Canadian who relocated family to Russia over 'traditional values' no longer recommends it

Canadian farmer Arend Feenstra received a three-year temporary residence permit in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region in early 2025 through a government program aimed at citizens of so-called 'unfriendly' countries who claim to share Russia's 'traditional values.' After securing the permit, he brought his wife and eight children to Russia and began working as a farmer.

In a YouTube video flagged by the local outlet Nizhny Novgorod Onlain, Feenstra revealed that converting his temporary permit into a permanent one now requires signing a contract with Russia's Defense Ministry. He said he understands why authorities are asking for this, but with eight young children and a farm to manage, signing isn't something he's willing to do. He added that in that case, he would rather take his chances back in Canada, even though he considers life there risky as well.

Feenstra explained that once his current temporary permit expires, he will be able to reapply for temporary residence without signing a contract. However, his family no longer recommends that other foreigners move to Russia, since the authorities keep changing the rules and, in his words, 'there's no way forward.'

About the program

The program was launched in August 2024 and uses a simplified application process — including no requirement to pass a Russian-language exam — to attract foreigners from 'unfriendly' countries who share Russia's 'traditional spiritual and moral values.' Since November 2025, foreign men aged 18 to 65 deemed fit for military service have been required to sign a Defense Ministry contract to obtain permanent residency. This requirement also applies to people who entered Russia through the 'traditional values' program.