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Non-EU nationals in the Netherlands

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa from the Netherlands — the guide for non-EU nationals

The Netherlands has a large expat community of non-EU professionals — in tech, finance, and international organisations. If you are not an EU citizen, Spain's DNV is the legal route to continue working remotely from Spain, where the cost of living is lower and the sunshine is considerably more reliable.

Start my application → UGE vs consulate
€2,849
per month income minimum (200% SMI 2026)
2
Spanish consulate locations in the Netherlands
~20
working days via UGE — if your passport permits Schengen entry
2.5 hrs
Amsterdam to Barcelona by air

The Dutch expat situation

Non-EU nationals in the Netherlands — Spain's DNV explained

The Netherlands hosts a significant population of non-EU professionals — Americans, Indians, Canadians, and others working in tech, finance, international organisations, and multinationals. Many find Spain's DNV attractive: lower housing costs, better weather, and the Beckham Law tax advantage. From Amsterdam or Rotterdam, Barcelona is 2.5 hours by air and reachable by direct rail via Paris.

Cost of living

Netherlands to Spain — housing and lifestyle costs

Amsterdam is one of Europe's most expensive rental markets, particularly for international professionals. Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia are materially cheaper — and Málaga or Alicante significantly so. The Netherlands has a high overall cost of living; Spain's warmer climate, outdoor café culture, and lower rents appeal to many Dutch-based expats. Remote workers on Dutch or international salaries easily clear Spain's €2,849/month income threshold.

Tax

Dutch 30% ruling vs Beckham Law

The Netherlands offers the '30% ruling' for qualifying expat employees — a tax-free allowance of 30% of gross salary (recently amended). Spain's equivalent is Beckham Law — a flat 24% income tax rate for qualifying first-time Spanish tax residents for up to 6 years. If you are in or near the end of your Dutch 30% ruling period, Spain's Beckham Law may be worth exploring. Standard Dutch income tax reaches 49.5%; standard Spanish IRPF reaches 47%, with Beckham Law at 24% being the key advantage.

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Netherlands-specific note on criminal record certificates

If you have lived in the Netherlands for more than 2 years, the Spanish consulate may require a Dutch Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG — Certificate of Good Conduct) from Justis (justis.nl) in addition to your home country certificate. A VOG costs around €41.35 and typically takes 1–4 weeks. Your home country certificate must also be apostilled by the relevant authority in your home country.

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 Hague and Amsterdam is required. The Spanish Embassy in The Hague and Amsterdam and its consular network handle DNV applications for non-EU residents in Netherlands.

Route 1 — Consulate in Netherlands

Spanish Embassy / Consulate in Netherlands

Spanish Embassy The Hague, Consulate General Amsterdam

2–3
months typical
1 yr
initial entry visa
  • ✓ Apply from Netherlands without travelling to Spain first
  • ✓ Spanish Embassy The Hague, Consulate General Amsterdam
  • ✓ In-person appointment required at Spanish Embassy/Consulate

Route 2 — UGE (from within Spain)

UGE — requires Schengen visa first

Available if your passport nationality is Schengen visa-free

~20
working days (after entry)
3 yr
initial permit
  • ✓ Faster processing once in Spain (~20 working days)
  • ✓ 3-year permit issued directly
  • – Depends on your home passport nationality
  • – Additional step vs consulate route

Available if your passport permits visa-free Schengen entry.

Criminal record certificate

Police certificate requirements for non-EU nationals in Netherlands

All DNV applicants must provide a criminal record certificate apostilled or legalised for international use. The certificate type depends on your passport nationality.

Apply

Home country authority (varies) + Justis for VOG (justis.nl)

Obtain a criminal record certificate from your home country (apostilled). If you have lived in the Netherlands for 2 or more years, also obtain a Dutch Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG) from Justis (justis.nl) — request online for ~€41.35, allow 1–4 weeks. The VOG does not require a separate apostille as it is issued in the Netherlands.

Apostille / Legalisation

Certifying for use in Spain

Your home country certificate must be apostilled by the appropriate authority in your home country. The Netherlands is a Hague Convention member — Dutch documents (like the VOG) can be apostilled by the Ministry of Justice (Justis) if required. In practice, the VOG itself is usually accepted without a separate apostille for Spanish consulate purposes.

