Russia’s ‘Shared Values’ Visa Offers Easy Residency for Westerners🇷🇺

An interview with Philip Port, a British immigration advisor living in Moscow

May 21, 2025

🎙️ “If you fall on hard times in Russia, you won’t end up on the street.”

This is just one of the surprising truths that came out of my conversation with Philip Port, a British immigration advisor who has been living in Moscow for over two decades. Our conversation was part policy breakdown, part personal insight and all fascinating.

Philip lives with his 7-year-old son in Russia while his 28-year-old daughter lives in the UK. He is part of a growing group of Westerners who have made Russia home and now help others navigate what might feel like an unlikely move.

Today, we’re talking about Russia’s new Shared Values Visa—a streamlined residency program aimed at people from countries that the Russian government believes share “traditional” values. But beneath the headlines and geopolitics lies something more human: a man who found a better life in a place many people misunderstand.

🌍 What is the Shared Values Visa?

“It’s just simplified Russian residency.”

Philip explains that if you're from a country like the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan—essentially what Russia sees as “the West”—you may be eligible for this new visa. All you need is a clean criminal record, and once in Russia, pass a basic medical test.

The idea? If you believe “a man is a man, a woman is a woman,” uphold traditional or religious values, and aren’t aligned with what the Russian government sees as “dodgy” ideologies, Russia wants to make it easier for you to stay.

❓ Why is Russia offering this?

“It’s a demographic problem… and also a bit of promotion .”

Russia, Philip believes, is facing a brain drain and declining population. They want to reverse the flow—not just keep talent in, but attract skilled people from the West.

It’s also, he says, about reputation. Let people come see Russia for themselves, and they’ll go home and tell others what it's really like. “They don’t realize they’re in paradise,” he says with a chuckle. “It’s a wonderful place. The climate can be a bit harsh—but still.”

💸 Cost of Living: Is It Really That Cheap?

“Your pyramid of needs is nothing here.”

In Philip’s words, Moscow is not only livable—it’s affordable. A 42m² flat in central Moscow rents for $700/month, while a similar place in New York might go for $4,000/month.

And public transport? Philip has a yearly unlimited Metro pass for $220, which would cost thousands in London. Electricity is 10x cheaper. Property taxes? He pays $180/year on a spacious flat.

Other things like food and clothing are about the same as the West, but it’s the essentials—housing, utilities, transport—that are a fraction of the cost.

🛂 How Does the Visa Process Work?

Once you apply, expect a 3–4 month wait for approval. You’ll need to register your residence, and after receiving your permit, you can legally work—but only in the region where you’re registered.

For example, if you’re registered in Moscow, you can work in Moscow. If you’re registered in Moscow Region, then that’s where you’re supposed to work. Philip admits the rules are lightly enforced—but “if you want to stay legal, follow them.”

Every year, you’ll need to renew your registration, prove you have enough savings or income (around $350/month), and show you’re still living where you say you are.

👶 How to Get Citizenship

There are two paths:

After 5 years on permanent residency
Or immediately if you have a child who’s a Russian citizen

“If you meet someone and have kids, you can fast-track it,” Philip says. “Or just renew the Shared Values Visa every 4 years.” But if you want the security of citizenship, learning decent Russian is a must.

❤️ Why He Stayed in Russia

“High standard of living. Beautiful women. Real friends.”

Philip doesn’t romanticize life in Russia, but he’s clear: it works for him. He’s been married three times, raised a family, and built a career. Despite the divorces, he laughs, “Russian women will give you five minutes… That’s all you need to impress.”

He loves the affordability, the safety (no one's snatching your phone on the Metro), and the community. “Russian friends are true friends,” he says. “They’ll take time, but once they’re your friends—they’re in it with you.”

✈️ Final Advice for Future Residents

Don’t believe Western media: “It’s nothing like they say.”
Be flexible: Teaching English, remote work, or blogging can help you stay afloat.
Understand the ruble is weak now, but could strengthen.
Just do it: “Healthcare’s great. Education’s great. The people are great.”

And if it gets too cold? Philip and his family just spend six weeks in Thailand. “The standard of living here makes it possible,” he smiles.

🔗 Connect with Philip Port

Want help applying for the Shared Values Visa or other immigration services? Philip is happy to answer your questions.

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@happyvisas?si=xYgIZSwarBvoyClN
Website: www.happyvisas.com
Email: Philipport99@gmail.com