I want to marry my [non-EU] girlfriend. When can we live together after marriage?

[canadian_russian]

I'm a UK citizen and my girlfriend is Russian. I'm currently residing in Spain and she is now in Russia. We have lived together in Europe and have everything well documented.

We'd like to get married, and are trying to figure out the procedures. Will she be able to live with me at all after marriage, or do we need to wait many months being apart, for her marriage visa? Will they need to hold on to her passport for all those months, or will she be able to still come here as a tourist?

We are open to living in other countries if it is any easier. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[cafeconleche]

As a Russian citizen, she'll have to apply for her spousal visa in Russia. When you're married, and especially if you can prove a longer relationship, they'll likely approve her visa. I don't know how long it'll take, but you'll get a better idea if you find some immigration/expatriate fora for Spain. Check out AngloInfo Spain and Expatica Spain.