Key Facts for Russian Citizens
- Visa Required: Yes (single-entry Schengen since Nov 2026)
- Most Common Visas: Digital Nomad, Non-Lucrative, Work, Student, Entrepreneur
- Processing Time: Up to 45 days at consulate
- Spanish Consulates: Moscow and St. Petersburg
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years of legal residence
- Tax Treaty: Partially suspended (see details below)
- Dual Citizenship: Effectively keep both (see details below)
Why Russians Choose Spain
Spain has been a destination for Russians long before recent events. The Costa del Sol earned its “Costa del Sol Ruso” nickname decades ago. Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid host established communities. Over 94,000 Russian citizens now live in Spain, making it the second most popular EU destination after Germany.
Climate draws many. Mediterranean weather appeals after Russian winters. The lifestyle difference is real, and proximity to family remains manageable with direct flights still operating (though routes have shifted since 2022). Perhaps more practically, Spain offers a clear legal immigration path that remains open regardless of broader political tensions.
We’ll be direct about current realities: the bureaucratic process involves more friction than before. Banking, property purchases, and visa applications require extra documentation and patience. But the legal framework for immigration hasn’t changed. Russians can still obtain residence permits, work legally, build businesses, and eventually pursue citizenship through the same channels as any other non-EU national.
Russia Spain Visa Options
As a Russian citizen, you need a visa to enter Spain. Since November 2026, the EU has restricted most Russian applicants to single-entry Schengen visas, meaning you apply fresh for each trip. Long-stay (Type D) visas for residence remain available under Spanish national law. Here are your pathways:
Processing times run up to 45 days. The old visa facilitation agreement between Russia and the EU was suspended in 2022, procedures involve full consular interviews. After your first year of residence, renewal becomes routine. After 5 years you can apply for permanent residence.
Not sure which visa fits your situation? Each path has different requirements, timelines, and tax implications. Book a consultation and we’ll map out the optimal visa and tax strategy for your move.
Spanish Consulates in Russia
Spain maintains diplomatic presence in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Visa applications go through VFS Global centers.
Moscow – Embassy and Consulate General
Embassy: Ulitsa Bolshaya Nikitskaya, 50/8
Consulate General: Stremyanniy pereulok 31/1
Visa submissions through VFS Global
Covers: Central Russia, Siberia, Far East, and southern regions
St. Petersburg – Consulate General
Furshtatskaya, 9
Visa submissions through VFS Global
Covers: Northwestern Russia, Kaliningrad
Tax Considerations
Tax Treaty: Russia-Spain (Complex Status)
Spain and Russia signed a double taxation agreement in 1998. However, Russia partially suspended key provisions in August 2023 under Decree No. 585 as part of countermeasures against “unfriendly” countries. Spain still recognizes the treaty.
Current Reality:
- Suspended provisions: Reduced rates for dividends, interest, royalties, capital gains between countries
- Russian domestic rates now apply: 15% on dividends, 20% on interest/royalties for income sourced from Russia
- Still in force: Residency tie-breaker rules, information exchange
- Beckham Law: Flat 24% tax on Spanish income for 6 years. Foreign income largely exempt. Particularly valuable given treaty complications.
The partial treaty suspension makes the Beckham Law especially attractive for Russians moving to Spain. It simplifies your tax situation by focusing taxation on Spanish-sourced income at a flat rate, avoiding the complexity of cross-border treaty claims.
Banking and Financial Realities
This section requires honesty. Russian citizens face practical difficulties opening Spanish bank accounts, even when they have valid residence permits and aren’t on any sanctions lists.
What’s happening: EU law technically grants all legal residents the right to a basic payment account. In practice, many Spanish banks refuse Russian applicants citing “lack of commercial interest” or internal compliance policies. Some banks have closed existing accounts held by Russians.
Deposit limits: EU regulations cap deposits at €100,000 per credit institution for Russian nationals.
Transfers: SWIFT suspension for major Russian banks makes moving money from Russia to Spain technically difficult. Alternative routes exist but are slower and costlier.
Banking reality: Opening a bank account as a Russian citizen typically requires patience, potentially multiple attempts with different banks, and thorough documentation proving legal residence, income source, and purpose of the account. Professional guidance helps navigate this.
