Restrictions in European immigration are growing: Portugal has increased the path to citizenship from 5 to 10 years, and the UK is discussing the same. Yet, according to the author, the number of people obtaining residence permits keeps rising. Spain’s residence permit remains the most accessible option, while France still runs its talent program.

Tighter rules and demand for residence permits

Cuts to programs, the elimination of investment-based residence permits, and a longer path to citizenship are becoming a common trend. Portugal increased its citizenship timeline from 5 to 10 years. The UK is discussing a similar change, but no decision has been made yet. The 2027 forecasts in this piece are speculative: new requirements are expected to appear, and some previously available programs are likely to close.

Yet the statistics show the opposite: according to 2025 data, the number of Russian citizens holding residence permits in Europe has grown by 51% since 2022, and the growth continues.

Spain: residency for digital nomads and beyond

As of 2026, obtaining a residence permit in the European Union is easier than it was before 2022. Spain is named one of the most open jurisdictions for immigrants. A residence permit can be obtained in about three months, issued for 3 years to the applicant and all family members. After that, it can be renewed or used as a path to citizenship.

The residence permit also suits those who need freedom of movement across European countries, the ability to open a company, bank accounts and legal entities, or simply a backup option in case the situation worsens at home.

In early 2026, Pedro Sánchez’s government announced plans to grant residence permits to at least 500,000 undocumented migrants. Independent estimates suggest the figure has grown, with more than a million applications already filed. Among applicants are people from post-Soviet countries, including Russia and Belarus, though their share is small. A residence permit based on settlement requires an employer and valid registration, and the same requirements apply to migrants undergoing legalization.

Why Spain stays open to migrants

The main reason Spain keeps expanding legal migration is demographic. The country consistently ranks among the leaders in population aging and worsening demographics. A significant share of migrants work officially, pay taxes, and support the pension system and social spending. As a reminder, healthcare and pre-university education are free in Spain.

According to an EU commissioner, the EU should attract and legalize at least a million working-age citizens per year to offset natural population aging. Yet, as the piece notes, most European countries are moving in the opposite direction: restrictions are tightening, and support for right-wing parties advocating reduced migration is growing.

France: the talent program and new language requirements

Last year France passed strict legislation against illegal migration. The bill was drafted in three months and took effect this year. Most restrictions concern illegal migration, refugees, and the possibility of their deportation if they fail to integrate into society.

France’s talent program, formerly called Passport Talent, remains active. It covers categories for athletes, scientists, IT professionals, other professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and creative specialists; for creative professions, international recognition and major awards are preferred. The only change affecting applicants is the French language requirement: A2 used to be enough to move to the talent passport, now B2 is required.

The program grants a residence permit for 4 years right away for the applicant and family members, with eligibility to apply for citizenship after 5 years. France allows dual citizenship.

A railway or metro station in a large European city, with passengers at the ticket barriers and information displays.

The US: closed programs and waiting

Under Donald Trump’s administration, almost all immigration programs available to Russian citizens have been closed. The remaining programs don’t suit everyone and don’t always resolve legal status issues right away. In the author’s view, the situation may improve after the next election, but in 2027 this is unlikely: bureaucracy moves slowly.