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Shared Values Visa
Shared Values Visa – A Pathway to a New Life in Russia
What is Shared Values Visa?
The Shared Values Visa is a special immigration program introduced by the Russian government on the 19th September 2024. It offers citizens and permanent residents of certain countries the opportunity to relocate to Russia if they share and uphold traditional Russian values.
Under this program, applicants receive a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) without the usual requirements of obtaining a migration quota or passing the Russian language, history, and law tests.
Under this program, applicants receive a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) without the usual requirements of obtaining a migration quota or passing the Russian language, history, and law tests.
Key Benefits of the Temporary Residence Permit:
- Validity: Grants you a 3-year residence permit to live and work in the region where you applied for the Temporary Residence Permit.
- Path to Permanent Residency: You can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) within these three years, paving the way for potential citizenship after five years.
- Simplified Process: Eliminates several hurdles commonly faced in the standard immigration process.
You can read the official document in Russian here.
Why Was It Introduced?
The Shared Values Visa was established to:
- Attract Like-Minded Individuals: Encourage foreigners who embrace traditional Russian cultural and family values to become part of Russian society.
- Address Labor Shortages: Mitigate the shortage of skilled workers in various sectors, such as industry, healthcare and IT.
- Streamline Immigration Procedures: Simplify the migration process to make it more efficient and user-friendly.
- Promote Cultural Integration: Foster social cohesion by attracting individuals who are likely to integrate smoothly into Russian society.
- Highlight Russia's Cultural Diversity: Leverage Russia's longstanding tradition of multicultural and multireligious tolerance.
The Shared Values Visa stands out due to the following features:
What Makes It Unique?
No Migration Quota Required: Bypasses the need to secure one of the limited migration quotas previously necessary for a TRP.
No Language knowledge required: Eliminates the requirement to pass Russian language, history, and law exams at the initial stage.
Immediate Benefits:
No Language knowledge required: Eliminates the requirement to pass Russian language, history, and law exams at the initial stage.
Immediate Benefits:
- Freedom to live and work in the region of your choice for three years.
- Access to the Russian healthcare system on par with citizens.
- Ability to start a small business without registering a legal entity.
This opportunity is available to eligible individuals from the countries listed below. Given the potential cap on the number of applicants accepted, it's advisable to begin the application process promptly.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Citizens or permanent residents of the following countries are eligible:
Europe:
- 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
- Canada
- United States
- Australia
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Bahamas
- Micronesia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan (China)
You can read the official list released by the Russian Government on the 17th of September 2024 here
Americas:
Asia-Pacific:
Others:
How to Apply?
Before You Begin
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least four more years and has a minimum of five blank pages.
- Required Documents:
- Passport
- A recent Certificate of No Criminal Record with an apostille.
- Authorized and apostilled translations. Both your passport (all pages) and the certificate of No Criminal Record must be translated into Russian by a certified translator and the translation notarized.
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Step 1: Obtain a Russian Visa
The application for the Temporary Residency has to be submitted to a Migration Centre in Russia – for that you need to travel to Russia. Any type of Visa will be valid, besides the “transit visa”. We recommend getting a single or multiple entry 3 months visa at a minimum.- Contact the Russian Consulate in your country: Visit the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website ·and find the contact information for the consulate in your country.
- Apply to receive a Shared Values Visa: There is a limited number of Russian Consulates open today in the world, especially in the countries that are on the Shared Values Visa list – expect it to be a lengthy process to obtain a visa.
- Professional services: There are professional services that can help you retain the Russian visa with “less hassle”. We are in partnership with several that we can recommend to our customers – obtaining the entry Visa is part of our premium offerings.
- Receive Your Entry Visa: Once approved, you will be issued a three-month visa to enter Russia.
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Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
- Original Documents: Bring your passport and Certificate of No Criminal Record.
- Notarized Translations: Ensure both documents are translated into Russian and notarized.
Very important that your name is spelled the same in all the documents and in the translation as well as your Russian Entry Visa. One letter difference could mean that your documents will not be accepted by the migration authorities. For our premium customers, we ensure that all the documents are done correctly before travel to Russia. -
Step 3: Travel to Russia
- Plan Your Route: Due to limited direct flights, consider transiting through countries like Turkey, Serbia, or the United Arab Emirates. We provide support with itinerary and hotel bookings.
- Financial Considerations: As Visa, Mastercard, and other Western payment systems do not work in Russia due to sanctions, we recommend bringing cash (up to $10,000 can be brought without the need for declaration at the border).
