1. What is the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)?

The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is a permit for non-EU/EEA remote workers and freelancers to live and work in Spain. It was established under Law No. 28/2022, known as the "Startup Act." This visa allows professionals to reside in Spain while working for companies or clients primarily located outside of the country.

2. What documents do I need to prepare in my home country?

You must issue all required documents as new, in their official language, with no translation at this initial stage. These documents include all of the documentation mentioned in the sections above (General Documentation, Documentation Relating to the Professional Activity and Documentation Required for Family Members).

3. How do I get my documents apostilled?

This is a two-step process:

• Home Country Apostille: First, get ALL of your documents stamped by the relevant government ministry in your country (example: Ministry of Education) and then apostilled by your Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Spanish Embassy Apostille: After that, you must book an appointment to have the same documents apostilled a second time by the Spanish embassy in your country. The documents must still be in their original, untranslated language.

4. When should I get my documents translated?

You should only get your documents translated AFTER they have been apostilled by the Spanish embassy. The translation service provider MUST be approved by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs; other legal translations will be considered invalid.

5. How do I submit my application?

You have two options for submitting your application:

• Option A (Via Embassy): Book an appointment with the Spanish embassy in your country to submit all your documents. The processing time can be 3-5 months.

• Option B (From within Spain): If you have a valid Schengen Visa, you can enter Spain and submit the application there. The waiting period is 20 working days, with an additional 10 days for any documentation requests. During this time, YOU DON'T LEAVE THE SCHENGEN ZONE, BUT YOU CAN STAY IN ANY PLACE NOT NECESSARILY SPAIN.

6. What happens after my application is approved?

After a positive decision, you have been approved, but Remember YOU ARE STILL NOT LEGALLY A RESIDENT. YOU ONLY HAVE THE APPROVAL. YOU NEED THE NEXT STAGES.

• TIE Appointment: Book an appointment to get your TIE (residence card). This appointment can take 1-2 weeks to get.

• Fingerprinting: You will have your fingerprints taken at this appointment.

• Card Pickup: After giving your fingerprints, you must wait at least 30 days to physically personally pick up your card.

7. When do I become a legal resident of Spain?

You are not considered a legal resident until you have physically picked up your TIE card. Once you have the card, you are free to travel back home, travel within the Schengen Zone, or enjoy Spain as a legal resident.

8. What are the key eligibility requirements?

Beyond the documentation process, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Have a university degree or at least three years of professional experience.

• Have a minimum monthly income of approximately €2,762 (for a single applicant).

• Have comprehensive private health insurance.

• Not have a criminal record.

9. What are the tax implications of this residency?

You will become a Spanish tax resident if you spend MORE than 183 days in Spain during a calendar year. This will make you liable to pay Spanish taxes on your worldwide income.

10. What is the residency timeline and path to permanent residency?

The initial residence permit is for three years. You can renew this for an additional two years, for a total of five years. After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency.

11. Is the time spent in Spain on the DNV accounted for to apply for Spanish citizenship?

Yes, the time you spend in Spain with a DNV residence permit counts towards the residency requirement for Spanish citizenship. The general requirement for non-EU citizens is 10 years of continuous legal residence.

12. What happens if my country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention?

Each document MUST be legalized from BOTH your home country AND the Spanish embassy in your country of residence.

13. Can I open a Spanish bank account with the DNV?

Yes, as soon as you are approved you can open a bank account.

14. Do I need to live in a specific city or region in Spain with this visa?

No, but if you plan to register within a city, you'll need a minimum of a 6-month rental agreement in that city.

15. Are all nationalities accepted?

Yes, ALL nationalities are welcome to apply, with no exclusions. Nationals from Yemen, Iran, Libya, Pakistan and Lebanon are ALL welcome to apply.

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