Spain Digital Nomad Visa · Apply from Sweden
Spain DNV: Applying from Sweden
Non-EU nationals living in Sweden can apply for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa via the Spanish Embassy in Stockholm, or via the UGE from within Spain if their passport is Schengen visa-free.
Applying from Sweden
Applying for Spain from Sweden
Spain is an increasingly popular destination for remote workers.
Who Is This Page For?
This page is for non-EU nationals currently residing in Sweden — Americans, Canadians, Australians, Indians, Filipinos, and others — who want to move to Spain on a Digital Nomad Visa. EU citizens do not need the DNV to live in Spain.
Your Route Options
If your passport allows Schengen visa-free travel (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, UK), you can fly to Spain and apply via the UGE directly from within Spain. Alternatively, apply at the Spanish Embassy in Stockholm before leaving Sweden.
A note for Sweden nationals
EU citizens (including Swedish nationals) do not need the DNV to live and work in Spain — EU free movement applies. This page is for non-EU nationals with residency in Sweden.
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 Sweden.
Spanish Embassy / Consulate in Sweden
Spanish Embassy in your country
- ✓ Apply from Sweden 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 Sweden
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 an extract from the Swedish Criminal Records Register (Belastningsregistret) from the Swedish Police Authority (Polismyndigheten). Use form KU 13 (for personal extraction) available on polisen.se. The extract is free and usually posted within 2–3 weeks.
Certifying for use in Spain
Sweden is a Hague Convention member. Apostilles are issued by the County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen) or the Swedish Police Authority for police certificates. Request the apostilled version when submitting form KU 13.
Allow Belastningsregistret extract: 2–3 weeks by post. Apostille: 1–2 weeks. Sworn Spanish translation: 5–7 days. You may also need a police certificate from your home country. Allow 6–8 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 Sweden
Swedes and Sweden-based expats moving to Spain frequently choose Barcelona (thriving international tech scene), Valencia (direct Ryanair/Norwegian flights, warm climate), or the Costa del Sol. Madrid is popular for career-focused professionals. Palma de Mallorca attracts those seeking a quieter island lifestyle.
Tax implications for non-EU nationals from Sweden
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 Sweden prevents being taxed on the same income twice. Specialist cross-border tax advice is recommended before making the move.
Banking and finances
Sweden has one of Europe's highest concentrations of remote workers and tech professionals. Swedish employer contracts and Skatteverket income declarations are strong evidence for DNV income verification. Ensure you also gather a police certificate from your home country if you have not lived in Sweden for 5+ years. Wise and Revolut handle SEK-to-EUR conversion efficiently.
Questions & answers