Spain Digital Nomad Visa · Apply from Poland
Spain DNV: Applying from Poland
Non-EU nationals living in Poland — including many Ukrainians and Americans — can apply for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa via the Spanish Embassy in Warsaw, or via the UGE route from within Spain.
Applying from Poland
Applying for Spain from Poland
Spain is an increasingly popular destination for remote workers.
Who Is This Page For?
This page is for non-EU nationals living in Poland — including Ukrainians, Americans, Canadians, Australians, Indians, and others — who want to move to Spain on a Digital Nomad Visa. Polish and other EU nationals do not need the DNV.
Your Route Options
If your passport allows Schengen visa-free travel (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia — and Ukrainian passports following the temporary protection framework), you may apply via the UGE from within Spain. Otherwise, apply at the Spanish Embassy in Warsaw.
A note for Poland nationals
Polish nationals and EU citizens do not need the Spain DNV. This page is primarily aimed at non-EU nationals legally resident in Poland, including the large Ukrainian diaspora community.
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 Poland.
Spanish Embassy / Consulate in Poland
Spanish Embassy in your country
- ✓ Apply from Poland 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 Poland
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
Apply for a certificate of no criminal record (zaświadczenie o niekaralności) from the National Criminal Register (Krajowy Rejestr Karny — KRK) via the e-KRK portal (ekrk.ms.gov.pl) or at any District Court (Sąd Rejonowy). For foreign nationals resident in Poland, the KRK is the correct source. Fee: PLN 30.
Certifying for use in Spain
Poland is a Hague Convention member. Apostilles for Polish court documents (including KRK certificates) are issued by the Ministry of Justice. Request the apostilled version explicitly via the e-KRK portal or at the District Court.
Allow KRK certificate: 1–3 working days online. Apostille: 5–10 working days. Sworn Spanish translation: 5–7 days. Allow 4–6 weeks for Poland-side documents. Ukrainian nationals may also need to obtain a certificate from Ukraine simultaneously.
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 Poland
Poland-based expats moving to Spain often choose Barcelona (Ryanair and LOT direct flights, strong tech scene) or Madrid. Málaga is increasingly popular for its remote work infrastructure and warm climate. Wrocław's tech community has strong ties to Barcelona's startup ecosystem.
Tax implications for non-EU nationals from Poland
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 Poland prevents being taxed on the same income twice. Specialist cross-border tax advice is recommended before making the move.
Banking and finances
Poland has become a major tech hub and hosts a large Ukrainian remote-work community. Ukrainian nationals applying for Spain's DNV from Poland face a unique multi-certificate requirement (Polish KRK + Ukrainian Ministry of Justice extract). Ensure your Polish residence permit is valid throughout the application. Wise handles PLN-to-EUR efficiently. Ryanair and LOT fly Warsaw/Kraków/Gdańsk to Madrid and Barcelona daily.
Questions & answers