Spain Digital Nomad Visa · Apply from Switzerland
Spain DNV: Applying from Switzerland
Non-EU nationals living in Switzerland can apply for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa via the Spanish Embassy in Berne or the Consulate General in Zurich, or via the UGE from within Spain.
Applying from Switzerland
Applying for Spain from Switzerland
Spain is an increasingly popular destination for remote workers.
Who Is This Page For?
This page is for non-EU/non-Swiss nationals living in Switzerland — Americans, Canadians, Australians, Indians, and others — who want to move to Spain as remote workers. Swiss nationals and EU citizens living in Switzerland do not need the DNV.
Your Route Options
Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area. If your passport allows Schengen visa-free travel (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia), you can fly to Spain and apply at the UGE directly. Alternatively, apply at the Spanish Embassy in Berne or the Consulate General in Zurich.
A note for Switzerland nationals
Swiss nationals do not need the Spain DNV — Switzerland has bilateral agreements with the EU giving Swiss citizens freedom of movement. This page is for non-EU/non-Swiss nationals resident in Switzerland.
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 Switzerland.
Spanish Embassy / Consulate in Switzerland
Spanish Embassy in your country
- ✓ Apply from Switzerland 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 Switzerland
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 criminal record extract (Sonderauszug für Privatpersonen) from the Federal Office of Justice (Bundesamt für Justiz) via the online portal (strafregister.admin.ch). This is the national Swiss criminal record — applicable for all foreign visa applications. Fee: CHF 20. Available in German, French, or Italian.
Certifying for use in Spain
Switzerland is a Hague Convention member. Apostilles for Swiss federal documents are issued by the Federal Chancellery (Bundeskanzlei). Request the apostilled version explicitly when ordering from strafregister.admin.ch.
Allow Swiss criminal record extract: 3–7 working days online. Apostille from Federal Chancellery: 5–10 working days. Sworn Spanish translation: 5–7 days. Allow 4–6 weeks total for Switzerland-side documents.
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 Switzerland
Switzerland-based expats moving to Spain often choose Barcelona (direct Swiss and Vueling flights, urban lifestyle) or Madrid. Valencia is increasingly popular for its Mediterranean climate at significantly lower cost than Zurich or Geneva. Málaga attracts remote workers from Switzerland's finance and pharma sectors.
Tax implications for non-EU nationals from Switzerland
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 Switzerland prevents being taxed on the same income twice. Specialist cross-border tax advice is recommended before making the move.
Banking and finances
Switzerland's high salaries make meeting the DNV income threshold straightforward. Swiss employer contracts (Arbeitsvertrag / contrat de travail) and Lohnausweis (salary certificates) are strong income evidence. Documents in German, French, or Italian require sworn Spanish translations. The Spain-Switzerland income gap means the Beckham Law 24% rate compares favourably to Swiss income tax. Direct flights from Zurich/Geneva to Barcelona/Madrid run daily.
Questions & answers