Published: 14.09.2026
The sources describe the need to enter Spain with a residence permit or long-stay visa rather than relying on a tourist or visa-free stay to regularize status after arrival. General requirements include proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, no entry ban and payment of the relevant fee.
According to the sources, a permanent move to Spain still begins with selecting an eligible route and obtaining the relevant authorization before entry, rather than trying to regularize status after arrival. This affects preparation time, access to work and services, and the path toward permanent residence: unlawful stay does not count toward the required period and can create immigration problems. The rule primarily concerns non-EU nationals, including Russian citizens, as well as applicants using work, study, business and other routes. Anyone planning a move should treat this as a core requirement and not base their strategy on entering as a tourist.