This week, several important news items were released for those living abroad, planning to move, or applying for a residence permit. Changes affect Spain, the UAE, and future notification requirements for temporary residence permits and dual citizenship.
We examine the key updates and their practical implications.
Spain Allows the Use of Expired Belarusian Passports
Spain has officially introduced a temporary exemption from the requirement for a valid passport for citizens of the Republic of Belarus.
According to the published instructions, expired Belarusian passports are now accepted for:
applying for any type of temporary residence permit;
renewing residence permits;
obtaining and issuing a temporary resident card (TIE).
The decision was made because Belarusian consulates abroad are not issuing or renewing passports, effectively depriving people of the opportunity to legalize their stay.
Spain noted that such conditions create what it calls “forced irregularity” and, in line with the EU and UN position on human rights, allowed the use of expired documents.
❗ Important: This measure is temporary and applies only while the extraordinary circumstances persist.
For Belarusian citizens who have been putting off applying for a Spanish residence permit because of their passport, this is a significant and positive change.
Spain is preparing a large-scale legalization of foreigners in 2026.
The Spanish government has officially announced the launch of the Extraordinary Regularization procedure—a one-time legalization for foreigners residing in the country illegally.
Spain has implemented similar programs before; the last one was in 2005, when more than 570,000 people received legal status. The next wave is planned for 2026.
What is currently known:
Applications will begin to be accepted approximately in April 2026;
Applicants will be able to receive a residence and work permit for one year;
The key conditions are a clean criminal record and at least five months of continuous residence in Spain by December 31, 2025.
The procedure is aimed at legalizing people who already live and work in the country but are outside the legal framework.
Barcelona is testing a new Extranjería appointment system.
A pilot project for an automated fingerprinting appointment (huella) has been launched in Barcelona.
Now, after a positive decision is received:
The police schedule the appointment themselves;
Notification is sent via SMS or email;
The appointment is made within 15 days, often within a week.
This should solve a long-standing problem:
lack of available appointments;
bots and the “black market” for appointments;
situations where hundreds of euros were paid for a free procedure.
In 2026, the system is planned to be supplemented with personal codes to prevent the resale of the appointments. If the pilot demonstrates stable results, the model will be expanded to other cities in Spain.
The UAE has launched a visa for remote workers.
Starting January 27, 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched the Remote Working Visa—a residence visa for those working remotely for an employer outside the country.
Key visa parameters:
Validity: 12 months, renewable;
No local sponsor or contract in the UAE required;
Sponsorship of family members is permitted;
Access to banks, rental housing, and residency services.
Requirements:
Proof of remote employment;
Six months of bank statements;
Income of approximately USD 3,500 per month;
Health insurance and a standard set of documents.
This visa is designed for digital nomads, IT specialists, and remote workers who want to live in the UAE without changing employers.
Possible New Obligations for Russians with a Residence Permit and Second Passport
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has proposed amendments to the Law “On Citizenship,” which could come into force on January 1, 2028.
If the draft is adopted:
Notification of a residence permit or foreign citizenship will be required within 60 days of receipt, even without entering Russia;
A clearer definition of Russian citizens permanently residing abroad will be introduced;
A requirement to register permanently with the consulate may be introduced.
Penalties for violations remain the same—from an administrative fine to more severe sanctions for proven intentional concealment.
What is important to consider
Migration rules are becoming:
more flexible in terms of legalization;
more digital and automated;
at the same time, more demanding regarding formalities.
How Visa Digital Nomad can help
with obtaining and renewing a residence permit in Spain and other countries;
Selecting the optimal status for remote work;
Legalization and modification of existing permits;
A strategy for moving and living abroad.
If you’re planning a move, legalization, or status change, we’ll suggest the optimal route for your situation.
Login with Google
