Why Russians Are Relocating to Spain
Spain continues to attract Russian nationals looking for:
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🌤️ Better quality of life and climate
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🛡️ Political or economic stability
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🏘️ Safe investments in property or business
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👨👩👧 Family reunification or retirement in the EU
Whether you’re relocating for lifestyle, work, education, or safety, this guide explains how Russian citizens can legally move to Spain, what documents are required, and how Borderless Lawyers can assist with every step.
🛂 Do Russian Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Spain?
Yes. Russian citizens must obtain a visa to enter Spain for any purpose, including:
| Purpose | Visa Required? | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism or short stays (≤90 days) | ✅ Yes | Schengen Visa (Type C) |
| Long-term stay (>90 days) | ✅ Yes | National Visa (Type D) |
📌 Long-stay (residence) visas are required if you plan to live, work, study, or retire in Spain.
📦 Residency Options for Russian Citizens
Here are the main legal pathways for Russians to move to Spain:
| Visa Type | Ideal For | Work Allowed? |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa | Education or language programs | ✅ Part-time |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers | ✅ Yes (non-Spanish clients) |
| Work Visa (Employed) | Sponsored employment in Spain | ✅ Yes |
| Entrepreneur/Startup Visa | Opening a business in Spain | ✅ Yes |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Retirees or financially independent | ❌ No |
| Family Reunification | Joining a family member in Spain | ✅ Yes |
⚠️ All residence visa applications must be submitted in Russia through the Spanish Consulate in Moscow or St. Petersburg.
📋 Step-by-Step: Moving from Russia to Spain
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Choose the right visa (based on your goals) |
| 2️⃣ | Gather and apostille Russian documents |
| 3️⃣ | Get sworn translations into Spanish |
| 4️⃣ | Submit your application at the Spanish consulate |
| 5️⃣ | Wait for approval and collect your visa |
| 6️⃣ | Enter Spain and apply for your TIE (residency card) |
📝 Borderless Lawyers helps prepare, translate, and file everything correctly.
📄 Key Documents You’ll Need
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid Russian passport | Must be valid for at least 12 months |
| Visa application form | Varies by visa type |
| 2–3 biometric passport photos | Required for consulate |
| Apostilled police clearance certificate | From the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) |
| Apostilled medical certificate | Stating no serious illness |
| Proof of financial means | Income or savings depending on visa |
| Private health insurance | Must cover you in Spain |
| Accommodation in Spain | Lease agreement or invitation letter |
✅ All documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).
💰 Financial Requirements (Typical Minimums)
| Visa Type | Required Monthly Income (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | €600–€700 |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | ~€2,400 (plus €600/dependent) |
| Digital Nomad Visa | €2,650+ |
| Family Reunification | Based on minimum wage (SMI) |
| Entrepreneur Visa | Varies depending on business plan |
Borderless Lawyers reviews your finances and helps ensure they match consular expectations.
🏠 Can Russian Citizens Buy Property in Spain?
✅ Yes. Russian citizens can legally purchase property in Spain, including apartments, villas, land, or commercial units.
❌ However, since Spain abolished the Golden Visa, buying property does not grant residency.
Still, owning property may help with:
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Proving economic ties to Spain
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Supporting a visa application (proof of accommodation)
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Future relocation plans
Full guide in Article 3.
🔐 What About Sanctions or Restrictions?
As of now:
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There is no blanket ban on Russians buying property or applying for visas
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Each application is reviewed individually
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Additional scrutiny may apply, especially for high-value transactions or politically exposed persons (PEPs)
📌 Having professional legal support is strongly recommended to reduce delays or rejection risk.
❌ Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Applying for the wrong visa | May result in rejection or incorrect residence status |
| Submitting untranslated documents | Application considered incomplete |
| Booking travel before visa approval | Risk of financial loss |
| Believing property gives you residency | It no longer does |
| Entering Spain as a tourist to “convert” status | Usually not allowed for Russians |
✅ Borderless Lawyers prevents these errors and handles every legal requirement for you.
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Supports Russian Nationals
✔️ Visa strategy for you and your family
✔️ Apostille and sworn translation coordination
✔️ Step-by-step support from Moscow or abroad
✔️ Legal representation with Power of Attorney
✔️ NIE number, residency card (TIE), and registration
✔️ Property purchases and immigration support in Russian
💼 We’ve helped dozens of Russian clients relocate securely — even amid complex geopolitical environments.
📞 Call to Action
Ready to start your life in Spain?
Let our legal team manage the process from Russia to Spain — with clarity, speed, and peace of mind.