If you’re a Russian citizen planning to move to Spain, you’ll need a Type D national visa for any stay longer than 90 days. Spain offers a variety of legal residence paths — for students, remote workers, families, retirees, or entrepreneurs.
This article breaks down the main visa options available to Russian nationals, including eligibility, financial requirements, and how Borderless Lawyers can help you apply successfully.
🗂️ Summary of Visa Options
| Visa Type | Best For | Work Allowed? | Initial Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa | University/language study | ✅ Part-time (30h/week) | Duration of course |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers or freelancers | ✅ Yes | 3 years |
| Work Visa | Russian citizens with a Spanish job offer | ✅ Yes | 1–2 years |
| Entrepreneur/Startup Visa | Business founders | ✅ Yes | 3 years |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Retirees or financially independent | ❌ No | 1 year |
| Family Reunification | Spouses, children, parents | ✅ Yes | Matches sponsor’s permit |
📝 All visa applications must be submitted in Russia — usually via the Spanish Consulate in Moscow or St. Petersburg.
🎓 1. Student Visa
Ideal for:
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University degrees
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Master’s and PhD programs
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Language schools
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Certified vocational courses
Requirements:
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Acceptance letter from Spanish school
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€600+ per month in personal funds
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Private health insurance
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No criminal record (apostilled)
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Medical certificate (apostilled + translated)
✅ You may work up to 30 hours/week and apply for a work permit after graduation.
💻 2. Digital Nomad Visa
Perfect for Russians who work remotely for companies outside Spain.
Eligibility:
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Employment or freelance contracts with non-Spanish clients
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Income of at least €2,650/month
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University degree or 3 years of professional experience
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Private health insurance
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Background and medical certificates
📌 Valid for 3 years, renewable, and allows you to bring your family.
✅ This is the most flexible option for tech workers, consultants, and freelancers.
💼 3. Work Visa (Cuenta Ajena)
If you have a Spanish job offer, this is your path.
Requirements:
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Job offer from a Spanish company
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Employer must apply for a residence authorization before you apply for the visa
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Educational or professional qualifications
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Clean police record and medical certificate
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Documents must be apostilled and translated
⚠️ Only occupations listed as “shortage professions” are generally eligible — legal advice is highly recommended.
🚀 4. Entrepreneur or Startup Visa
Designed for innovative Russian entrepreneurs planning to launch a business in Spain.
Requirements:
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Scalable, tech-enabled or strategic business plan
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Endorsement from ENISA or similar agency
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Sufficient funds to cover personal and startup costs
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Health insurance, clean background
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Technical skills or experience in your sector
✅ Offers fast-track residence and work authorization for 3 years.
🛋️ 5. Non-Lucrative Visa
Ideal for:
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Retirees
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Individuals living on savings or passive income
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Families relocating without working
Requirements:
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Stable income of at least €2,400/month (plus €600 per dependent)
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Private full-coverage health insurance
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Proof of accommodation
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Background and medical clearance
❌ No work allowed — neither local nor remote — though some digital nomads apply through this first, then switch.
👨👩👧 6. Family Reunification Visa
Russian family members of residents in Spain can join them legally.
Who can apply:
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Spouse or registered partner
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Children under 18
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Parents (in certain cases)
Requirements:
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Sponsor must have legal residence in Spain
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Proof of relationship (apostilled and translated)
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Housing and income capacity
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Criminal background check of applicant
✅ Once approved, family members get residence cards and access to healthcare, education, and employment.
📄 Required Documents (Typical)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid Russian passport | Must be valid for entire stay |
| Completed application form | Provided by the consulate |
| Passport-sized photos | Biometric |
| Apostilled police certificate | From Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs |
| Apostilled medical certificate | Must mention free of contagious disease |
| Sworn translations | All documents in Russian → Spanish |
| Proof of finances or income | Varies by visa type |
| Health insurance | Spanish provider or international plan |
| Accommodation | Rental, hotel, or invitation letter |
🧮 Financial Requirements – Income Thresholds
| Visa Type | Monthly Income Required (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | €600+ |
| Digital Nomad Visa | €2,650+ |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | €2,400+ (+ €600 per dependent) |
| Family Reunification | Based on Spain’s minimum wage |
| Entrepreneur Visa | Varies (business + personal support) |
📌 Proof can include foreign bank statements, payslips, savings accounts, or pension certificates. Borderless Lawyers can help you prepare all the evidence.
❌ Visa Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Result |
|---|---|
| Applying for a work visa without employer authorization | Automatic denial |
| Submitting documents without apostille or translation | Application rejected |
| Using the wrong visa for remote work | Risk of sanctions later |
| Ignoring the 90-day stay limit on Schengen visa | Overstay penalties |
| Believing buying property grants residency | That program is abolished |
✅ We review every document before submission to ensure it meets consulate standards.
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps Russian Nationals
✔️ Personalized visa strategy based on your profile
✔️ Complete document preparation and translation
✔️ Legal review to avoid consulate rejections
✔️ Appointment scheduling at consulates in Moscow or St. Petersburg
✔️ Remote legal support from Spain or abroad
✔️ Representation under Power of Attorney if needed
Our team handles the full process — so you don’t have to deal with Spanish bureaucracy alone.
📞 Call to Action
Need help choosing the right visa for your move to Spain?
Let our international team at Borderless Lawyers guide you from application to arrival — with peace of mind at every step.