España

Visas and relocation: Spain

Study, employment, non-lucrative residence, family reunification and international remote work.

Official portal

Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones

Employment

The initial permit for a third-country worker is normally requested by the Spanish employer. Once granted, the applicant obtains a national visa.

Who it is for

Over 16 years old and no irregular stay in Spain
A contract with the employer and compliance with labour-market conditions or an applicable exemption
A qualification or licence where the profession requires one

5 documents 4 steps

Documents and application steps

Digital nomad / international remote work

For third-country nationals working remotely for companies outside Spain. A self-employed applicant may have Spanish clients only up to the share the law allows.

Who it is for

An employment or professional relationship with a foreign company
The company has genuinely operated for at least the required period and the relationship is evidenced
Qualification or experience, sufficient income, and social and health coverage

5 documents 4 steps

Documents and application steps

Study

A long stay for higher or post-secondary education of more than 90 days. The application is normally filed at least two months before the programme starts.

Who it is for

Admission to a recognised full-time or permitted hybrid programme
Funds: 100% of the IPREM per month, excluding accommodation paid in advance
Health insurance with cover comparable to the Spanish system

5 documents 4 steps

Documents and application steps

Self-employment and entrepreneurship

The route depends on whether you pursue ordinary self-employment or an innovative entrepreneurial project under the special regime.

Who it is for

A realistic project and sufficient investment or funds
Professional qualifications and licences where needed
Meeting the requirements on establishing the activity and creating employment

5 documents 4 steps

Documents and application steps

Family reunification

A lawful resident may, in the cases provided for, be joined by a spouse or partner, children, dependent relatives and other established categories.

Who it is for

The sponsor's suitable status and length of residence
Proven family relationship or partnership
Sufficient funds and suitable accommodation

5 documents 4 steps

Documents and application steps

For your citizenship

What citizens of Russia and Kazakhstan need

The baseline document list is the same for everyone, but the visa regime, legalisation and translations depend on your citizenship. Below are the differences, checked against official sources.

Russia

checked 04.08.2026

A Schengen visa is required; the facilitated regime does not apply

The EU–Russia visa facilitation agreement has been suspended in full since 12 September 2022, so the general Visa Code rules apply: the full document set, the standard fee and ordinary processing times. Book at the consulate of your main destination.

Council Decision (EU) 2022/1500

Prepare at home in advance

Police clearance certificate from the Russian Interior Ministry
Ordered through Gosuslugi or the Interior Ministry; issuance takes up to 30 days. Filing abroad usually requires an apostille and a sworn translation.
Russian Interior Ministry · criminal record certificate
Apostille on official documents
Civil registry certificates, official statements and diplomas are accepted abroad only with an apostille affixed in the issuing country. It goes on the original or a notarised copy, depending on the authority's rules.
Apostille in Russia · Ministry of Justice and the relevant authorities
Sworn translation of documents
Consulates accept translations made by a sworn translator of the destination country or certified in the manner it prescribes. Requirements differ by country — check them before ordering.
EU Visa Code

Multiple-entry visas for Russian citizens are currently issued sparingly: each application is decided by the individual Schengen state. Plan for a single-entry visa and check the consulate's practice before paying any fees.

Kazakhstan

checked 04.08.2026

A Schengen visa is required under the general rules

There is no separate visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Kazakhstan yet: the general Visa Code rules apply. Negotiations are under way, but until an agreement enters into force there are no concessions.

EU Visa Code

Prepare at home in advance

Police clearance certificate from Kazakhstan
Issued through eGov.kz or a public service centre. Filing abroad usually requires an apostille and a translation by a sworn translator of the destination country.
eGov.kz · criminal record information
Apostille on official documents
Civil registry certificates, official statements and diplomas are accepted abroad only with an apostille affixed in the issuing country. It goes on the original or a notarised copy, depending on the authority's rules.
Apostille in Kazakhstan · eGov.kz
Sworn translation of documents
Consulates accept translations made by a sworn translator of the destination country or certified in the manner it prescribes. Requirements differ by country — check them before ordering.
EU Visa Code

Belarus

checked 13.08.2026

A Schengen visa is required; visa facilitation still applies

The EU — Belarus visa facilitation agreement has been in force since 1 July 2020. In November 2021 the Council of the EU partially suspended it: the provisions on documentary evidence, multiple-entry visas and the reduced fee stopped applying to officials of the Belarusian regime. The decision does not affect ordinary citizens, who keep the benefits of the agreement.

Council of the EU · suspension of visa facilitation for officials

Prepare at home in advance

Apostille on official documents
Civil registry certificates, official statements, diplomas and court documents are accepted abroad with an apostille issued in Belarus. The competent authority depends on the type of document — check it before ordering a translation.
Hague Apostille Convention · status table
Sworn translation of documents
Consulates accept translations made by a sworn translator of the destination country or certified in the manner it prescribes. Requirements differ by country — check them before ordering.
EU Visa Code

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