to the Russian Federation. To ensure a smooth immigration procedure in Russia, prepare all financial documentation in advance.

Miscellaneous

• Pet Relocation: Comply with regulations if bringing pets to Russia.
• Legal Documents: Translate any important documents into the official language of the Russian Federation.

Professional Support Services

Embarking on this journey of moving to Russia is both exciting and challenging. To ensure a smooth immigration procedure in Russia, collect the necessary documents and prepare thoroughly for the move to Russia. Professional services are available to assist with every step of the immigration process, from obtaining entry permission to the Russian Federation to settling into a new life in Russia.

The Temporary Residency Permit (TRP) offers an excellent opportunity for those who share traditional Russian spiritual and moral values to become part of the vibrant, multicultural society of the Russian Federation. With its streamlined immigration procedures, access to affordable healthcare, and pathways to citizenship, the program represents an attractive option for many individuals looking to relocate to Russia.

Whether seeking new career opportunities, a different lifestyle, or simply wishing to be part of a society that shares traditional values, the immigration program provides a clear pathway. The Russian Federation welcomes those ready to integrate, contribute, and build their future in Russia.

Statistics and Reception

As of May 2025, the program has received 1,156 applications from foreign nationals. German citizens lead with 224 applications, followed by Latvia (126), the United States (99), France (95), Italy (82), the United Kingdom (57), Estonia (55), Canada (50), and Lithuania (39). European countries account for approximately 79% of all applications, demonstrating strong interest in the immigration program across many countries eligible for the Shared Values initiative.