Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Russia's 'Shared Values' Visa: Who is Moving and Why?
Russia has a special visa called the 'shared values' visa, mostly for people from Western countries who disagree with certain things in their home countries, like LGBTQ+ rights.
This visa lets them move to Russia if they believe in traditional values.
The process is quick, without the usual requirements.
Russia hopes to attract skilled people and show its citizens that it represents traditional values, while the West is in decline.
It also helps Russia fill gaps in its population.
However, the visa also has a purpose related to the war and economic factors.
Russia offers a 'shared values' visa to attract foreigners rejecting 'destructive neoliberal ideology'.
The visa is aimed at those sharing traditional, conservative values, and is available to citizens of countries Moscow considers 'opposed'.
Applicants need to disagree with their home country's policies contradicting 'traditional' values.
The visa process is expedited, with no language or cultural knowledge requirements, and can lead to citizenship.
The visa serves both symbolic and economic purposes for Russia, attracting skilled migrants and addressing demographic issues.
- Who
- Foreigners who reject 'destructive neoliberal ideology' and share traditional values.
- What
- A 'shared values' visa program offered by Russia.
- When
- The visa was introduced in August 2024.
- Where
- Russia
- Why
- To attract immigrants, address demographic issues, and portray Russia as the guardian of traditional values.
Western Perspectives
Russian Perspectives
Social Values
Western Perspectives
Some Westerners see Russia as an escape from societal changes they disagree with.
Russian Perspectives
Others view this migration as a loss of talent and an embrace of a country not committed to traditional values.
Economic Logic
Western Perspectives
Russia is attracting people from countries with opposing values.
Russian Perspectives
Russia's visa may be an economic one as well.
- Visa Name
- 'Shared Values' Visa
- Target Group
- Foreigners with traditional values
- Countries of Origin
- 47 countries, including most European countries, the US, Australia, and Japan
- Application Requirement
- Applicants must disagree with the policies of their country that contradict 'traditional' values
- Visa Duration
- 3 years, renewable
- Applicants by May 2024
- 1,156
- Main Country of Applicants
- Germany