Turkish nationals
Spain Digital Nomad Visa for Turkish nationals — the complete 2026 guide
Turkey's tech and professional sector is internationally connected. Turkish nationals applying for Spain's DNV will use the consulate route (Spanish Embassy Ankara or Consulate General Istanbul) as Turkish passport holders require a Schengen visa. The Adli Sicil Belgesi is fast and obtainable online — one of the quicker police certificates in the DNV process.
Turkish applicants
Turkish professionals choosing Spain
Spain attracts Turkish tech, finance, and professional workers — particularly those employed by international or European companies who seek a Mediterranean European base. Turkish nationals require a Schengen visa, so the consulate route through Ankara or Istanbul is the primary application path. Alternatively, Turkish nationals already based in Schengen visa-free countries (the UK, USA, etc.) can use the UGE route.
Two Spanish posts in Turkey
Turkey has two Spanish posts: the Embassy in Ankara and the Consulate General in Istanbul. Istanbul handles applications from Istanbul, the Marmara region, and surrounding areas; Ankara covers the rest of Turkey. Istanbul applicants are well-placed — the Consulate General is located centrally and handles a significant volume of DNV applications.
Adli Sicil Belgesi — obtainable in minutes online
The Turkish Judicial Record Certificate (Adli Sicil Belgesi) is obtainable immediately online via e-devlet.gov.tr using your Turkish ID number (T.C. Kimlik No). This is one of the fastest criminal record certificates in the DNV process — the main time investment is the apostille step (5–10 business days). If outside Turkey, apply via the Turkish Embassy in your country of residence.
Turkish nationals in the UK or USA — UGE route may be available
Turkish nationals who are residents of countries with Schengen visa-free access — such as the UK (if they have UK nationality or settled status) or USA — may be able to use the UGE route via their non-Turkish travel document. Turkish nationals on Turkish passport alone require a Schengen visa for the UGE route. Contact us to discuss your specific passport and residency situation.
Application routes
Consulate or UGE — the two routes to Spain's DNV
Turkey passport holders require a Schengen tourist/visit visa to enter Spain. This means the UGE route requires an extra step — obtain a Schengen visa first, then enter Spain and apply. Most applicants from Turkey find the consulate route more straightforward. Apply at Spanish Embassy Ankara, Consulate General Istanbul in Turkey before travelling to Spain.
Spanish Embassy / Consulate in Turkey
Spanish Embassy Ankara, Consulate General Istanbul
- ✓ Apply from Turkey without travelling to Spain first
- ✓ Spanish Embassy Ankara, Consulate General Istanbul
- ✓ In-person appointment required at Spanish Embassy/Consulate
UGE — requires Schengen visa first
Obtain a Schengen visa, enter Spain, apply via UGE
- ✓ Faster processing once in Spain (~20 working days)
- ✓ 3-year permit issued directly
- – Schengen visa required before entering Spain
- – Additional step vs consulate route
Criminal record certificate
Police certificate requirements for Turkish nationals
All DNV applicants must provide a criminal record certificate apostilled or legalised for international use. For Turkish nationals, the required certificate is the Judicial Record Certificate (Adli Sicil Belgesi).
Ministry of Justice (Adalet Bakanlığı) via e-devlet.gov.tr
Apply for an Adli Sicil Belgesi online at e-devlet.gov.tr using your Turkish ID (T.C. Kimlik No). Processing is immediate or within 1–3 business days online. If outside Turkey, apply through the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
Certifying for use in Spain
Turkey is a member of the Hague Convention. Apostilles on Turkish documents are issued by the competent Turkish authority (Governorship/Valilik offices or notaries with apostille authority). Allow 5–10 business days from receiving your certificate.
Allow 1–2 weeks total (certificate is fast; apostille takes 5–10 business days)
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 Turkish nationals in Spain
Barcelona and Madrid are the most popular Spanish cities for Turkish DNV applicants. Barcelona's design and architecture resonate with Turkish professionals. Madrid attracts finance and business professionals. Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from Istanbul to both Barcelona and Madrid.
Tax implications for Turkish nationals
Turkey taxes its residents on worldwide income at progressive rates up to 40%. Once Spanish tax resident (183+ days in Spain), you file Spanish IRPF or, if qualifying, Beckham Law returns at 24% flat. The Spain-Turkey double taxation agreement prevents double taxation. Turkish-source income (rental income in Turkey, Turkish company dividends) may still attract Turkish withholding tax.
Banking and finances
Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from Istanbul (IST) to Madrid (MAD) and Barcelona (BCN). Istanbul to Barcelona is approximately 4 hours. Turkey time (TRT, UTC+3) is 1–2 hours ahead of Spain. Turkish professionals working for European clients find the time zone from Spain very practical.
Questions & answers