Application process
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa application process — from first step to permit in hand
Everything you need to know about applying for Spain's DNV in 2026 — which route to take, what documents to prepare, how long it takes, and exactly what happens after approval.
The two application routes
UGE (from within Spain) or consulate (from your home country)?
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa can be applied for in two ways. Most applicants eligible for visa-free entry into Spain should strongly consider the UGE route — it is faster, handled by a specialist unit, and issues the full 3-year residence permit directly rather than a 1-year entry visa that must later be converted.
UGE — apply from within Spain
Enter Spain on tourist or visa-free entry and apply locally
- ✓ Fastest route — dedicated specialist unit
- ✓ No in-person appointment — we submit on your behalf
- ✓ 3-year residence permit from day one
- ✓ Government tasas included in our service
- – Must be in Spain legally at time of submission
Spanish consulate — apply from home country
Apply at your nearest Spanish embassy or consulate before travelling
- ✓ Apply without travelling to Spain first
- ✓ Available to all nationalities
- – Significantly slower than UGE
- – In-person consulate appointment required
- – Issues 1-year entry visa, not 3-year residence permit
The UGE process
Six steps from decision to permit
Here is a plain-English overview of the full UGE process. Every step is covered in more detail in our complete step-by-step guide.
Enter Spain legally
Non-EU nationals from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Spain visa-free for up to 90 days. You do not need a special visa to start the UGE process — a standard tourist entry is sufficient. Ideally, arrive in Spain before your full document dossier is ready so that your 90-day clock starts later in the process.
Open your case with My Spanish DNV
Pay Stage 1 (€500). Your dedicated case manager is assigned within 24 hours. We begin a full document review immediately — checking every document for UGE compliance, identifying anything that needs correction, translation, or apostille. You receive access to your progress dashboard from day one.
Document collection and preparation
Working with your case manager, you assemble your dossier. Time-sensitive items — particularly the criminal record certificate (3-month validity window, must be apostilled) — are flagged immediately. Sworn translations are arranged. All documents are checked for UGE compliance before submission is considered. This phase typically takes 2–4 weeks.
UGE submission
We submit your complete dossier to the UGE on your behalf via the authorised digital submission system. You receive confirmation of submission with an official reference number. The 20-working-day statutory processing clock starts from this point. Payment of Stage 2 (€500) is due at submission.
UGE approval and NIE
The UGE issues your positive resolution (resolución favorable). Your NIE number appears in this document — record it immediately. Your permit is granted for 3 years. Stage 3 payment (€899) is due on approval. We notify you immediately and walk you through next steps.
TIE appointment
You book your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) appointment at your local Comisaría de Policía Nacional via the Cita Previa system — must be booked within 30 days of arriving in Spain after approval. Bring your passport, approval document, photos, EX-17 form, and Modelo 790 code 012 tasa (approx €16). Fingerprints are taken. The TIE card is issued within 4–6 weeks.
Application process guides
Everything you need — in one place
This page is the hub for the full application process cluster. Each guide below covers one part of the process in detail. Start with the step-by-step guide if you want the full picture, or go directly to the topic most relevant to your situation.
Complete step-by-step guide
Every step in detail — from checking eligibility to collecting your TIE card. The most thorough guide on the site.
Document checklist
The full list of documents you need, what format they must be in, validity windows, apostille requirements, and translation needs.
Processing times
How long each stage takes — document preparation, UGE processing, TIE issuance, and what affects the timeline.
What happens after UGE approval
Your next steps after receiving your positive resolution — NIE, TIE, Empadronamiento, bank account, and autónomo registration.
NIE and TIE explained
The difference between your NIE number and your TIE card, when you get each, and exactly what you need to bring to your TIE appointment.
UGE vs consulate — full comparison
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the two application routes — processing times, pros and cons, and which is right for your situation.
Not sure where to start?
If you are new to the Spain DNV process, begin with the complete step-by-step guide. It covers every part of the process in order. If you have a specific question, use the FAQ section below or book a free 20-minute call with our team.
Documents
What documents do you need for the Spain DNV?
The DNV requires a specific set of documents — and some are time-sensitive. The criminal record certificate has a 3-month validity window from the date of issue, so it should be started as soon as possible. Here is a summary of the core requirements.
Criminal record certificate
Required from every country where you have lived for more than 2 years in the past 5. Must be apostilled. Has a 3-month validity window from date of issue — this is the single most time-sensitive document. Order it as soon as you decide to proceed. UK applicants use ACRO; US applicants use the FBI; Canadian applicants use the RCMP.
Bank statements & payslips
Minimum 3 months of bank statements showing income of at least €2,849/month. Six months is preferable. Payslips to corroborate the bank statements. If self-employed, invoices and/or company accounts demonstrating the income level. Statements in non-Spanish languages require sworn translation.
Employer letter
A letter from your employer on company headed paper confirming: your role, your salary, that you are permitted to work remotely, and that your employer is not based in Spain. This is often called a "remote work permission letter." Your HR department should be able to provide this. It must be apostilled if the company is based in a Hague Convention country.
Private health insurance (employed applicants)
Employed applicants must have a private health insurance policy covering Spain, with no co-payment and minimum €30,000 coverage. Must be from a recognised insurer. Self-employed applicants registering as autónomo in Spain are covered by public health via RETA contributions and do not need a separate private policy. Our partner 247 Expat Insurance can provide a qualifying policy.
Full document requirements are covered in detail in the document checklist. Your case manager will review every document for compliance before submission.
Questions & answers