Russia issued over 1,000 visas in 2025 to foreigners who share 'traditional spiritual and moral values'
Russian diplomatic missions and consulates issued 1,112 visas in 2025 to foreigners who adhere to 'traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.' Most visas went to citizens of Germany, France, and the United States.
Alexey Klimov, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Consular Department, told state news agency RIA Novosti that Russian embassies and consulates issued 1,112 visas in 2025 to foreigners who share 'traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.'
The largest number of visas were granted to citizens of Germany (168), France (140), and the United States (105). The fewest were issued to citizens of Estonia (63), Latvia (60), Canada (54), Lithuania (46), and Australia (43).
In August 2024, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree 'on providing humanitarian support to individuals who share traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.' This decree allows foreigners and stateless persons to obtain temporary residence permits in Russia without quotas or requirements to prove Russian language proficiency, knowledge of Russian history, or understanding of the country's legal system. The option is available to those who choose to move to Russia 'due to their rejection of the policies pursued by these states, which impose destructive neoliberal ideological frameworks.'
In June 2025, Putin said Russia is ready to welcome and support those relocating to preserve traditional family values. 'In a number of countries, unfortunately, traditional family values are being dismantled. We will support those who, facing such pressure, come to live, work, and raise their children in Russia,' he stated.