Property Purchase
Russian citizens who aren’t on personal EU sanctions lists can legally purchase property in Spain. A proposed EU-wide ban was blocked in 2022 and never implemented.
Expect extra due diligence. Spanish notaries and banks will require comprehensive documentation proving the legitimate source of funds. This adds time but doesn’t block the transaction if your finances are clean and documented.
Required Documents
Required Documents:
- Passport valid for at least 1 year
- Criminal Record from Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, apostilled
- Medical Certificate from authorized doctor
- Proof of Income (bank statements, employment contracts, business ownership)
- Health Insurance from Spanish-authorized provider (no copays, full coverage)
- Application Form completed and signed
- Photos passport size, white background
- Visa Fee
Apostille: Russia is a Hague Convention member. Russian documents can be apostilled directly, no consular legalization needed. The Ministry of Justice handles most document apostilles, Ministry of Internal Affairs handles criminal records, and ZAGS offices handle civil status documents (birth, marriage certificates).
All documents in Russian need certified Spanish translations. We coordinate apostilles and sworn translations as part of our service.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Russian nationals need 10 years of continuous legal residence before applying for Spanish citizenship. This is the standard requirement, as Russia isn’t part of any agreements that reduce this timeline.
During these 10 years, maintain legal status without gaps. Short trips home won’t affect eligibility, but absences exceeding 6 months consecutively can reset your timeline.
Citizenship requires passing two exams:
- CCSE: 25 multiple-choice questions on Spanish constitution, government, and culture. 60% pass rate required.
- DELE A2: Spanish language proficiency at basic conversational level.
Dual citizenship: the real situation: Russia doesn’t prohibit multiple citizenship. Russian citizens holding foreign passports are still considered Russian under Russian law.
Spain requires a formal renunciation declaration when you naturalize. But since Russia doesn’t recognize declarations made to foreign governments, Russians who become Spanish effectively keep both passports. You must notify Russian authorities if you acquire foreign citizenship (within 60 days of re-entering Russia).
Important warning: If you exclusively use your Russian passport for 3+ years after naturalizing Spanish, Spain can revoke your Spanish citizenship. Use your Spanish passport for travel once you have it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Russians still get visas for Spain?
Yes. Both tourist (Schengen) and long-stay (residence) visas remain available. Since November 2026, tourist visas are single-entry only for most Russian applicants. Long-stay visas for work, study, or residence are processed under Spanish national law and aren’t affected by the single-entry restriction.
Can I open a bank account in Spain as a Russian citizen?
Legally yes, practically it’s difficult. Many banks refuse Russian applicants regardless of residence status. EU law grants legal residents the right to a basic account, but banks often cite compliance concerns. Expect multiple attempts and thorough documentation requirements.
Is the Spain-Russia tax treaty still valid?
Partially. Russia suspended key provisions (dividends, interest, royalties, capital gains) in August 2023. Russian domestic withholding rates now apply to those income types. Spain still recognizes the treaty. The Beckham Law offers a cleaner solution: 24% flat tax on Spanish income, foreign income largely exempt.
Can Russians buy property in Spain?
Yes, if you’re not on personal EU sanctions lists. There’s no blanket ban on Russian property purchases (a proposed ban was blocked in 2022). Expect extra due diligence on source of funds from notaries and banks, but transactions proceed for buyers with clean, documented finances.
Can I keep my Russian passport if I become Spanish?
In practice, yes. Spain requires a renunciation declaration, but Russia doesn’t recognize it. Russian law doesn’t prohibit multiple citizenship. You must notify Russian authorities if you acquire foreign citizenship. Use your Spanish passport for travel after naturalizing to avoid losing Spanish citizenship.
Where do I apply for a Spain visa from Russia?
Through VFS Global visa application centers in Moscow or St. Petersburg. The Moscow center handles Central Russia, Siberia, and southern regions. St. Petersburg handles Northwestern Russia and Kaliningrad.
We Handle Everything
Spanish bureaucracy is relentless. Visa applications, tax residency, NIE appointments, ongoing compliance. Getting any of it wrong costs time and money. We handle the paperwork and planning so you can focus on actually building your life here.
This guide provides general information about moving from Russia to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.