Every DNV question
answered.

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is a residence permit introduced under the Startups Law in 2023. It allows non-EU remote workers, freelancers, and company directors to live legally in Spain while earning their income from employers or clients based outside Spain. The initial permit lasts 3 years and can be renewed for a further 2 years.

The DNV covers remote employees (working for a foreign company), freelancers and self-employed workers (earning primarily from foreign clients), and company directors or entrepreneurs running a company registered outside Spain. In all cases your income must come primarily from outside Spain and your employer or company must have been operating for at least 1 year.

The initial DNV grants a 3-year residence permit. After that, you can renew for a further 2 years provided you continue to meet the income and employment requirements. After 5 years of continuous legal residence in Spain you may apply for long-term EU residency, and after 10 years you may apply for Spanish nationality.

Yes. The DNV covers remote employees, freelancers and self-employed workers, and company directors. The income threshold and processing route are the same — the difference is the documents you provide. See the full requirements guide for the document list for each type.

The DNV is for people who work remotely — employees, freelancers, and entrepreneurs earning active income from outside Spain. The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is for people who do not work at all — retirees or those living off savings, pensions, or passive investments. No paid work of any kind is permitted on the NLV. The DNV also gives access to the Beckham Law (24% flat tax), which is not available to NLV holders. Learn more at myspanishnlv.com.

EU and EEA citizens do not need a visa to live in Spain — they register directly as residents under EU free movement rules via the Registro Central de Extranjeros. The DNV is specifically designed for non-EU and non-EEA nationals. If you are unsure which route applies to your nationality, contact our team.

The Ley de Startups (Startups Law) came into force in January 2023 and created the legal framework for the Digital Nomad Visa. It was designed to attract international remote workers and entrepreneurs to Spain by offering a clear residency pathway and access to favourable tax treatment via the Beckham Law. The DNV is one of several measures introduced under this law to make Spain more competitive for global talent.

A Spanish work visa (autorización de trabajo) permits you to work for a Spanish employer in Spain. The DNV is specifically for people who continue working for a foreign employer or clients while living in Spain — your contract and income remain outside Spain. You do not need a Spanish employer to qualify for the DNV.

The DNV is a Spanish residence permit, not a Schengen visa. As a legal Spanish resident, you are entitled to travel freely within the Schengen Area, but you must maintain Spain as your primary residence. For extended stays in other EU countries, different rules may apply. The permit does not give you the right to live or work in other EU member states — that requires separate applications in those countries.

They serve different purposes. The Golden Visa requires a significant investment in Spanish real estate (€500,000+) or other qualifying assets — it is not income-based. The DNV is for remote workers earning active income from outside Spain. If you work remotely and do not have the capital for a Golden Visa investment, the DNV is the correct route. If you are an investor without active employment, the Golden Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa may be more appropriate.

The 2026 income requirement is €2,849 per month for a single applicant. This is 200% of Spain's minimum interprofessional wage (SMI) for 2026. It must be demonstrable from the previous 3–6 months of payslips, bank statements, or invoices. For each additional dependent family member, the threshold increases by approximately €1,068 per month (75% of the 2026 SMI).

Yes. For freelancers and self-employed applicants, the Spanish authorities assess average monthly income over the previous 3–6 months. You do not need exactly €2,849 every month — the average must meet or exceed the threshold. We advise on the best period to use and how to present variable income clearly.

Yes — the threshold is €2,849 per month, but your income can be in any currency. The Spanish authorities convert at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of assessment. We advise on the best way to document foreign-currency income so there is no ambiguity.

Not as your primary employer. The DNV requires your employer or primary clients to be based outside Spain. If you are a freelancer, you can earn up to 20% of your total income from Spanish clients — but working for a Spanish employer as your main job requires a different visa category.

No. The DNV requires the company you work for — or run — to have been registered and operating for at least 1 year prior to your application. This is a hard requirement under the Startups Law. If your employer is approaching the 1-year mark, we can advise on the optimal timing.

There is no minimum or maximum age requirement. Applicants of any age can apply as long as they meet the income, employment, and documentation requirements. The only age-related consideration applies to dependent children — they must be under 18 (or financially dependent if over 18) to be included on the application.

Minor historical convictions do not automatically disqualify you. The requirement is that you have no recent convictions and nothing considered a serious offence under Spanish law. We review criminal record situations on a case-by-case basis. Disclose any relevant history so we can give you an accurate assessment before you pay anything.

