I've been told the rules can change on both options quite regularly.
We're ideally looking to get married in the UK next year assuming that her parents can travel here.
All the above aren't a problem she (Russian) is coming to the end o a 2 year UK visa granted on the understanding of proof of relationship etc.
Are there any other requirements from either my or her side do you know?
FYI I'm currently on my 3rd Russian business VISAs and both fly to each other pretty regularly.
as always, thanks for any advice!
I've read on some old posts that there was a requirement for a certain level of savings needed for the stage at which you apply for yuor partner to live in the UK.
The wording of it seems that if getting married in the UK then you get an engagement visa, under which she cannot work or study. And as she's therefore be a dependent, there woudl be a savings requirement.
What I can't ascertain is (a. whether the above is still true, and b. whether if we got married in Russia the same applied.
For example, if we married in Russia and wanted to live in the UK she would almost certainly have work already arranged through partner companies and as married it seems she'd be able to work straight away legally - is my understanding correct? And if so does that mean that I wouldn't need such a savings amount as she wouldn't be 'dependent'.
Apologies for the flood of Qs but it seems a minefield and I'm getting very little (read 'no') help from other sites and forums, just lots of views!
Marrying in Russia isn't complicated. You can do so on any visa. But you need to give a month's notice at the registry office (although you might be able to get an earlier appointment if you have mitigating circumstances/ask nicely) and before you can do that you need a Certificate of Non Impediment (https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad) from UK which has to be translated to Russian and notarised (here) and also apostilled at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I got married here in 2012 so things may have changed (I don't think they have) and you should check posts on the forum re. Russian marriage procedures.