Spain Digital Nomad Visa · Moroccan Nationals
Spain Digital Nomad Visa for Moroccans
Morocco is a Hague Convention member, so your police certificate can be apostilled. Apply via the Spanish consulate in Casablanca, Rabat, or Marrakech.
Morocco applicant situation
Moving to Spain from Morocco
Spain is an increasingly popular destination for remote workers.
Your Route
Moroccan passport holders require a Schengen visa to enter Spain. The DNV is applied for at one of Spain's three consulates in Morocco: Casablanca (main), Rabat, or Marrakech. The application is assessed by the UGE in Madrid.
Certificate & Apostille
Morocco joined the Hague Convention in 2016. Your criminal record certificate (Casier Judiciaire) from the Ministry of Justice can be apostilled, simplifying the legalisation process compared to non-Hague countries.
A note for Morocco nationals
Morocco has strong historical and cultural ties with Spain — there is a sizeable Spanish consular network (Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Agadir, Laayoune, Nador, Tetouan). Apply at the consulate closest to your residence.
Application routes
Consulate or UGE — the two routes to Spain's DNV
Morocco 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 Morocco find the consulate route more straightforward. Apply at the Spanish Embassy in your country in Morocco before travelling to Spain.
Spanish Embassy / Consulate in Morocco
Spanish Embassy in your country
- ✓ Apply from Morocco 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 Morocco nationals
All DNV applicants must provide a criminal record certificate apostilled or legalised for international use. For Morocco nationals, the required certificate is the Moroccan Criminal Record Certificate (Casier Judiciaire).
relevant national authority
Apply for your Casier Judiciaire (Bulletin No. 3) at any Tribunal de Première Instance (Court of First Instance) in Morocco. The certificate is free of charge. You may also apply via the Ministry of Justice e-services portal (justice.gov.ma) for an online version with a QR code.
Certifying for use in Spain
Morocco joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016. Apostilles are affixed by the Ministry of Justice or via the court system. Request an apostilled copy when obtaining the certificate.
Allow Certificate issue: 1–3 working days in person. Apostille: 1–2 weeks. Sworn Spanish translation: 5–7 days (widely available given Morocco-Spain proximity). 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 Morocco nationals in Spain
Spain and Morocco share a uniquely close cultural bond. Moroccan nomads often prefer Tarifa, Algeciras, Almería, and Málaga (Andalucía) for proximity to family. Barcelona has a large Moroccan professional community. Madrid offers the widest professional opportunities.
Tax implications for Morocco 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 Morocco prevents being taxed on the same income twice. Specialist cross-border tax advice is recommended before making the move.
Banking and finances
Morocco's strong freelance and IT sector (particularly in Casablanca and Rabat) means many applicants are self-employed. Halal food is widely available throughout Spain. The Morocco-Spain ferry routes via Tarifa and Algeciras make family visits easy. Moroccan-issued documents in Arabic will need certified Spanish translations.
Questions & answers