Germany: asylum and repatriation
Political asylum in Germany can be obtained by deserters and Russians who are at risk of persecution, the country's migration department said . However, you can only apply for asylum from Germany, which greatly complicates the situation for Russians, who may face difficulties when leaving the country. The applicant will need to prepare evidence of persecution at home and be patient – this difficult process can take about two years. In case of refusal, the applicant will not be deported, since deportation from Germany to Russia is prohibited, Freies Russland-Berlin points out .
For those who want to apply for asylum, it is important to keep in mind the Dublin Regulation, which determines the country that will provide protection. In particular, the state that issued the visa to the applicant, or the country through which he entered the EU territory, will be responsible. In this regard, human rights activists recommend flying first to any of the countries of Latin America, and from there choose a transfer in the desired country of the European Union.
In addition, Russians can apply for a German humanitarian visa. But even this will require confirmation that it is dangerous for the applicant to stay in Russia, Anastasia Burakova, a lawyer and creator of the Ark project, explains:
“There must be some case, persecution in connection with public, political, journalistic, human rights activities. A humanitarian visa implies the presence of risks and belonging to one of these categories.
She added that countries work differently with humanitarian visas: somewhere, for example, this process takes place through trusted organizations that can initially verify the case. An application for a German humanitarian visa can be submitted either directly to the consulate or embassy, or through human rights organizations. An important condition for applying for a humanitarian visa is cooperation with German organizations. Burakova noted that, in addition to Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and the Czech Republic can provide humanitarian visas to Russians.
Germany also has a homecoming program for late settlers living in the countries of the former USSR, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland and other states. The applicant must collect documents confirming nationality, and confirm knowledge of the language. Under this program, you can move with spouses and children.
The country also provides foreigners with opportunities to study and start a business . Separate visas are provided for researchers and freelancers in various fields – this category includes journalists, consultants, doctors, architects and other non-employed professionals.
Useful links:
- Website of the international human rights organization "Reporters Without Borders"
- Guide to visas and asylum in Germany
- Procedure for processing an application for refugee status
- Information for migrants
- Stories of Russians who requested asylum
Spain: LGBT support
Asylum or a humanitarian visa can also be requested from Spain. In particular, LGBT people who are persecuted in Russia can take this path.
“For example, you are not hired or you are constantly painted on the door of the apartment. Or the police did not take your statement when you were beaten for homophobic reasons. It is important that the case is not very old, so that the last unsubscribe from the police, for example, was within the last six months,” recommends activist Mikhail (Misha) Tumasov. One of the grounds can also be diseases, including mental ones, caused by events that are related to the sexual orientation or identity of the applicant. In this case, certificates from a psychiatrist or psychotherapist will come in handy.
It is also better for the applicant to prepare evidence of a relationship with their partner – for example, joint photos, screenshots of orders in delivery services to a common address, money transfers to each other, a joint rental agreement, adds Anna-Maria Tesfaye, co-founder of Queer Svit. If a person participated in protests or was a creative activist, this should also be indicated. Against the background of the mobilization, Tesfaye recommended that trans women change the gender marker in their passport, after which it will be possible to more easily prepare for the move and collect a package of documents. You can change the gender marker after passing a special commission .
A letter from a Russian or local LGBT organization can also help. The Russian organization in its letter can describe the situation in the country and verify the applicant by confirming his story.
In addition, you can move to Spain for reasons related to study, research or business . Another option is to get a Non-lucrative visa, but it is only suitable for those who do not work and receive passive income.
Useful links:
- List of national visas that foreigners can get in Spain
- Brochure on the asylum process in Spain
- Spanish LGBT organizations: ACATHI , Kifkif .
- Russian LGBT organizations: Queer Svit , Vykhod , Russian LGBT Network
Portugal: startups and work
Portugal is one of the countries that did not support a total ban on the entry of Russians into the European Union. She offers a start-up visa for entrepreneurs – you will need to enlist the support of a local incubator . This visa can be replaced with a residence permit, which will be extended if the startup complies with the requirements – in five years it will reach an annual turnover of more than €325,000 and create jobs. Entrepreneurs can also get a D2 visa here, which is issued after opening analogues of an LLC or individual entrepreneur, and later exchanged for a residence permit.
In addition, in Portugal you can get a D7 visa , for which you will need to confirm passive income or money from remote work (from € 705 per month). Another option is the D3 visa (for highly qualified specialists). To get it, you need to conclude an employment contract with a local company for at least a year with a salary of at least €1,800.
Useful links:
- Guide for applying for a start-up visa
- Telegram chat about moving to Portugal
- List of occupations that qualify for a D3 visa
France: passive income and business
In France, there is a so-called B visa – Visiteur , which is issued for a year with the possibility of extension. A foreigner with such a visa does not have the right to work in the country and must prove a minimum income of €1,329 per month. This can be either the income of the applicant himself or the money of a member of his family.
Another option for Russians could be Passeport talent visas. They are available to entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, as well as highly skilled workers. It is also possible to obtain a study visa in France.
You can apply for political asylum in France not only in the country, but also from abroad: for this, a foreigner must contact an embassy or consulate. If the French diplomats decide to issue him a special visa, he will be able to come to France on it and continue the process already in the country.
Useful links:
- Instructions for applying for asylum
- Tips for preparing for an interview with the migration service
- Telegram chat about moving to France
Netherlands: protection for victims of domestic violence
The Netherlands is ready to accept highly qualified employees (received a Blue Card ), researchers, artists and cultural figures, entrepreneurs (including founders of start-ups), as well as spiritual mentors or church ministers. Some foreigners may need to pass an exam for a minimum knowledge of the language and culture of the country. After that, it will be possible to obtain a temporary residence permit in the country.
To launch a startup , you will need to obtain the approval of a special organization – a facilitator. In addition, you will need to verify your income . There is also an option with a cultural exchange , but it is only suitable for foreigners from 18 to 30 years old who arrive in the country through a special organization.
The Netherlands also provides protection to victims of domestic violence . The decision on each case is taken individually within 90 days , but this period can be extended. The refusal can be challenged.
The Netherlands can also grant political asylum to foreigners if there are good reasons to believe that they are in danger of persecution in their home country and there are no contradictions under the Dublin Rules. Tesfaye noted that now she does not recommend applying for asylum in the Netherlands because of the flow of refugees: the process can take a very long time. In addition, getting a Dutch visa now, according to her, is almost impossible.
Useful links:
- Reminder about moving to the Netherlands
- Tips for moving to the Netherlands
- Website of the Violence.No Center and the Consortium of Women's Non-Governmental Associations
Cyprus: digital nomads and IT professionals
You can stay in Cyprus, for example, by entering on a tourist visa and later receiving a Visitors Visa (does not give the right to work). A “visitor” visa can be obtained, among other things, by those who confirm that they receive income from abroad. However, this is not easy for Russians now: such a visa requires a bank account in the country, and it is difficult to open one without a residence permit.
It is also possible to obtain a digital nomad visa. To do this, you need to prove a stable monthly income of at least €3,500 after deducting all taxes. Foreigners receive such a visa for a year, after which they can extend it for another two.
Cyprus also has programs for start-ups , students , researchers and volunteers . Another option is a visa, for which you need to get a job offer from a local company. Later it can be converted into a residence permit.
Useful links: