Ksenia Sobchak, a prominent figure in Russia and known as Vladimir Putin’s ‘goddaughter,’ is reportedly seeking to relocate to Spain. She has applied for residency in the country, aiming for digital nomad status, which requires her to spend more than half of the year in Spain and fulfill tax obligations there. Sobchak, a TV presenter, politician, and influencer who previously ran for the Russian presidency against Putin, has not officially commented on the matter.
Recent reports suggest that Sobchak has submitted a residence permit application for herself and her son, Platon, aged eight, with rumors circulating that she has purchased a luxury property in Spain. This move comes amidst economic turmoil in Russia due to Putin’s military actions and Western sanctions, coupled with a tightening of repression against critics of the regime.
Sobchak already holds a five-year EU Schengen visa from France and carries both Israeli and Russian passports, allowing her to travel freely within Europe for up to 90 days within every six-month period. Putin, who attended Sobchak’s Orthodox christening in her childhood and had a close relationship with her late father, Anatoly, has been linked to her as a godfather. Anatoly served as a mentor to Putin during his early political career in St. Petersburg.
Despite being viewed as pro-opposition, there are suspicions among Putin’s opponents that Sobchak maintains a personal connection with the Russian leader. Her past actions, such as running for the presidency in 2018 to provide a façade of opposition in Putin’s controlled election, have been criticized as a political stunt.
In a controversial incident in 2023, Sobchak faced backlash for attending a scandalous “naked party” with other celebrities, causing outrage from Putin. Although she issued an apology, she did not face any repercussions unlike other participants.
Sobchak’s mother, Lyudmila Narusova, a Russian senator, has been known for her dissent against Putin’s policies, often voting against his repressive measures. In a statement to Novaya Gazeta Europe, Narusova highlighted her solitary stance against Putin and expressed that many others share her views but fear speaking out openly due to repercussions.
