Leading European statistics for 2025 show that EU countries issued almost 3.9 million first residence permits — a record for all years. For Russian citizens in 2026, the author reviews five countries where residence permit programs remain active: Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands. Each has its own route, and the choice should be based on the purpose of relocation, not on a ranking.

Spain: remote work and a quick start

Spain remains the most accessible option for those who work remotely and earn income from a foreign source. The Digital Nomad program doesn’t require a specific profession — what matters is remote provision of services. The minimum income for one person this year is 2,850 euros before taxes, along with relevant qualifications: a higher education degree or 3 years of work experience.

The main advantage is the ability to apply while legally in Spain or having arrived on a tourist visa. The residence permit is issued for 3 years. The decision comes in about a month, and the applicant can stay in Spain the whole time. Upon approval, fingerprints are taken, and the residence card will be ready in 2–3 weeks. Buying property or even a rental agreement is not required for the application, but the document package must accurately confirm the history of remote income, its legality and stability.

France: business and innovative projects

The French system is more complex than the Spanish one. You cannot apply on the spot: you need to obtain a D visa at the consulate of your country of citizenship or residence. However, for those building a business, France offers residence permit routes of up to 4 years under the ‘talent’ category.

The first option is the Start-up Visa, which requires an innovative project and letters of support from referees who consider the project relevant to the French market. The second is starting a company: letters of support are not needed, but a personal investment of 30,000 euros is required, which can be used to develop the business in France.

United Kingdom: English-speaking environment and talent

The United Kingdom is not part of the EU and has never been part of the Schengen area, so it is considered less often than Spain and France. The Global Talent and Innovator Founder programs grant the right to legally live, work and develop a business, as well as to apply for settlement and citizenship.

Unlike Spain, here talent is assessed first and foremost. You can apply as a talented specialist or with an innovative idea approved by endorsers. Innovator Founder is noticeably more difficult than the talent route in France, but it is achievable: the article mentions successful projects already operating in the country. The visa does not allow free travel within Schengen.

Germany issued 605,000 residence permits in 2025. Most people relocate via the Blue Card with a job offer from an employer. Specialists at international companies sometimes only need English, without German.

Germany recently launched the Chancenkarte: it allows a person to come for a year to search for a job. Higher education and language skills are required; employment can be found on the spot. Limitations include the fact that the D visa takes quite a while to be issued through the consulate, and family can join only after the applicant has relocated.

An immigration office building in the center of a European city, with a line of people holding folders outside

Netherlands: startups and self-employment

The Netherlands is often considered the hardest country to relocate to. Programs still exist, though. The Start-up Visa is not closed to Russian citizens: you can submit an innovative project, get approval and a residence permit to develop it. The Self-Employed program suits those with foreign or Dutch clients: it allows you to work as a freelancer, pay taxes in the Netherlands and hold a residence permit.

The Netherlands is a narrow route, not a mass one. It remains workable but less popular than the other options.

How to choose a country

A ranking by simplicity doesn’t answer the main question. Spain suits those who need a fast residence permit based on remote income. France suits those building a business in Europe. The United Kingdom suits founders of scalable innovative projects and talented specialists oriented toward an English-speaking environment. Germany suits qualified specialists who likely already have a job offer. The Netherlands suits a narrow startup profile and self-employed people with steady income in Europe.

A good residence permit is defined not by its place on a list but by whether it provides stability, the prospect of renewal, the ability to relocate with family, and a sense of security.