Start early

Allow 2–6 weeks (home country cert + apostille) plus 1–4 weeks for Dutch VOG

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 Netherlands

Barcelona is the most popular destination for Netherlands-based DNV applicants — it is 2.5 hours from Amsterdam by air and has a large international expat community. Valencia is growing in popularity for its lower costs and beach lifestyle. Madrid attracts finance professionals. Málaga and Alicante offer sunshine and lower costs than Barcelona.

Tax planning

Tax implications for non-EU nationals from Netherlands

The Netherlands taxes residents at up to 49.5% income tax. When you leave the Netherlands and become Spanish tax resident, you file a Dutch departure return. The Netherlands does not typically impose an exit tax on employment income. Spain's Beckham Law at 24% flat is available to qualifying first-time Spanish tax residents and compares very favourably with both Dutch rates and standard Spanish IRPF (up to 47%). Cross-border tax advice is strongly recommended, particularly for those with Dutch pension accruals or business interests.

Practical

Banking and finances

Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven have direct flights to Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Seville, and Málaga. The train via Paris Thalys/Eurostar/TGV can reach Barcelona in under 8 hours from Amsterdam. Maintain Dutch bank accounts for any residual Dutch financial obligations. The Netherlands-Spain tax treaty governs cross-border income.

Questions & answers

Spain DNV from Netherlands — FAQ

No. EU citizens have freedom of movement and do not need the DNV. This page is for non-EU nationals — Americans, Indians, Canadians, and others — residing in the Netherlands who wish to move to Spain.
Apply at the Spanish Embassy in The Hague or the Consulate General in Amsterdam, depending on where you live. If your home passport nationality gives you Schengen visa-free access, you may also use the UGE route: enter Spain and apply from within Spain (~20 working days) — significantly faster than the consulate route (2–3 months).
The VOG (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag — Certificate of Good Conduct) is the Dutch criminal record clearance, issued by Justis at justis.nl. If you have lived in the Netherlands for 2 or more years, the Spanish consulate may require it in addition to your home country certificate. A VOG costs around €41.35 and typically takes 1–4 weeks. Apply for it early alongside your home country criminal record certificate.
Yes — if your home country passport gives you Schengen visa-free access. Americans, Canadians, Australians, and many other nationals can enter Spain visa-free and apply via UGE from within Spain (~20 working days). If your passport requires a Schengen visa (e.g. Indian, Pakistani), the consulate route through The Hague or Amsterdam is more appropriate.
The Dutch 30% ruling allows qualifying expat employees to receive 30% of their gross salary tax-free, reducing their effective Dutch income tax rate. Spain's Beckham Law provides a flat 24% income tax rate on Spanish-source income for qualifying first-time Spanish tax residents for up to 6 years. The two cannot be used simultaneously. If you are nearing the end of your 30% ruling period in the Netherlands, Spain's Beckham Law may represent a more attractive ongoing tax position — particularly compared to standard Dutch rates (up to 49.5%) or standard Spanish IRPF (up to 47%).
The Netherlands taxes residents on worldwide income. When you become Spanish tax resident, formally deregister from your Dutch municipality (gemeentelijke basisadministratie) and notify the Belastingdienst. You will file a Dutch M-form (migrant form) for the departure year, covering your period of Dutch residence. The Netherlands-Spain tax treaty prevents double taxation. Dutch pension accruals (pensioenfonds) and any Dutch investment income should be reviewed with a specialist cross-border tax adviser.
Barcelona is the top choice for Netherlands-based movers — it is 2.5 hours from Amsterdam by air, has a large international community, and offers a coastal lifestyle familiar to those from Rotterdam and coastal Dutch cities. Valencia is growing rapidly in popularity for its lower cost and beach-and-city combination. Madrid appeals to professionals in finance and consulting. Málaga is popular for sun and a lower cost base.
Yes — Dutch banks typically allow non-resident accounts. Notify your bank of your change in residency status. You will need a Spanish bank account for local expenses and direct debits. Once Spanish tax resident, declare Dutch financial accounts exceeding €50,000 on Spain's Modelo 720 annual declaration.

Living in the Netherlands — Barcelona is 2.5 hours away. Your DNV starts here.

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