The DNV is specifically for active work income — employment salary, freelance fees, or director/shareholder remuneration from a trading company. Passive income alone (dividends, rental income, savings interest) does not qualify. If your income is primarily passive, the Non-Lucrative Visa may be a better fit. Speak to our team if you have a combination of active and passive income, as there may still be a route depending on the breakdown.

Yes — once you become a Spanish tax resident (after 183+ days in Spain in a calendar year), you are required to file a Spanish tax return. However, DNV holders who qualify for the Beckham Law can pay a flat 24% rate on Spanish-source income rather than standard progressive rates up to 47%. Foreign-source income is generally exempt from Spanish tax under the Beckham Law regime. See the Tax & Beckham Law section below for full details.

Yes. If you are a freelancer or self-employed, your total income from all clients is assessed — not individual client contracts. As long as your combined monthly average meets the threshold and at least 80% comes from outside Spain, you qualify. You will need invoices and bank statements showing receipts from each client to document this.

You need your employment contract, an authorisation letter from your employer confirming remote work is permitted, your last 3 months' payslips and bank statements, and your employer's company registration documents (showing at least 1 year of trading). All foreign documents need to be translated into Spanish.

Freelancers need client contracts or signed service agreements, invoices issued to foreign clients over the past 3–6 months, bank statements showing income receipts, proof of professional or freelance registration, and a tax return from the previous year. You also need to demonstrate that at least 80% of your income comes from outside Spain and that your clients' companies have been operating for at least 1 year.

Yes, provided your company is registered outside Spain, has been operating for at least 1 year, and primarily operates internationally. You will need company incorporation documents, proof of your director or shareholder status, company accounts, and personal payslip or dividend records showing your income. Complex corporate structures may require additional evidence — our team will advise.

Combining employed and freelance income is generally acceptable as long as the combined total meets €2,849 per month and all income comes from outside Spain. You will need documentation for both employment relationships. We advise on how to structure the evidence during the eligibility assessment.

It depends on the structure. If the umbrella company is registered outside Spain and the end client is also outside Spain, it can qualify — but you need clear documentation of the chain. We assess umbrella and contractor arrangements on a case-by-case basis. The key questions are: where is the payroll company registered, and where is the economic activity taking place? Contact our team to discuss your specific arrangement.

Yes. A UK-registered employer qualifies as a foreign company for DNV purposes — post-Brexit, the UK is outside the EU/EEA. As long as your employer has been operating for at least 1 year and you are permitted to work fully remotely, your UK employment contract is a valid basis for a DNV application. This is one of the most common employment situations we process.

Yes. A US employer qualifies in the same way as any other non-Spanish company. The key requirements are that the company has been registered and operating for at least 1 year and that remote work is permitted under your employment contract. US-sourced income is assessed in euros at the prevailing exchange rate.

Yes. Having clients in multiple countries is common and perfectly acceptable. The requirement is that at least 80% of your total income comes from outside Spain. You need to document each client relationship with contracts or invoices and bank statements showing receipts. There is no restriction on the number of countries your clients are based in.

All applicants need: a valid passport, an apostilled criminal record certificate (issued within the past 3 months), completed application forms (EX-20), and proof of income. Employed applicants also need a Spanish private health insurance policy. UGE applicants need proof of a Spanish address. See the full requirements page for a complete breakdown by employment type.

Yes. All documents issued in a language other than Spanish must be accompanied by an official certified translation. The translation must be carried out by a certified translator — machine translations are not accepted. We arrange certified translations as part of the My Spanish DNV service.

An apostille is an official certification that validates a public document for use in another country under the Hague Convention. Documents such as your criminal record certificate and company registration papers will typically need to be apostilled. If your document comes from a country not party to the Hague Convention, a different legalisation process applies via the Spanish consulate in that country. We guide you through exactly what is needed based on your country of origin.

Criminal record certificates must be issued within 3 months of your application date. Income documents (payslips, bank statements, invoices) typically cover the most recent 3–6 months. Proof of address for UGE applications should be current. If any document expires during the process, we will let you know what needs refreshing.

Yes — document preparation and review is included in the My Spanish DNV service. We give you a personalised document checklist, review every document you upload, flag any issues before submission, and handle all translations. You track your document status in real time through the platform. See how the process works for a full overview.

