Moving to Spain from South Africa — the DNV guide for South African citizens

Yes. South African passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Spain. To use the UGE route (apply from within Spain), you must first obtain a Schengen visitor visa, enter Spain, and then submit your DNV application via UGE from within Spain. This adds a preparatory step that applicants from UK, US, Canada, or Australia do not face. Alternatively, South Africans can apply directly for the DNV at the Spanish Embassy in Pretoria or the Consulate General in Johannesburg, without needing to enter Spain first.

To enter Spain for the UGE route, South Africans need a Schengen visitor (tourist) visa, not a DNV-specific visa. A Schengen visitor visa allows entry to any Schengen country for up to 90 days. Since Spain will be your primary Schengen destination, you apply to the Spanish Embassy in Pretoria or the Spanish Consulate General in Johannesburg for the Schengen visitor visa. You will need proof of accommodation, financial means, travel insurance, and a valid passport. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Once you enter Spain on the Schengen visitor visa, you can then apply for the DNV via UGE from within Spain.

You should apply at the embassy or consulate of the country that is your primary Schengen destination. Since you intend to enter Spain for the UGE route, apply at the Spanish Embassy in Pretoria or the Spanish Consulate General in Johannesburg — not at the embassy of another Schengen country. If your itinerary involves multiple Schengen countries with roughly equal time, the general rule is to apply at the country where you will spend the most time. For the DNV UGE route, Spain is clearly your primary destination.

South African applicants need a criminal clearance certificate from the South African Police Service (SAPS). You can apply at any SAPS office or through the SAPS Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CRCM) division. Allow 4–8 weeks. The certificate must be apostilled by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). Start this as early as possible — it is typically the longest-lead document for South African DNV applicants.

Step 1: Visit any SAPS police station or SAPS CRCM office and complete the application form (SAPS 91a) — bring your South African ID, passport, and proof of address. Step 2: Have your fingerprints taken at the SAPS office (or through a registered fingerprint service). Step 3: Submit the completed form and fingerprints to the SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria. Step 4: Allow 4–8 weeks for processing. Step 5: Collect your clearance certificate (or have it sent by registered post). Step 6: Submit the certificate to DIRCO for apostille. The whole process including DIRCO apostille typically takes 6–12 weeks — start early.

Once you have your SAPS clearance certificate, it must be apostilled by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Pretoria. DIRCO is South Africa's apostille authority under the Hague Convention. You submit the original SAPS certificate to DIRCO along with the apostille request form and fee. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. In-person submissions at DIRCO in Pretoria are processed faster than postal submissions. Some legalisation agents offer a DIRCO apostille service if you are not in Pretoria. The DIRCO apostille confirms the authenticity of your SAPS certificate for use in Spain.

The DNV minimum is €2,849/month. At current exchange rates (approximately R20–22 per EUR in 2026), this equates to roughly R57,000–R62,000 per month. However, exchange rates fluctuate — always verify the current rate at the time of your application and provide recent bank statements that clearly show this level of income. Your case manager will advise on the most effective presentation of ZAR income documents.

Spain's DNV requires that at least 80% of your income comes from sources outside Spain. Working for a South African company or clients based in South Africa qualifies — South Africa is not Spain, so this income counts toward the non-Spanish income requirement. However, if you have Spanish clients or work for Spanish companies, those earnings must remain below 20% of your total income during the first year of your DNV.

Yes, you can keep your South African bank accounts when you move to Spain. There is no requirement to close them. However, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) governs how much money South Africans can move abroad — currently up to R10 million per year per person through the formal emigration and foreign capital allowance framework (regulations change periodically, verify the current limits with a South African forex specialist). You will need to use an authorised dealer (your South African bank) to transfer larger amounts. South African accounts must be declared on Spain's Modelo 720 if the total exceeds €50,000 in value once you are Spanish tax resident.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) regulates capital flows abroad for South African residents. The current foreign investment allowance is R10 million per person per calendar year for emigration and investment purposes (verify with your South African bank, as limits are subject to change). All transfers must be processed through an authorised dealer (a South African bank or registered forex provider) with the appropriate tax clearance certificate from SARS. Transfers for living expenses, rent, and daily costs are handled as travel allowances under separate rules. If you are moving significant assets to Spain, consult a South African forex specialist or a financial emigration adviser before your departure.

Yes. All documents submitted to Spanish immigration authorities must be in Spanish, or accompanied by a sworn Spanish translation (traducción jurada). South African documents in Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, or other South African languages must be translated by a sworn translator recognised by the Spanish authorities. English-language South African documents may still require official translation — your case manager will advise on which documents need translation.