Why Russians Are Moving to Spain
Spain continues to attract Russian citizens looking for a better quality of life, Mediterranean weather, excellent healthcare, and Schengen travel access. From professionals and students to retirees and remote workers, there are diverse legal pathways available.
✨ Key Advantages of Moving to Spain:
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🌞 Mild climate & affordable lifestyle
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🛂 Access to the Schengen zone after residency
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📚 Top-tier education for students
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🏖 Ideal for retirees & digital nomads
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🏛 Path to permanent residency and Spanish citizenship
🛂 Do Russian Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Spain?
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❌ Yes – Russian citizens require a visa for any type of entry, including short visits
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📝 Long-term stays (over 90 days) require a national visa based on the purpose: work, retirement, study, family, or remote work
🧭 Visa Options for Russian Citizens
💻 Digital Nomad Visa
For remote employees or freelancers working for companies outside Spain.
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💵 Must earn ~€2,650/month (amount may vary)
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📄 Must show proof of remote work or freelance contracts
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👨👩👧 Includes spouse and children
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🛂 Renewable, counts toward permanent residency
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📆 Can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of residency
🏖 Non-Lucrative Visa
Best for retirees or individuals with independent income.
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💶 Minimum monthly income: ~€2,400
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❌ Employment not allowed while on this visa
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👪 Can include dependent family members
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🔁 Renewable; leads to long-term residency
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🏛 Option to switch to a work visa in Spain later
💼 Work Visa (Job Offer Required)
For Russian citizens who have secured employment in Spain.
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📄 Requires an official job offer and employer sponsorship
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🧾 Employer begins the application inside Spain
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🏛 Applicant completes process at Spanish consulate in Russia
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🔁 Grants both work and residence rights
🎓 Student Visa
For university students, language schools, or training programs.
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🎓 Must show proof of enrollment in a Spanish institution
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🧾 Private insurance and proof of housing required
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💼 Part-time work allowed (20 hrs/week)
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🔄 Can switch to work visa upon graduation
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🛑 Student visa time does not count toward permanent residency unless converted
👪 EU/Spanish Family Member Residency
For Russians married to or dependent on an EU or Spanish citizen.
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💍 Covers spouses, children, and dependent relatives
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🛂 Quicker process with fewer income requirements
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👩💻 Full work and residency rights
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📆 Leads to permanent residency in 5 years
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📝 Eligible for Spanish nationality after 1–2 years (if married to a Spaniard)
📋 Documents Needed to Apply from Russia
📑 Common required documents include:
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🇷🇺 Valid Russian passport
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🧾 Police background certificate (apostilled & translated)
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🏥 Medical certificate (apostilled & translated)
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📄 Proof of income, job offer, or academic enrollment
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🏠 Housing documentation
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📝 Completed application forms + visa fees
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🈂️ Certified translations of all documents into Spanish
✅ Borderless Lawyers handles apostilles, translations, and consulate prep for you.
📍 Where to Apply in Russia
Visa applications must be submitted at:
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🇷🇺 Spanish Consulate in Moscow
🕒 Appointment required. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks.
⚠️ Note: Due to geopolitical restrictions, appointment availability may vary. We assist with consular scheduling and compliance updates.
👣 Step-by-Step Process: Moving from Russia to Spain
1️⃣ Legal Consultation
📞 We review your case, goals, and determine the most suitable immigration route.
2️⃣ Document Collection
We help you:
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Get Russian documents apostilled
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Translate everything into certified Spanish
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Prepare forms and consular packets
3️⃣ Apply at the Spanish Consulate
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📅 Submit your documents in-person in Moscow
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🧾 Biometric data & interview may be required
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⏳ Wait for approval (usually within 1–2 months)
4️⃣ Move to Spain & Register
After approval:
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🏠 Register address at your local Ayuntamiento (empadronamiento)
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🪪 Apply for your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) within 30 days
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🔁 Plan renewals in advance with our legal team
5️⃣ Permanent Residency & Citizenship
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🏛 After 5 years: Apply for long-term residence
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📆 After 10 years: Eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship
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📝 Borderless Lawyers helps with exams (DELE A2 + CCSE), documentation, and final application
⚠️ Avoid These Common Mistakes
🚫 Missing apostilles or using incorrect translations
🚫 Applying for the wrong visa type
🚫 Not booking your consular appointment early
🚫 Overstaying short-term tourist visas (strict enforcement)
✅ Our legal team ensures compliance and reduces rejection risk.
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps Russian Nationals
From Moscow to Madrid, we guide Russian citizens through every legal and bureaucratic step of moving to Spain.
🔒 Our Services Include:
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🧭 Strategic immigration planning
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📝 Legal document preparation & translation
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🏛 Consular appointment scheduling & application
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🪪 TIE application & renewals
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👪 Family reunification & dependent visas
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🧾 Spanish citizenship applications
🌐 Ready to Immigrate to Spain from Russia?
Whether you’re starting a new career, planning retirement, or seeking EU residency, Borderless Lawyers is here to help you move legally, safely, and confidently.