September 19, 2024

Fewer Want to Be Russians


Fewer Want to Be Russians
A tricket home? The Russian Life files

Since 2007, Russia has had a voluntary resettlement program for nationals who are returning from living abroad. Yet, fewer people have been willing to move to Russia in recent years. Since the start of Russia's War on Ukraine, the number of repatriates has plummeted to its lowest point in the past decade.

Over the past decade, more than a million people have moved to Russia under the program. The primary motivation for participants is a simplified process for obtaining citizenship and a relocation allowance of R100,000 to R200,000 ($1,100–2,200), depending on the region.

There are no clear criteria for who can apply. Applications may be submitted by Russian citizens living abroad (who make up no more than 1% annually) and by people whose ethnic groups have historically lived in Russia, or who have direct relatives who previously lived there. However, there is no official list of such ethnic groups, and local officials ultimately decide whether an applicant meets the program’s requirements. A typical participant is aged 18 to 40 and from Central Asia. Men and women participate equally, and about one-third of participants bring their children.

Each region sets its own requirements. For example, Leningrad Oblast requires at least two years of work experience, while some cities in Krasnoyarsk Krai accept only athletes, coaches, scientists, cultural figures, doctors, and teachers with academic degrees or professional achievements.

According to a demographer who requested anonymity, regions use the program to simplify immigration for foreigners with in-demand professions.

Since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the number of participants has fallen significantly. In 2014, 106,000 people moved to Russia under the program, but in 2023, the nubmer was only 45,000. "Not everyone is willing to move to a country at war," said Konstantin Zatulin, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration, and Relations with Compatriots.

In 2023, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree creating a new repatriation program. It defines repatriates as Russian citizens who permanently resided abroad as of February 24, 2022, or those who voluntarily renounced their Russian citizenship in the past. The new program is more liberal than the compatriot resettlement initiative, allowing repatriates to move to any region without proving proficiency in the Russian language. However, repatriates are not entitled to social support, and fewer people have been willing to move to Russia in recent years.

You Might Also Like

Where the Russians Are (Going)
  • September 11, 2024

Where the Russians Are (Going)

A recent article showed that Germany, Spain, and Cyprus lead the EU in issuing residency permits for Russians. 
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals
[INVALID]
[INVALID]

Some of our Books

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955