Shared Values Visa for Russia (Decree 702): Requirements, Steps and Timeline

The Shared Values Visa is one of the most talked-about ways to move to Russia since 2024. Officially it is not a visa at all. It is a simplified route to a temporary residence permit (RVP) created by Presidential Decree No. 702 of August 19, 2024, titled On Providing Humanitarian Support to Individuals Who Share Traditional Russian Spiritual and Moral Values. This guide explains who can use it, how the process works step by step, and what to check before you commit.

Last updated: September 24, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules and country lists change, so confirm current requirements before you apply.

What the Shared Values Route Is

Under the decree, eligible foreign citizens who want to relocate to Russia can:

• Enter Russia on a single-entry private visa valid for up to 90 days
• Then apply to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) for a temporary residence permit
• Without being counted against the annual RVP quota
• Without submitting proof of Russian language, Russian history and basics of Russian legislation at the RVP stage

The resulting RVP is valid for three years and works like any other RVP. See our RVP guide for the rights and restrictions, including the link to the region where the permit is issued.

Stated purpose. The decree describes its aim as supporting people who have chosen spiritual, cultural and legal ties with Russia, and applicants are expected to explain their wish to relocate in line with the decree's traditional values framework. Because eligibility and the motivation statement matter, read the decree text carefully or speak to a lawyer before you apply.

Who Can Apply?

The route is open to citizens of a list of countries set by the government, currently 47 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most European countries. The list can change, so confirm that your country is included on the date you apply. The decree text also refers to stateless persons.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility. Check that your citizenship is on the current list and that you understand the decree's requirements and the statement you will be asked to make.

Step 2: Apply for a shared values private visa at a Russian consulate. Typical requirements include:

• A passport with at least two blank pages, valid for at least six months beyond the visa's expiry
• One passport-style photo
• The online application form, printed and signed
• Any embassy-specific application form
• A police clearance certificate, apostilled and translated into Russian, valid for three months
• Health insurance for citizens of certain countries

Fees, appointment systems and document details vary by consulate, so check the website of the Russian embassy in your country.

Step 3: Enter Russia and register. Make sure your migration registration is completed within seven days of arrival.

Step 4: File your RVP application with the MVD. File while your private visa is still valid. Typical documents include your passport with a notarized translation, photographs, medical certificates, your migration card and registration, proof of the state duty (published at 1,920 rubles, so check the current amount) and the documents connected to the decree. The exact list depends on the local MVD office.

Step 5: Receive your RVP. The permit is issued for three years.

Step 6: Plan the next stage. The exam exemption applies to the RVP. You will still need to pass the Russian language, history and law exam when you apply for permanent residence. Rules for later stages have also been changing, and a presidential decree issued in November 2025 (No. 821) changed some requirements, so confirm the current conditions before you plan beyond the RVP. Our guides to permanent residency and Russian citizenship cover the later steps.

Timeline and Costs

• Consular stage: allow several weeks, depending on the consulate and your documents
• RVP stage: typically several months after filing
• State duty for the RVP: published at 1,920 rubles, so check the current amount
• Other costs: consular fees, translations, apostilles, medical certificates, travel and your living costs while you wait

For living costs, see our guide to the cost of living in Russia in 2026.

Practical Realities to Plan For

• Language. Government offices, banks and shops operate in Russian, and paperwork is in Russian.
• Region. An RVP is tied to the region where it is issued, and you should not spend more than about 180 days a year outside Russia.
• Banking. Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards do not work in Russia, and opening a local account needs several steps.
• Travel. Many Western airlines do not fly directly to Russia, so travelers often route through third countries or cross by land. Check current options before you book.

Before You Commit

• Read the decree text and understand the statement of motivation you will make
• Confirm your country is on the current list
• Keep in mind that the route is relatively new and rules have been updated, so use current information
• Budget for the whole path, not only the RVP, including the exam for permanent residence
• Get advice on your specific situation, since outcomes cannot be guaranteed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Shared Values Visa really a visa?

No. It is a route to a temporary residence permit. You enter on a private visa, then apply for the RVP inside Russia.

Do I need to speak Russian?

Not to file the RVP application. You will need to pass the language, history and law exam later for permanent residence, and daily life is much easier with Russian.

Can I work with this RVP?

An RVP allows work without a separate work permit, within the region where it was issued.

Can my children come with me?

Minor children of a foreign citizen who is applying for or holds an RVP can also apply. Ask us about your family's documents.

How many people use this route?

Russian state media reported that 1,112 visas were issued under the programme in 2025.

Is the approval guaranteed?

No. Every application is assessed individually, and a well-prepared file reduces avoidable problems.

How Russian Residency Can Help

Russian Residency has helped foreign nationals with Russian residence procedures since 2011. We can check your eligibility, prepare and translate your documents, help you file at the right time and guide you through the RVP stage and beyond.

See our Temporary Residence Permit service and Russian Visa service, or contact us for a consultation.

Related guides: Temporary residence permit (RVP), Permanent residency, Russian citizenship and the cost of living in Russia in 2026.