Shared Values Visa and Residency in Russia

What Is The Shared Values Visa?

The Shared Values Visa is a unique immigration initiative launched by the Russian government on September 19, 2024. This program allows citizens and permanent residents from select countries to move to Russia, provided they embrace and promote traditional Russian values.

Through this initiative, applicants can acquire a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) without needing to meet the typical requirements, such as securing a migration quota or passing tests on the Russian language, history, and law.

Key Advantages of the Temporary Residence Permit:

• Duration: Offers a 3-year residence permit, enabling you to live and work in the area where you submitted your application for the TRP.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Within the three-year period, you can seek a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP), which can lead to citizenship eligibility after five years.
• Streamlined Process: Reduces many of the challenges typically encountered in the standard immigration procedures.

You can access the official document signed by Putin (in Russian) here.

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Why Was Shared Values Visa Introduced?

It was created with several goals in mind:

• Attract Like-Minded Individuals: The program aims to bring in foreigners who resonate with traditional Russian cultural and familial values, encouraging their integration into society.
• Address Labor Shortages: It seeks to alleviate the lack of skilled workers in important sectors, including industry, healthcare, and information technology.
• Streamline Immigration Procedures: The initiative aims to simplify the immigration process, making it more efficient and accessible for applicants.
• Promote Cultural Integration: By welcoming individuals likely to adapt well, the program fosters social unity and cohesion within the community.
• Highlight Russia's Cultural Diversity: It underscores Russia's rich history of multiculturalism and religious tolerance, showcasing its diverse heritage.

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What Makes Shared Values Visa Unique?

It is distinctive for several reasons:

No Migration Quota Needed: It eliminates the necessity of obtaining one of the limited migration quotas that were previously required for a TRP.

No Language Proficiency Required: The program does away with the need to pass exams in Russian language, history, and law during the initial application phase.

And You Have Three Immediate Advantages:

• Enjoy the freedom to live and work in your chosen region for a duration of three years.
• Gain access to the Russian healthcare system on the same level as citizens.
• Start a small business without the need to register a legal entity.

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Citizens Of Which Countries Can Apply For The Shared Values Visa?

You can read the official list released by the Russian Government on the 17^th of September 2024 here

Given the potential limit on the number of applicants accepted, it’s recommended to start the application process as soon as possible.

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How Can You Apply For The Shared Values Visa?

Before you begin the application process:

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 4 more years. And make sure that it has a minimum of five blank pages.

The documents that you’ll need to apply:
- Your passport
- A Certificate of No Criminal Record with an apostille.

You’ll need 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.

P.S. Our company - «OKA» Agency - specializes in helping people move to Russia. 

Please reach out to us.