Spain Digital Nomad Visa · Apply from Austria
Spain DNV: Applying from Austria
Non-EU nationals living in Austria can apply for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa via the Spanish Embassy in Vienna, or fly to Spain and apply via the UGE if your passport is Schengen visa-free.
Applying from Austria
Applying for Spain from Austria
Spain is an increasingly popular destination for remote workers.
Who Is This Page For?
This page is for non-EU nationals living in Austria — Americans, Canadians, Australians, Indians, and others — who want to move to Spain on a Digital Nomad Visa. Austrian and other EU citizens do not need the DNV.
Your Route Options
If your passport allows Schengen visa-free travel, you can fly from Vienna to Spain and apply via the UGE. Otherwise, apply at the Spanish Embassy in Vienna before departing. Both routes lead to the same UGE assessment in Madrid.
A note for Austria nationals
Austrian nationals and EU citizens do not need the Spain DNV — EU free movement applies. This page is for non-EU nationals with legal residency in Austria.
Application routes
Consulate or UGE — the two routes to Spain's DNV
Whether you can use the UGE route depends on your passport nationality. If your home country passport is Schengen visa-free, you can enter Spain and apply directly via UGE (approximately 20 working days). If your passport requires a Schengen visa, the consulate route through the Spanish Embassy in the country is required. The Spanish Embassy in the country and its consular network handle DNV applications for non-EU residents in Austria.
Spanish Embassy / Consulate in Austria
Spanish Embassy in your country
- ✓ Apply from Austria without travelling to Spain first
- ✓ Spanish consulate in your country
- ✓ In-person appointment required at Spanish Embassy/Consulate
UGE — requires Schengen visa first
Available if your passport nationality is Schengen visa-free
- ✓ Faster processing once in Spain (~20 working days)
- ✓ 3-year permit issued directly
- – Depends on your home passport nationality
- – Additional step vs consulate route
Criminal record certificate
Police certificate requirements for non-EU nationals in Austria
All DNV applicants must provide a criminal record certificate apostilled or legalised for international use. The certificate type depends on your passport nationality.
relevant national authority
Apply for a Strafregisterbescheinigung (criminal record certificate) at any Austrian district authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft) or municipality (Magistrat). In Vienna, apply at the Magistratisches Bezirksamt. Also available online via oesterreich.gv.at. Fee: approximately €14.30.
Certifying for use in Spain
Austria is a Hague Convention member. Apostilles are affixed by the relevant state authority (Landesregierung) or the Federal Ministry of the Interior. Request the apostilled version of the Strafregisterbescheinigung explicitly.
Allow Certificate: 1–3 working days. Apostille: 5–10 working days. Sworn Spanish translation: 5–7 days. Allow 4–6 weeks total for Austria-side documents.
The police certificate is frequently the longest lead-time document in a DNV application. Apply for it as early as possible — your case manager will advise on optimal timing to avoid delays to your submission.
Living in Spain
Popular cities and practical tips for people moving from Austria
Vienna-based expats moving to Spain tend to choose Barcelona (direct flights, cosmopolitan lifestyle) or Madrid (career opportunities). Valencia is increasingly popular for its warm climate and lower cost of living. Seville and Granada attract those drawn to Andalucían culture.
Tax implications for non-EU nationals from Austria
Once you become Spanish tax resident (183+ days in Spain in a calendar year), you file IRPF in Spain. A double taxation treaty between Spain and Austria prevents being taxed on the same income twice. Specialist cross-border tax advice is recommended before making the move.
Banking and finances
Austria has a significant expat professional community, particularly in Vienna's international organisations. Austrian employer contracts (Dienstvertrag) and payslips (Lohnzettel) are strong DNV income evidence. Documents in German require sworn Spanish translations. Wise handles EUR-to-EUR transfers. Vienna to Madrid/Barcelona direct flights operate daily.
Questions & answers