Russia’s “Common Values” visa program allows citizens from 47 designated “unfriendly” nations to apply for three-year temporary residence permits without traditional language or history testing. According to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the program requires applicants to formally reject what the Russian authorities call the “destructive neoliberal ideology” of their countries and commit to Russian “spiritual and moral values.” While the policy targets Western nationals, the state provides no financial or housing support for participants.
How the “Common Values” Visa Functions
The program, approved by President Vladimir Putin in 2024, creates a unique pathway for foreign nationals to reside in Russia. Unlike standard immigration routes, applicants are exempt from the mandatory testing on Russian history, language, and legal systems. Instead, they must submit a written declaration affirming their alignment with Russia’s traditional spiritual and moral values.
This status remains valid for up to three years. After this period, residents face a binary choice: apply for a residence permit or depart the country. Securing a residence permit after the initial three-year term requires applicants to pass the standard Russian language and history exams and provide a more complete set of documents.
Applicants must pay an administrative fee of 1,600 rubles—18 euros—to initiate the process. This is in addition to mandatory criminal background checks and health screenings.
Current Application Trends by Nation
Data provided by the BBC indicates that interest in the program is concentrated within European and North American countries. From August 2024 to May 2025, German citizens led the application pool with 224 submissions. Latvia followed with 126, while the United States accounted for 99 applications.
Other nations with notable application numbers include France (95), Italy (82), the United Kingdom (57), Estonia (55), Canada (50), and Lithuania (39). In total, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that nearly 3,400 applications were submitted under the program by the spring of 2026.
Consequences for Applicants
Prospective applicants should note the lack of state-sponsored infrastructure for those moving under this visa. According to the program guidelines, the Russian government does not offer housing or financial support for participants. Individuals are expected to be self-sufficient upon entry.
Because the “Common Values” visa is a temporary bridge, applicants should plan for the eventual requirement of language proficiency. Passing the exams in the Russian language and history is a non-negotiable step for those seeking to remain in Russia beyond the three-year mark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are language tests required for this visa?
No. Initial applicants under the “Common Values” program are exempt from standard tests regarding the Russian language, history, and legislation of Russia.
What happens after the three-year visa expires?
Holders must either leave Russia or apply for a residence permit. The latter requires passing the standard language and history exams and submitting a more complete set of documents.
Does the Russian government provide housing or financial support?
No. The program does not provide for housing or financial support from the Russian state.
How many applications have been processed?
The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that nearly 3,400 applications were submitted by the spring of 2026.
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