Spain Digital Nomad Visa · Apply from Belgium
Spain DNV: Applying from Belgium
Non-EU nationals living in Belgium can apply for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa via the Spanish Embassy in Brussels, or enter Spain on their visa-free passport and apply via the UGE.
Applying from Belgium
Applying for Spain from Belgium
Spain is an increasingly popular destination for remote workers.
Who Is This Page For?
This page is for non-EU nationals living in Belgium — Americans, Canadians, Australians, Indians, and others — who want to relocate to Spain as remote workers. Belgian and other EU nationals do not need the DNV.
Your Route Options
If your passport allows Schengen visa-free travel (e.g., USA, UK, Australia, Canada), you can fly from Brussels to Spain and apply via the UGE directly. Alternatively, apply at the Spanish Embassy in Brussels before departing.
A note for Belgium nationals
Belgian nationals and EU citizens do not need the DNV — EU free movement applies. This page is for non-EU nationals with legal residency in Belgium.
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 Belgium.
Spanish Embassy / Consulate in Belgium
Spanish Embassy in your country
- ✓ Apply from Belgium 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 Belgium
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
Request an Extract from the Criminal Records Register (Uittreksel uit het Strafregister / Extrait du casier judiciaire) from your local municipal administration (gemeente / commune) or via the Federal Public Service Justice (justice.belgium.be). The certificate is free and usually issued within a few days.
Certifying for use in Spain
Belgium is a Hague Convention member. Apostilles for Belgian criminal record certificates are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brussels (Legalisatiedienst / Service de Légalisation). Request the apostilled version explicitly when you collect the document.
Allow Criminal records extract: 1–3 working days at municipality. Apostille from MFA: 5–10 working days. Sworn Spanish translation: 5–7 days. Allow 4–6 weeks total for Belgium-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 Belgium
Brussels-based expats moving to Spain often choose Barcelona for the direct Vueling and Ryanair connections and cosmopolitan feel. Valencia is popular for its lower cost and warm climate. Madrid attracts career-focused professionals. The Costa del Sol (Marbella, Málaga) draws lifestyle-focused remote workers.
Tax implications for non-EU nationals from Belgium
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 Belgium prevents being taxed on the same income twice. Specialist cross-border tax advice is recommended before making the move.
Banking and finances
Belgium has a large expat population, particularly from the EU institutions, who may transition to fully remote work. Belgian payslips and employer contracts are strong DNV income evidence. Documents in French, Dutch, or German must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. Wise handles EUR-to-EUR instantly. Brussels-Madrid and Brussels-Barcelona flights run multiple times daily.
Questions & answers