TL;DR
Get everyday essentials delivered free — and shop member deals
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Access to Prime Big Deal Days deals on October 6–7
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
Canadian farmer Arend Feenstra, who relocated his family to Russia for ‘traditional values,’ now advises against the move. He faces a requirement to sign a Defense Ministry contract to obtain permanent residency, a condition he refuses to meet given his family and farm.
A Canadian farmer who relocated his large family to Russia in pursuit of traditional values has publicly retracted his endorsement of the country’s immigration program. Arend Feenstra, who moved to the Nizhny Novgorod region in early 2025, revealed that he cannot obtain a permanent residence permit without signing a contract with Russia’s Defense Ministry. This development highlights the tightening legal constraints on foreign residents, particularly those who entered through a streamlined pathway designed for citizens of “unfriendly” nations.
Feenstra initially received a three-year temporary residence permit after relocating with his wife and eight children to start a farming operation. The move was facilitated by a program launched in August 2024, which offered simplified immigration processes for foreigners who share “traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.” This pathway notably exempted applicants from standard requirements such as Russian-language exams.
However, regulations shifted in November 2025. Foreign men aged 18 to 65 who are deemed fit for military service must now sign a contract with the Defense Ministry to convert a temporary permit into a permanent one. Feenstra stated that participants in the “traditional values” program are not exempt from this new mandate. He expressed reluctance to commit to military service, citing his responsibilities to his young children and his agricultural business.
According to Feenstra, he plans to apply for a new temporary residence permit once his current one expires, a process that does not currently require a military contract. Nevertheless, he warned other foreigners that the Russian authorities frequently change immigration rules, creating an environment where “there’s no way forward” for long-term settlement. His family no longer recommends moving to Russia, citing the instability of legal status and the potential for forced conscription.
Impact on Foreign Residents and Conscription Policies
Feenstra’s experience illustrates the practical risks facing foreigners who rely on ideological alignment for immigration benefits in Russia. The requirement to sign a military contract for permanent residency signals a broader strategy to integrate foreign residents into the state’s defense apparatus, particularly amid ongoing military demands. For immigrants from “unfriendly” countries, the promise of a stable life based on shared values is now contingent on potential military service obligations.
This case also underscores the volatility of Russian immigration policy. Rules that were favorable at the time of application can change rapidly, leaving residents in legal limbo. The shift from a simplified, exam-free process to one demanding military contracts suggests that the state prioritizes manpower resources over the retention of foreign labor or families, regardless of their ideological compatibility.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
The ‘Traditional Values’ Immigration Program Origins
The immigration pathway Feenstra utilized was established in August 2024 as part of Russia’s effort to attract citizens from nations deemed “unfriendly” by the Kremlin. The program targeted individuals who opposed Western liberal values, offering them a streamlined route to residency. Key incentives included the waiver of Russian-language proficiency tests and simplified bureaucratic procedures.
Before the November 2025 regulatory change, many foreigners viewed this program as a viable alternative to traditional immigration routes, which often involved stringent language and legal knowledge requirements. The program was marketed as a refuge for those seeking a society aligned with conservative social norms. However, the introduction of mandatory military contracts for permanent residency has fundamentally altered the cost-benefit analysis for potential migrants, transforming the program from a lifestyle choice into a potential gateway to conscription.
“I didn’t come here to sign a contract. I understand what it’s for and why [the authorities] want you to sign it. But I have eight young children at home and a farm.”
— Arend Feenstra
Russian permanent residency application kit
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Future of Temporary Permit Renewals
It remains unclear how strictly authorities will enforce the new military contract requirement for temporary permit renewals. Feenstra stated that he believes he can renew his temporary status without a contract, but this interpretation relies on his current understanding of the law. Russian immigration regulations are subject to frequent updates, and there is no public guarantee that temporary permits will remain exempt from military service conditions in the future.
Additionally, the specific criteria for being deemed “fit for military service” are not fully detailed in the public report. It is uncertain whether individuals with significant family dependents or specific health conditions might receive exemptions, or if the contract requirement applies universally to all able-bodied men in the specified age range regardless of their personal circumstances.
Russian visa and residence permit documents
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Feenstra’s Decision and Policy Enforcement
Feenstra intends to apply for a new temporary residence permit upon the expiration of his current one, avoiding the permanent residency track that triggers the military contract requirement. His family plans to continue farming in the Nizhny Novgorod region while navigating this legal uncertainty. They have ceased promoting Russia as a destination for other expatriates.
Observers will watch to see if other foreigners in similar positions face comparable hurdles. The enforcement of the November 2025 rules may lead to a decline in applications for the “traditional values” program or a wave of departures by those unwilling to commit to military service. Russian authorities have not issued a public statement addressing Feenstra’s specific case or the broader implications for the program’s viability.
Military service contract for Russian residency
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
Why did Arend Feenstra move to Russia?
He moved to Russia to raise his family according to traditional values and to start a farming business, utilizing a streamlined immigration program for citizens of “unfriendly” countries.What is the new requirement for permanent residency?
Since November 2025, foreign men aged 18 to 65 who are fit for military service must sign a contract with the Defense Ministry to obtain a permanent residence permit.Is Feenstra exempt from the military contract?
No. The report states that participants in the “traditional values” program are not exempt from the requirement to sign a Defense Ministry contract for permanent residency.Can Feenstra stay in Russia without signing the contract?
Feenstra believes he can renew his temporary residence permit without signing the contract, but he cannot obtain permanent residency without it. He notes that rules may change.Source: rss
Halloween Picks
halloween
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
