Russia has recently introduced a new visa policy for individuals who align with its traditional spiritual and moral values. The government has published an official list of countries whose citizens can benefit from a simplified visa application process. This policy supports people who oppose the neoliberal ideologies in their home countries. It is part of Russia’s broader effort to offer humanitarian assistance to those who share its values.
The list, titled the “Russia Shared Values Visa Countries List”, names nations whose policies are seen as contradicting traditional Russian values.
What is the Russia Shared Values Visa?
On August 19, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that allows individuals who align with Russian values to apply for temporary residence. Known as the Russia Shared Values Visa, this policy targets foreign citizens and stateless individuals from countries whose governments promote what Russia views as destructive neoliberal ideologies.
See the Original Decree below
This visa allows eligible individuals to bypass standard requirements, such as knowledge of the Russian language, history, or laws. It also exempts them from the government’s strict residency quotas.
September 17, 2024 Update: The Countries List
On September 17, 2024, the Russian government followed up with an official list of eligible countries. This Russia Shared Values Visa Countries List includes nations and territories whose policies, according to Russia, impose values that clash with its own.
Countries on the List
Australia | Cyprus | North Macedonia |
| Austria | Latvia | Singapore |
| Albania | Lithuania | Slovenia |
| Andorra | Liechtenstein | United States of America |
| The Bahamas | Luxembourg | Taiwan |
| Belgium | Malta | Ukraine |
| Bulgaria | Micronesia | Finland |
| United Kingdom | Monaco | France |
| Germany | The Netherlands | Croatia |
| Greece | New Zealand | Montenegro |
| Denmark | Norway | Czech Republic |
| Ireland | Poland | Switzerland |
| Iceland | Portugal | Sweden |
| Spain | The Republic of Korea | Estonia |
| Italy | Romania | Japan |
| Canada | San Marino |
view notification dated 17.09.2024:
Original Notification of APPROVED COUNTRIES for Shared Values Visa Russia
In total, the list names 47 countries. These include most of Europe, North America, and parts of East Asia.
Why Are These Countries on the List?
Russia’s government claims that these countries push ideological agendas that go against what it considers traditional values. According to the Russian policy, these nations promote “destructive neoliberal values,” including liberal attitudes toward social and cultural issues.
Russia believes this new visa policy will give individuals from these countries a way to reject the ideologies of their governments and instead align with Russia’s spiritual and moral framework.
How Does the Shared Values Visa Work?
Under this policy, individuals from the countries on the list can apply for a temporary residence permit in Russia. They are not required to:
- Prove their knowledge of the Russian language.
- Pass exams on Russian history.
- Fulfill legal requirements that other foreign citizens face.
This simplified process makes it easier for eligible individuals to move to Russia for residency, provided they align with Russian values and reject the neoliberal policies of their home countries.
Who Is Eligible for the Visa?
Individuals from the Russia Shared Values Visa Countries List can apply if they:
- Reject the neoliberal values of their home country.
- Express a desire to align with Russian cultural, spiritual, and legal values.
- Seek temporary residence in Russia.
Applicants must show that they have chosen to adopt Russian values over the ideologies of their home countries.
Humanitarian Support or Political Strategy?
Russia claims this visa policy is about offering humanitarian support, but many experts believe it has political motives. By accepting those who reject liberal ideologies, Russia strengthens its position against Western influence.
This visa program is part of Russia’s larger geopolitical strategy. It shows Russia’s aim to shape global conversations around values and governance, especially as tensions with Western countries continue to grow.
When Does the Policy Take Effect?
The Russia Shared Value Visa policy came into effect on September 1, 2024, for most provisions. The list of eligible countries, as outlined in the September 17 announcement, is already in force.
Conclusion
The Russia Shared Values Visa Countries List represents a major change in Russia’s immigration policy. By focusing on individuals who oppose liberal ideologies, Russia invites those looking for a new set of values.
This policy may appeal to people from various countries who are unhappy with their political and social systems. Only time will reveal how many will choose to move to Russia under these special conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Russia Shared Values Visa?
A: It is a temporary residence visa for individuals who align with traditional Russian values and reject the neoliberal ideologies of their home countries.
Q: Which countries are eligible for the Russia Shared Values Visa?
A: There are 47 countries on the list, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, and most of Europe.
Q: When did the policy take effect?
A: The policy took effect on September 1, 2024, with the country list officially released on September 17, 2024.
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