Spain Digital Nomad Visa · Indonesian Nationals
Spain Digital Nomad Visa for Indonesians
Indonesia is not a Hague Convention member. Your SKCK police certificate requires legalisation through the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Spanish Embassy before submission.
Indonesia applicant situation
Moving to Spain from Indonesia
Spain is an increasingly popular destination for remote workers.
Your Route
Indonesian passport holders require a Schengen visa to enter Spain. The primary route is the consulate application at the Spanish Embassy in Jakarta (or consulate in Surabaya for East Java and Eastern Indonesia).
SKCK Legalisation
Indonesia is not a Hague member, so your Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian (SKCK) cannot be apostilled. It must be legalised: National Police HQ → KEMLU (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) → Spanish Embassy attestation.
A note for Indonesia nationals
Indonesia joined the Hague Convention in 2022 but ratification is still pending full implementation — always verify current legalisation requirements with the Spanish Embassy in Jakarta before starting.
Application routes
Consulate or UGE — the two routes to Spain's DNV
Indonesia passport holders require a Schengen tourist/visit visa to enter Spain. This means the UGE route requires an extra step — obtain a Schengen visa first, then enter Spain and apply. Most applicants from Indonesia find the consulate route more straightforward. Apply at the Spanish Embassy in your country in Indonesia before travelling to Spain.
Spanish Embassy / Consulate in Indonesia
Spanish Embassy in your country
- ✓ Apply from Indonesia without travelling to Spain first
- ✓ Spanish consulate in your country
- ✓ In-person appointment required at Spanish Embassy/Consulate
UGE — requires Schengen visa first
Obtain a Schengen visa, enter Spain, apply via UGE
- ✓ Faster processing once in Spain (~20 working days)
- ✓ 3-year permit issued directly
- – Schengen visa required before entering Spain
- – Additional step vs consulate route
Criminal record certificate
Police certificate requirements for Indonesia nationals
All DNV applicants must provide a criminal record certificate apostilled or legalised for international use. For Indonesia nationals, the required certificate is the Indonesian Police Certificate (SKCK — Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian).
relevant national authority
Apply for your SKCK at the National Police Headquarters (Markas Besar Polri) in Jakarta for international use. Provincial or district-level SKCKs are not accepted for foreign visa applications. Bring your KTP, KK (family card), passport copy, and photos.
Certifying for use in Spain
1. Obtain SKCK from Mabes Polri (Bareskrim). 2. Legalise at KEMLU (Kementerian Luar Negeri) at Jl. Pejambon 6, Jakarta. 3. Present to the Spanish Embassy in Jakarta for consular attestation. Each step requires the previous original stamp.
Allow SKCK: 1–3 days at Mabes Polri. KEMLU legalisation: 3–5 working days. Spanish Embassy attestation: 1–2 weeks. Sworn Spanish translation: 5–10 days. Allow 8–12 weeks total for the full chain.
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 Indonesia nationals in Spain
Bali-based remote workers often choose Valencia or Palma de Mallorca for the Mediterranean climate and beach lifestyle. Jakarta professionals moving to Europe tend to prefer Madrid or Barcelona for city infrastructure. Bandung creatives often settle in Seville or Granada.
Tax implications for Indonesia nationals
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 Indonesia prevents being taxed on the same income twice. Specialist cross-border tax advice is recommended before making the move.
Banking and finances
Indonesia's large freelance and creative economy means many applicants are self-employed. Ensure your contracts clearly state non-Spanish clients. Halal food is readily available in Barcelona and Madrid. Wise is commonly used for IDR-to-EUR transfers. Indonesian notaries are not the same as sworn translators — use a Spain-approved jurado translator.
Questions & answers