Where it's good, there is the Motherland: why foreigners are moving to the Nizhny Novgorod region

      Some seek spiritual roots in Russia, others seek opportunities to build and create businesses, and some simply want to live in safety. Jacob Pinneker, the head of the Nizhny Novgorod Agency "OKA," told the "Living in Nizhny" portal how foreigners celebrate Easter, learn the Russian language, and why they choose regions instead of Moscow.

      Russia without "rose-colored glasses"

      The "OKA" agency began operating in the Nizhny Novgorod region on July 1, 2024. Since then, more than 1,100 applications have been received from foreigners wishing to move to Russia. About 100 people already call the Nizhny Novgorod region their new home. Among the newcomers are people from the USA, Canada, Germany, the UK, and even distant New Caledonia.

      "Behind every family that starts their new life in Russia is a personal story. Some seek stability, some seek new professional opportunities, and some seek spiritual roots. But all of them are ready to build a new life here, investing everything they have," says Jacob Pinneker, head of the "OKA" agency. In the photo, Jacob Pinneker, head of the "OKA" Agency, source: "OKA" Agency. Three-quarters of the migrants are 23 families, five of which are large families. In the near future, several more families from European countries will move to the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      "Often, people contact us only when they are considering the possibility of living in Russia, having a romanticized view of the country and wearing what we call 'rose-colored glasses' regarding the ease of relocation: people believe that they will be provided with housing and financial support, and that they will become members of a new society from day one. Our task is to help a person see the country objectively," said Jacob Pinneker.

      The first thing specialists advise future migrants is to come to Russia on a tourist visa. This way, a person can see the country with their own eyes, feel its rhythm, and understand whether they are truly ready to live here.

      Once the decision is made, the "OKA" agency gets fully involved. Employees assist at every stage: advising on which documents to gather, how long to wait for a response, and what will change in life with the new status.

      Photo: "OKA" Agency

      "We literally guide a person by the hand. That’s why we invest so much effort into developing the migrant community. Maslenitsa with pancakes and round dances. Easter, where even strangers treat each other to kulich. An autumn festival that smells of several national cuisines at once. And New Year’s — with a real Ded Moroz who knows what to say to each child," Jacob Pinneker shared.

      For foreigners planning to start a business, support is also provided. Specialists advise on registering a legal entity or individual entrepreneur, and help open accounts in Russian banks. According to the agency, the total financial flow from relocated foreigners is estimated at 270 million rubles.

      The children of migrants learn Russian through a joint program with "School 800," while adults master the great and mighty language at the National Research University Higher School of Economics – Nizhny Novgorod.

      Provincial geography

      The Clarot family arrived in the Nizhny Novgorod region from the other side of the world — from New Caledonia (a French territory in the Pacific Islands). The head of the family, Laurent, has conceived a serious business project — the production of eco-friendly fertilizers for export to BRICS countries. Meanwhile, his daughter Ella is learning the Russian language at a Nizhny Novgorod university.

      In the photo (left to right): Laurent and Ella Clarot, source — "OKA" Agency.

      Spouses Kevin and Patricia Golembiewski came from Germany with a specific goal — to build. In the literal sense. Kevin is a builder by profession, and together with his wife, they plan to open their own company in the Nizhny Novgorod region. And of course, to build their own house here. The couple shares their impressions of life in Russia on social media.

      In the photo (left to right): Patricia and Kevin Golembiewski, source — "OKA" Agency.

      The Barben family moved to the Nizhny Novgorod region from the USA. Even before relocating, the Americans converted to Orthodoxy and were baptized in a Russian church. Now, the head of the family, Ray, is preparing to teach English at a language institute, while his daughters are learning Russian.

      In the photo (left to right): Sophia and Ray Barben, source — "OKA" Agency.

      "According to our migrants, the key reasons for moving to Russia are the desire to live in a traditional society focused on spiritual and cultural development, as well as a fundamental quest for safety for themselves and their loved ones. For many, pleasant discoveries include things that Russians have long taken for granted. This includes a clean and safe metro. Stores that are open 24/7. Modern schools and clubs where children quickly find friends despite the language barrier," says Jacob Pinneker.

      Many foreigners picture Russia through postcards: the Kremlin in Moscow and drawbridges in St. Petersburg. But the agency often receives requests: "Do you have life outside the capital?"

      It turns out that it’s about the familiar lifestyle. Many migrants lived in small towns or suburbs in their homeland. They need a calm rhythm, but with a normal infrastructure, close to nature, and preferably in their own house. And the Nizhny Novgorod region, according to Jacob Pinneker, fits this description perfectly.

      More news about the event:

      More than 100 foreigners have moved to the Nizhny Novgorod region

      Since July 1, 2024, the Nizhny Novgorod agency "OKA" has received over 1,100 inquiries from foreigners considering moving to Russia. 09:51 23.03.2026 Otkryty Nizhny - Nizhny Novgorod

      Europeans are moving en masse to the Nizhny Novgorod region

      14:29 22 March

      Anna Vasilieva

      photo from the archive "Pro Gorod"

      The head of the relocation agency "OKA," Jacob Pinneker, told the publication "Living in Nizhny" 14:47 22.03.2026 ProGorodNN.Ru - Nizhny Novgorod

      Europeans choose the Nizhny Novgorod region for stability

      The head of the "OKA" agency, Jacob Pinneker, explained to the publication "Living in Nizhny" why residents of the USA and European countries decide to move to the Nizhny Novgorod region. 12:27 22.03.2026 NIA Nizhny Novgorod - Nizhny Novgorod

      Foreigners shared what surprised them in the Nizhny Novgorod region

      Citizens of the USA, Germany, and even distant New Caledonia are moving to the region for stability, work, and a measured life. 12:15 22.03.2026 Newsroom24.Ru - Nizhny Novgorod

      Jacob Pinneker explained the reasons for Europeans moving to the Nizhny Novgorod region

      In the photo (left to right): Sophia and Ray Barben, source - "OKA" Agency

      The head of the "OKA" agency, Jacob Pinneker, told the publication "Living in Nizhny" why citizens of the USA and European countries are moving to the Nizhny Novgorod region. 11:39 22.03.2026 Online publication Living in Nizhny - Nizhny Novgorod

      Where it’s good, there is the Motherland: why foreigners are moving to the Nizhny Novgorod region

      Some seek spiritual roots in Russia, others seek opportunities to build and create businesses, and some simply want to live in safety. 11:39 22.03.2026 Online publication Living in Nizhny - Nizhny Novgorod

      More than 1,100 applications for relocation to Russia have been received by the Nizhny Novgorod agency "OKA"

      Photo: "OKA" Agency

      Since July 1, 2024, the Nizhny Novgorod agency "OKA" has received over 1,100 applications from foreigners wishing to relocate to Russia. 11:38 22.03.2026 Online publication Living in Nizhny - Nizhny Novgorod