Spain Digital Nomad Visa · Apply from Italy
Spain DNV: Applying from Italy
Non-EU nationals living in Italy can apply for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa via the Spanish Embassy in Rome or consulates in Milan, Barcelona-bound from Naples, or via the UGE route from within Spain.
Applying from Italy
Applying for Spain from Italy
Spain is an increasingly popular destination for remote workers.
Who Is This Page For?
This page is for non-EU nationals living in Italy — Americans, Canadians, Australians, Indians, Brazilians, and others — who want to move to Spain on a Digital Nomad Visa. Italian nationals and other EU citizens do not need the DNV.
Your Route Options
If your passport allows Schengen visa-free travel (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia), you can fly to Spain and apply via the UGE directly. Alternatively, apply at the Spanish Embassy in Rome or the consulates in Milan or Naples before leaving Italy.
A note for Italy nationals
Italian nationals and other EU citizens do not need the Spain DNV — EU free movement applies. This page is for non-EU nationals legally resident in Italy.
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 Italy.
Spanish Embassy / Consulate in Italy
Spanish Embassy in your country
- ✓ Apply from Italy 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 Italy
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 a Certificato del Casellario Giudiziale (criminal record certificate) from the local Procura della Repubblica (Prosecutor's Office) at your nearest courthouse. Applications can also be made online via giustizia.it. The certificate is free and typically ready within a few days.
Certifying for use in Spain
Italy is a Hague Convention member. Apostilles for Italian criminal record certificates are issued by the Corte d'Appello (Court of Appeal) in your jurisdiction. Request the apostilled version explicitly when you apply.
Allow Casellario Giudiziale: 1–5 working days. Apostille at Corte d'Appello: 1–2 weeks. Sworn Spanish translation (traduzione giurata): 5–7 days. You may also need a certificate from your home country. Allow 4–6 weeks total.
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 Italy
Italy-based expats moving to Spain often choose Barcelona for its Mediterranean similarity and direct Ryanair, Vueling, and Iberia connections from Rome, Milan, and Naples. Valencia is popular for the climate and cycling culture. Madrid attracts professionals; Seville draws those who love historic city life.
Tax implications for non-EU nationals from Italy
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 Italy prevents being taxed on the same income twice. Specialist cross-border tax advice is recommended before making the move.
Banking and finances
Italy has a large population of non-EU expats (particularly Americans, Brazilians, and Argentinians) who are well-suited for the Spain DNV. Italian employer contracts and busta paga (payslips) are good income evidence. Ensure documents in Italian are accompanied by sworn Spanish translations. Wise handles EUR-to-EUR transfers instantly. If you have lived in Italy under 5 years, also gather a certificate from your previous country of residence.
Questions & answers