How to move to Russia under the ‘traditional values’ decree
Foreigners who share Russian values can move to Russia without taking language exams. According to Presidential Decree No. 702 ("On Providing Humanitarian Support to Individuals Who Share Traditional Russian Spiritual and Moral Values", dated August 19, 2024), citizens of certain countries are eligible for a simplified procedure to obtain a temporary residence permit (RVP). (Read the decree here).
The term "traditional values" includes patriotism, strong family ties, historical memory, productive labor, and more – as defined in Decree No. 809 (November 9, 2022). (See the definition here).
What is an RVP?
The RVP is the first step toward Russian citizenship. It is a stamp placed in your passport. Normally, obtaining an RVP requires passing exams in Russian language, history, and law, as well as securing a quota (a limit on the number of permits issued). However, under Decree No. 702, neither quotas nor exams are required.
Important!
- The RVP allows you to work (including starting a small business – more info here) and reside only in the region where it was issued.
- You can travel within Russia and abroad, but no more than 180 days per year – otherwise, your RVP will be revoked.
- The RVP comes with a multiple-entry visa valid for its entire duration.
- The permit itself is valid for three years, after which you must either apply for permanent residency (VNZh) or return home.
- You can apply for permanent residency (VNZh) after one year of living in Russia on an RVP.
- To obtain a VNZh, you must prove your Russian language proficiency.
- A VNZh replaces a visa, allowing free entry and exit from Russia.
- To obtain citizenship, you must live in Russia on a VNZh for five more years (with no more than three months abroad per year).
Eligible countries
The decree applies to citizens of 47 countries, including:
Australia, Austria, Albania, Andorra, Bahamas, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Micronesia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Step-by-step guide to relocation
1) Choose a region in Russia where you will live for three years. Research where you’d like to settle and what you’ll do there.
- Need temporary accommodation? Here’s how to find a hotel.
- Explore life in Russian regions on our site.
2) Apply for a "Shared Values Private Visa" at the nearest Russian consulate. Required documents:
- A passport with at least two blank pages, valid for 6 months beyond the visa expiry date (+ a copy).
- One color photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background, no glasses).
- Completed visa application form (filled online, then printed and signed).
- Embassy-specific application form: (download from your country’s Russian embassy website. Examples: UK, Canada, Australia, U.S., Japan).
- Health insurance (required for citizens of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Denmark, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Germany, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Estonia).
- Police clearance certificate (apostilled and translated into Russian, valid for three months).
Visa fees, payment methods, and appointment booking vary – check your local Russian embassy’s website.
3) Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit in Russia
After arriving in Russia, apply for an RVP at a migration center (e.g., Moscow, Moscow Region, St. Petersburg) or a local Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) office (website). Required documents:
- Medical certificates (confirming no HIV/drug addiction; issued in your home country or Russia, with certified Russian translation).
- Fingerprinting (done at migration centers or MVD offices; and you can bring extra couple photos).
- All personal documents (passport, marriage certificate, etc.) must be translated, notarized, and apostilled.
- State fee: 1,920 rubles (~$24) in 2025 (payable at the migration center).
Processing takes up to four months. Check your RVP status here. If your visa expires while waiting, extend it at the MVD.
Important notes
- If moving with children, they must pass a Russian language test for school admission (details).
- Check customs rules for what you can/cannot bring into Russia (import restrictions, export restrictions).
- Register your address within 7 days if not staying at a hotel (guide).
- For government services, SIM cards (instructions), and bank accounts (guide), register on: