Canadian farmer in Russia faces military contract rule for permanent residence

Relocation to Nizhny Novgorod

Arend Feenstra, a conservative Christian dairy farmer from Ontario, sold his agricultural operations in Canada and moved to Russia with his wife, Anneesa, and their eight children in early 2024. Seeking an environment free from Western liberal social policies, high domestic taxes, and LGBT symbols, the family utilized a Russian federal program designed for citizens of designated unfriendly countries who share traditional conservative values. The family documented their relocation on their YouTube channel, Countryside Acres, and encouraged other Western conservatives to consider a similar move. In early 2025, Russian authorities granted them a three-year temporary residence permit in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast.

Early friction and settlement

The initial settlement exposed substantial administrative and financial friction for the family in Russia. Russian financial institutions froze the capital obtained from the sale of their Canadian farm, flagging the transactions as suspicious funds under local banking protocols and international sanctions. Language barriers further complicated their daily dealings, as neither parent spoke Russian upon arrival. Following these initial setbacks, Anneesa Feenstra posted a video stating that she was very disappointed in the country. The video was quickly deleted, and Arend Feenstra published a formal apology video to maintain their standing with local authorities.

Military contract requirement

The family established their farm in Nizhny Novgorod, which eventually began generating income and stabilizing their financial position. Complications arose when they attempted to convert their temporary three-year residency into permanent legal status. Under a decree enacted by Russian President Vladimir Putin on 5 November 2025, foreign applicants seeking permanent residence must enter into a contractual agreement with the Russian Ministry of Defense. This requirement ties permanent status to military enlistment, directly conflicting with Feenstra's agricultural commitments and child-rearing responsibilities.

Feenstra expressed his opposition to military enlistment when speaking to Novaya Gazeta Europe.

We are already here, we have invested, we have become attached to this place. I didn't come here to sign a contract. I understand why it's needed and why the authorities want you to sign it. But I have eight young children at home and a farm that I have to take care of. In that case I would rather try in Canada, although I think life there is also risky.

Legal uncertainty and foreign outreach

Having reached an administrative dead end, the family attempted to secure clarification through state-affiliated channels. Feenstra consulted regional migration officials and the OKA assistance agency, which assists foreigners relocating to Russia, but neither entity could offer an exemption or path around the military decree. The farmer now plans to send a formal petition directly to the Russian Ministry of Defense while openly advising prospective Western migrants to evaluate Russian legal conditions before moving.

Feenstra detailed the institutional ambiguity surrounding his residency options.

So far everything is going well for us, but for now I don't see a way. I know what the law says, what rules apply in our case and for now I have no way to change the permit from temporary residence to permanent residence without signing a contract. What does this contract mean? I don't know. I asked people, officials and contacted the OKA agency, but they couldn't say anything. We plan to send a letter to the Ministry of Defense asking for clarification.