Dissatisfied Individuals From the West Growing Interest in Russia - Western Press Reports
Russia's 'Shared Values' Visa Program Attracts Foreigners
Russia's 'shared values' visa program, launched by President Vladimir Putin in August 2024, has been a resounding success, according to a Swiss outlet Tages-Anzeiger. The program aims to attract foreigners from countries deemed "unfriendly" by Moscow—mainly Western countries such as the US, EU states, Australia, Japan, and Canada—who reject liberal social policies and share Russia's "traditional spiritual and moral values."
The visa is typically issued for three years and can be converted into Russian citizenship. No language, culture, or legal knowledge requirements exist to apply; applicants must only demonstrate rejection of their home countries' liberal policies that conflict with Russia's traditional values.
Between September 2024 and early May 2025, the Russian authorities received a total of 1,156 applications for the 'shared values' visa program. Germans, Latvians, Americans, and French lead the list of applicants, with Germans having the most applications at 224. Dozens of people from Italy, the UK, Estonia, Canada, and Australia have also requested the 'shared values' visa.
The residence permit under the 'shared values' visa program allows holders to live, work, or start a business in Russia without requiring a language test, specific professional qualifications, or investments. Benefits for visa holders include eligibility for pension, child payments, and healthcare in Russia.
The program has been popular among people with no prior connections to Russia who feel disillusioned with their home countries. Ilya Belobragin, the CEO of MoveToRussia.com, stated that many of his clients believe the EU is a sinking ship and want to leave as soon as possible.
The 'shared values' visa program has been described as an "astonishing success" by Swiss outlet Tages-Anzeiger. The framework for the state policy includes values such as life, dignity, human rights and freedoms, high moral ideals, strong family values, and priority of spirituality over materialism.
Nonetheless, some reports warn that the program's actual impact is limited, and the migration numbers are small, countering narratives of mass Western migration. Regardless, the visa is part of Russia’s broader effort to promote a conservative "anti-woke" ideology and attract ideological allies from the West.
[1] [Source] [2] [Source] [3] [Source] [4] [Source] [5] [Source]
- The 'shared values' visa program, launched by President Vladimir Putin, has attracted a significant number of applicants from various countries, including Germans, Americans, French, and Latvians, who aim to live in Russia due to their rejection of liberal policies and alignment with Russia's traditional values.
- The 'shared values' visa program, part of Russia’s broader effort to promote a conservative "anti-woke" ideology, has been popular among disillusioned individuals from the West, contributing to politics that center around migration and general news.
