Russia Unveils Eligible Nationalities for Controversial Shared Values Visa
Russia formally announces the 47 countries whose citizens qualify for the divisive 'Shared Values Visa,' including unexpected European additions and recent Asian inclusions like Japan and South Korea.
Russia has launched a controversial visa program, the Shared Values Visa (SVV), designed to attract international talent who share certain “moral values” and to strengthen cultural ties with a range of countries. The move has sparked both interest and debate over its political and economic implications.
Nations eligible for the SVV
The Russian government has released the list of 47 countries and territories whose citizens may apply for the SVV. The roster includes a surprising number of European countries alongside a handful of Asian and American nations.
Eligible nationalities for the SVV | |
|---|---|
Albania | North Macedonia |
Andorra | Malta |
Australia | Monaco |
Austria | Montenegro |
Bahamas | Norway |
Belgium | New Zealand |
Bulgaria | Netherlands |
Canada | Poland |
Chile | Portugal |
Croatia | Czech Republic |
Cyprus | Romania |
Denmark | San Marino |
Estonia | Singapore |
Finland | Slovenia |
France | Slovakia |
Germany | South Korea |
Greece | Spain |
Iceland | Sweden |
Ireland | Switzerland |
Italy | Taiwan (China) |
Japan | United Kingdom |
Latvia | United States |
Liechtenstein | |
Lithuania | |
Luxembourg |
The table lists the 47 countries and territories whose citizens may apply for Russia’s new Shared Values Visa program.
This carefully balanced selection suggests Moscow aims to draw talent from diverse regions while fostering cultural and economic alignment.
Recent additions: Japan and South Korea
A notable development is the recent inclusion of Japan and South Korea. The move may reflect Moscow’s desire to deepen diplomatic and economic links with two of Asia’s most advanced economies. Both nations are renowned for technological prowess and global cultural influence—assets that could significantly benefit the Russian economy.
Key requirements and application process
Applicants will face several specific requirements. While not all criteria have been published, they are expected to include:
a clean criminal record
sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay
clear justification for their intended residence in Russia
The application process is likely to involve multiple steps, including document submission and possibly a consular interview assessing the applicant’s so-called “shared values.”
Boosting local industries with fresh talent
Beyond filling critical labor gaps, the inflow of global expertise helps seed knowledge transfers that are vital for innovation. Russian companies—especially in technology and energy—can leverage this diversity to sharpen their international competitiveness. International know-how carried by SVV holders is expected to feed research and development pipelines, yielding more sophisticated products and services.