- Upon Arrival:
- Obtain a Migration Card at the border.
- Complete Migration Registration within six working days.
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Step 4: Submit Your Application
Visit the local Migration Center with all your documents to apply for the Temporary Residence Permit.- Your passport and notarized translation.
- Your Certificate of No Criminal Record with notarized translation.
- The application for the Temporary Residence Permit - in two copies.
- Your Migration Card, which you received while passing the Russian border.
- Your Notification of Registration for Migration, which you should complete within 6 working days after entering Russia.
- Receipt of payment of the State Fee for the Temporary Residence Application.
- Color or black-and-white photographs, 35 x 45 mm, without retouching (4 in total).
- Medical certificates from an authorized Russian clinic, confirming your health status of no HIV infections, syphilis, tuberculosis, or drugs in the system.
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Step 5: Await Decision
- Processing Time: It may take up to four months to receive a decision.
- Stay in Russia: You can remain in Russia during this period, even if your initial visa expires.
- Outcome: Upon approval, you will receive your Temporary Residence Permit, allowing you to begin your new life in Russia.
The entire process can take approximately six months:
Processing Time
- Preparation: About two months — time to gather documents and obtain necessary translations.
- Application Review: Up to four months for the migration authorities to process your application.
Starting early is recommended to account for any unforeseen delays.
Rights and Obligations of the Temporary Residence Permit
1
Rights
- Residence and Employment: Live and Work for three years in the Region you applied in.
- Multiple Entries: Enter and exit Russia without additional visas.
- Healthcare Access: Use the Russian public healthcare system.
- Business Opportunities: Start a business as an individual entrepreneur.
- Social Benefits: Access certain social services and benefits.
- Path to Permanent Residence: Apply for Permanent Residence eight months after receiving Temporary Residence if you pass the Russian language test. After holding Permanent Residence for five years, you're eligible for Russian citizenship.
2
Obligations
- Residence Requirements: Reside in Russia for no less than 180 days per calendar year. Exceptions are possible due to health, family or work reasons.
- Legal Compliance: Adhere to all Russian laws and regulations.
- Annual Confirmation: Report your residence status annually.
- Financial Stability: Maintain an income or savings above the local regional minimum – as example, in Moscow its 29,389 RUB/month in 2024 (approximately $325/month).
3
Restrictions
- Ineligible for certain government or security-related jobs.
- Cannot vote or hold public office.
- Unable to invite relatives under specific visa categories.
- Restricted from accessing secure areas without permission.
Next Steps After Receiving the Permit
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Yearly follow up with migration authorities:
- You must provide proof of income or show that you have sufficient funds in the bank to sustain yourself and any codependents.
- As an example, in Moscow it would be the minimal salary level of 29,389 RUB for the 12 months ahead – 352,668 RUB (approximately $4,000) for a single adult.
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Settle Logistics:
- Housing: Find accommodation—either rent or purchase property with professional assistance. For real estate invest questions – kindly send an inquiry
- Utilities: Set up electricity, water, internet, and other essential services.
- Banking: Open a local bank account.
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Family Arrangements:
- Education: Enroll children in schools that offer multilingual education.
- Healthcare: Register with local healthcare providers.
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Legal Documentation:
- Residence Registration: Complete registration at your new address.
- Driver's License: If necessary, obtain a Russian driver's license.
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Cultural Integration:
- Language: Begin learning Russian to prepare for future residency tests.
- Community: Join local groups or expatriate communities for support.
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Financial Planning:
- Taxes: Understand tax obligations in Russia and your home country.
- Asset Management: Transfer funds and manage international finances appropriately.
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Miscellaneous:
- Pet Relocation: Comply with regulations if bringing pets.
- Legal Documents: Translate any important documents into Russian.
Embarking on this journey is both exciting and challenging. Our company is here to assist you every step of the way with our premium services.
REACH OUT FOR PERSONALIZED SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE →
Become a member today and gain lifetime access to our comprehensive, in-depth "Do-It-Yourself Guide" covering the preparation and application process, including your visit to Russia.
Our guide is regularly updated to reflect on the latest information and changes, ensuring you receive the most accurate advice at every stage of your relocation journey.
Our guide is regularly updated to reflect on the latest information and changes, ensuring you receive the most accurate advice at every stage of your relocation journey.
Detailed Step-by-Step Guide for Members
Once you're a member, you can access it directly under the Shared Values menu.