When you register and open a case with My Spanish DNV, you receive a personalised document checklist tailored to your employment type, nationality, and application route. You can tick items off directly in the platform as you upload each one. A generalised checklist is also summarised on our requirements page.

You do not need all your documents ready before you begin. The platform lets you upload documents progressively as you gather them. You will not be charged the Stage 2 fee until your documents are reviewed and your case is ready to submit. We flag any missing or insufficient documents before you reach that stage.

Typically, a clear colour copy of your passport is sufficient — notarisation of the passport itself is not usually required for the DNV. However, specific consulates may have slightly different requirements. We will confirm exactly what your consulate requires based on your country of residence when reviewing your case. For UGE applications, a clear copy is standard.

It depends on your employment type. Employed applicants must hold a private health insurance policy with comprehensive coverage in Spain and no co-payment obligations. Self-employed (autónomo) applicants who register with Spain's social security system are covered by Spain's public health system — they do not need a separate private policy.

Spanish immigration authorities require that your health policy has no co-payments, deductibles, or excess fees. The policy must cover all healthcare costs in Spain without you contributing at the point of use. Many standard international policies have excesses or deductibles that make them non-compliant. We work with providers whose policies are specifically structured to meet the DNV requirement.

Only if it explicitly covers Spain with no co-payment obligations and provides the level of coverage required. Many international travel or expat policies do not meet the specific requirements. We can assess your existing policy and advise whether it qualifies or whether you need to arrange a compliant alternative.

No. Once you register as autónomo and begin making social security contributions in Spain, you are covered by Spain's public health system (Sistema Nacional de Salud). Autónomo registration happens after your DNV is approved — we guide you through this as part of our post-approval support.

Yes, for employed applicants who need it. We work with insurance providers who offer DNV-compliant policies. Your case manager will discuss your requirements and provide options. If you already have a compliant policy, we will verify this during document review.

The best policy is one that is explicitly DNV-compliant — full coverage in Spain, no co-payments, valid for the duration of the permit, and accepted by Spanish immigration. We recommend policies through our partner insurance providers who have confirmed compliance with the specific requirements of the DNV. Generic travel insurance or policies with excesses should be avoided. Speak to your case manager for a recommendation based on your specific situation.

Yes. Any family members included in your application must also have health insurance coverage in Spain. A family policy that covers all named members is acceptable. If family members are registering as autónomo and making social security contributions, the same exemption applies to them. Your case manager will advise on the most cost-effective way to provide coverage for your whole family.

Yes. Your spouse or civil partner can be included in your DNV application as a family unit member. They receive the same 3-year residence permit and are permitted to work in Spain. The income threshold increases by approximately €1,068 per month for each family member added.

Yes. Dependent children under 18 can be included in your application. Children over 18 who are financially dependent on you may also qualify — speak to your case manager about the evidence required. Each child included increases the income threshold by approximately €1,068 per month.

No. Your partner is added as a dependent family member — they do not need their own income. Your income just needs to meet the higher threshold for a two-person application (approximately €3,917 per month). Your partner receives their own residence permit and can work in Spain independently.

Each family member needs their own valid passport, proof of the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates), and completed application forms. Adults also need an apostilled criminal record certificate. All foreign-issued documents must be translated into Spanish and apostilled where required.

Yes — family members can apply for family reunification (reagrupación familiar) after your DNV is approved. This is the route when family members are unable to travel at the same time. The main applicant must have held their permit for a minimum period before applying. We handle reagrupación applications as a separate service.

Yes. Family members who are included on a DNV application receive a residence permit that allows them to work in Spain — either as an employee or self-employed. They are not restricted to the same employer or employment type as the main applicant. This is one of the significant benefits of the DNV compared to some other residence routes.

Yes. Children with a DNV family permit are entitled to enrol in Spanish state or private schools. As legal residents, they are registered on the padrón and have the same access to public education as Spanish nationals. You will need your padrón registration and the children's documentation when enrolling at the local school.

You start with a free eligibility quiz and a call with one of our specialists. Once you open a case, you upload documents through the platform using a personalised checklist — tracking progress in real time. We handle translations, review everything for compliance, then submit your application. Your case manager is available throughout via the platform or video call. See how it works for the full step-by-step.

