Shared Values Visa: Step-by-Step Guide to Moving to Russia

Are you thinking about moving to Russia and interested in the new “Shared Values Visa”? In this post I’ll explain what the visa involves, how to obtain it step by step, and the key points to weigh before making this big decision.

What Exactly Is the Shared Values Visa?

The Shared Values Visa is not technically a visa; it is a Temporary Residence Permit that you may apply for after entering Russia on a standard single‑entry private visa. With this initial private visa you can request the Temporary Residence Permit under Presidential Decree No. 702 of 2024, designed to help people who share Russia’s traditional spiritual and moral values settle in the country.

Its main goal is to allow people who share those values to enter the Russian Federation so they can later apply for a temporary residence permit. A key advantage is that the application is processed without any government quota and without having to prove knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history or basic law.

This option targets those who disagree with the policies of their home country—especially if those policies promote ideas that run counter to traditional Russian spiritual and moral values. Applicants must genuinely wish to distance themselves from what Russia considers destructive ideas and values, as defined in its official policy to protect and strengthen these traditions.

Main features:

• You apply for a Temporary Residence Permit in Russia, but you first need a private visa to enter the country.
• No annual quotas or initial tests on language, history or Russian legislation are required.
• The Temporary Residence Permit is normally granted for up to three years and can be renewed.

Who Can Apply for This Visa?

Citizens or permanent residents of European countries, the United States, Australia, Japan and several others. You’ll find the full list at the end of this article.

How to Apply for the Shared Values Visa (Step by Step)

Step 1: Apply for a Common Private Visa (Before You Travel)

This single‑entry visa (up to 90 days) is mandatory in order to travel to Russia and file your Temporary Residence Permit application there.

Required documents:

1. Printed and signed visa application form:
   • Fill it out at https://visa.kdmid.ru.
   • Visa type: choose “common private”, purpose: “private”, host organisation: “-” (just a hyphen).
   • Print and sign it in person at the consulate. For applicants under 18, a parent must sign; bring the child’s birth certificate and the parent’s passport.
2. Written request addressed to the Consul General:
   • Include the phrase: “I request the issuance of a single‑entry ordinary private visa (not longer than 90 days) for the purpose of subsequently submitting an application for a temporary residence permit to the territorial unit of the Ministry of the Interior of the Russian Federation.”
   • Application templates available in Russian, English and Spanish.
3. Original passport and copy: At least two blank visa pages and valid for six months beyond the visa’s expiry. Must be in good condition with no unauthorised marks or torn pages.
4. Recent photo: 3.5 × 4.5 cm, white background, no dark glasses or hats.
5. Residence permit (if you are not a citizen of the country where you apply): non‑citizens must show proof of continuous residence for more than 180 days.
6. Health insurance valid in Russia: On a reciprocal basis, nationals of certain countries (Israel, Ireland, Iran or Schengen states) must present a medical policy that covers Russian territory. Minimum coverage for Schengen citizens: €30,000.
7. Consular fee payment: Fees vary by nationality (about €80 for Schengen citizens; US citizens USD 185). Processing usually takes 5–20 business days.

Step 2: Apply for the Temporary Residence Permit (Once in Russia)

After arrival you must begin the Temporary Residence Permit process immediately. Documents and requirements include:

• Criminal record certificate: Before entering Russia, you must obtain a document from your country of citizenship and permanent residence confirming the absence (or presence) of a criminal record. This document must be apostilled or, if the issuing country is not a party to the 1961 Hague Convention, legalised. You must submit the original document together with a Russian translation of all pages, stamps, seals, etc., whose accuracy and the translator’s signature are notarised by an authorised Russian diplomatic mission or a notary public in the Russian Federation. Failure to provide this document, or presenting one issued more than three months before the temporary residence‑permit application, may result in the application being rejected.

• Medical documents: Within thirty days of entering Russia, the applicant must submit the following medical documents to the territorial office of the Russian Ministry of the Interior:
  • Documents confirming the absence of drug or psychotropic‑substance use without a medical prescription, the absence of potentially dangerous new psychoactive substances, and the absence of infectious diseases that pose a danger to others.
  • A certificate confirming the absence of the disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • These documents may be submitted in paper or electronic form and must be based on the results of a medical examination carried out in a medical institution within the Russian Federation, in accordance with the procedure established by Russian Ministry of Health Order No. 1079n of 19 November 2021. If there are valid documented reasons for not submitting these documents upon entry, they may be provided later, but no more than thirty calendar days after those reasons cease.

• Fingerprinting and photo: Mandatory at the territorial office of the Ministry of the Interior where your permit will be issued.

• State fee payment: Pay the fee set in Article 333.28 of the Russian Tax Code (1,920 rubles, about €20).

Step 3: Wait for the Decision

• The Temporary Residence Permit process can take up to four months.
• Important: If your initial 90‑day visa expires before the permit is issued, you must apply for an extension or a new visa to remain legally in Russia.
• Once the Temporary Residence Permit is granted, you can stay in Russia for the period allowed without leaving.

Advantages of the Shared Values Visa

• Easier path to a temporary residence permit: No government quota and no initial language, history or law tests.
• For people with specific convictions: Offers an option for those ideologically aligned with traditional Russian values who wish to live in a society reflecting them.
• Potential for a new life: A chance for people dissatisfied with trends in their home countries to seek a society more in line with their values.

Drawbacks and Considerations

• Applicants must declare disagreement with their country’s policies, which could have future implications.
• Long‑term commitment: While the initial permit is temporary, the intention is eventual long‑term residence in Russia.
• Possible negative perception in the West: Having requested this visa might raise concerns, especially regarding banking and finance.
• Future need to learn Russian: Not required at first, but likely necessary for permanent residency.
• Not a quick fix: This is not meant as a short‑term “escape valve” but for those genuinely planning a long‑term move to Russia.

Additional Tips

• Check Ministry of the Interior (MVD) offices: Find your nearest office on the official MVD page.
• Book your consular appointment weeks in advance.
• Bring apostilled documents with notarised translations.
• Consult a lawyer specialising in Russian immigration if in doubt.
• Choose a medical insurance policy that meets Russian‑specific requirements.

Appendix: Legislation on the Shared Values Visa

For clarity, below is a translation of Presidential Decree No. 702 of 2024:

This decree is complemented by the Government Resolution of 17 September 2024 No. 2560‑р:

I’d love to hear from anyone who has applied for or obtained the Shared Values Visa. You can share your experience in the Russiable forum.

The most complete and up-to-date guide for traveling to Russia

If you found this article helpful, imagine having all the practical and updated information about visas, flights, trains, accommodation, payments, borders, and travel routes gathered in one place.

The Russiable Guide is available in an interactive web format —always updated whenever changes occur— and also as a downloadable PDF of over 1,000 pages to read offline or print.

GET THE GUIDE & START PLANNING