<p>This article is devoted to the study of the relationship between the conservation of ethno-cultural norms, identities and, the adaptation of forced migrants. Based on the theory of Cumulative (dis)advantage (Dannefer in Social Sci 6:1–15, 2018), the theory of adaptation and acculturation of migrants (Kim in Communication and Cross-Cultural adaptation: an integrative theory, 1988; Berry et al. in Immigrant youth in cultural transition: acculturation,identity and adaptation across National contexts, 2006), the ‘theory of cultural connectivity’ (Sani et al. in Eur J Social Psychol 37:1118–1134, 2007), we assumed that the support from compatriots, the preservation of their own culture, language, and traditions are important parts in the process of adaptation among forced migrants. Both factors the formation of the host society identity and the preservation of identities deriving from their own culture and country of origin are keys to a successful adaptation. This study was conducted among forced migrants from South Ossetia living in Russia. Authors conducted a quantitative survey among или of 412 South Ossetia forced migrants. The results of the structural equation modelling showed that the ethno-cultural norms conservation predicted migrants’ life satisfaction and socio-cultural adaptation. Additionally, authors found that the conservation of ethno-cultural norms positively associated with ethnic, South Ossetian regional and new Russian national identities. Strong South Ossetian regional identity was related to life satisfaction, and strong new Russian national identity was associated with self-esteem. Additionally, analyses indicated that the conservation of ethno-cultural norms indirectly related to self-esteem through the new Russian national identity.</p>