Applications via UGE (if already legally in Spain) typically process in around 20 working days. Consulate applications vary considerably by country — processing times depend on local demand and appointment availability. We will give you a realistic timeline estimate based on your specific situation and route.

The UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas) is Spain's centralised immigration unit for processing DNV applications. If you are already legally in Spain, you can apply through UGE rather than via your home country consulate — it is significantly faster. Our fee for UGE applications includes the government fee (tasas). For consulate applications, the government fee is paid directly by you at the consulate.

No. If you are outside Spain, you apply through the Spanish consulate in your country of residence and attend in person for biometrics. If you are already in Spain legally, you can apply via UGE without leaving the country.

We do not publish a blanket figure because outcomes depend on individual circumstances — income level, document quality, nationality, and route. What we guarantee is that we will not submit an application we do not believe is ready. Our eligibility check and document review process identifies and resolves issues before anything is submitted. If your application is not ready, we will tell you before you pay beyond the initial stage.

Refusals are uncommon when applications are properly prepared, but they can happen. We will review the refusal reason and advise on whether an appeal is viable or reapplication is the better route. Stage 3 of our fee is only charged on approval. See our refund policy for full details.

Yes. Every case is managed through the My Spanish DNV platform. You can see the status of each document, which stage your application is at, and any items your case manager has flagged. Your case manager is also reachable directly through the platform or by video call throughout the process.

Yes. After completing the free eligibility quiz, you can book a free call with one of our specialists. We will review your situation, confirm whether you qualify, and explain the process and costs. You do not pay anything beyond Stage 1 until you are happy to proceed and your case is ready to move forward.

A new DNV application through My Spanish DNV is priced across three stages: Stage 1 is €500 (case opening and eligibility review), Stage 2 is €500 (document review and preparation), and Stage 3 is €899 (submission and approval management). Stage 3 is only charged once your application is approved. Full pricing details and what is included at each stage are on our pricing page.

For UGE applications, the Spanish government fee (tasas) is included in our service fee. For consulate and BLS office applications, the government fee is paid directly by you at the point of submission — it is not included in our fee. We will advise on the current government fee for your specific route when you open your case.

The total cost includes our service fee (€1,899 total for a new application, paid in three stages), plus the cost of any documents you need to obtain (apostilles, certified translations, criminal record certificates), health insurance if you need a new policy, and government fees if applying via a consulate. We give you a full cost breakdown when you complete the eligibility assessment so there are no surprises.

No. The fee is split across three stages. Stage 1 (€500) is paid when you open your case. Stage 2 (€500) is paid when your documents are ready and your case is prepared for submission. Stage 3 (€899) is only paid after your application is approved. You never pay the final stage unless you get your visa.

A DNV renewal through My Spanish DNV costs €400 for Stage 1 (case review and document preparation) and €599 for Stage 2 (submission and approval management). As with new applications, Stage 2 is only charged on approval. See our pricing page for full renewal details.

All fees paid are non-refundable once paid — Stage 1 and Stage 2 cover professional work already carried out. Stage 3 (the approval-only fee) is never charged if your application is refused, so there is nothing to refund on that stage. Full details are in our refund policy.

UK residents apply through the Spanish consulate in their region or through a BLS International visa centre. The Spanish Consulate General in London handles applications for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. There are also consulates in Edinburgh and Manchester. BLS International has centres across the UK and can accept applications on behalf of certain consulates — we will advise on the correct office for your specific location.

US residents apply through the Spanish consulate in their region. Major consulates include Los Angeles (covering the Western US), Miami (covering Florida and the Southeast), New York (covering the Northeast), Chicago (covering the Midwest), and Houston (covering the South). You must apply at the consulate covering your state of residence — you cannot choose freely. We advise on the correct consulate and current appointment availability.

Processing times at Spanish consulates vary significantly by location. Some consulates can take 1–3 months; others may be faster during quieter periods. Appointment availability is often the main bottleneck. This is one reason we encourage applicants who are already in Spain to use the UGE route — typically around 20 working days. We will give you a realistic timeline estimate for your specific consulate when you begin your application.

BLS International is an outsourced visa centre that processes applications on behalf of certain Spanish consulates, primarily in the UK. Using BLS depends on which consulate covers your area — for some regions, BLS is the only option; for others, you can go directly to the consulate. BLS charges a separate service fee for accepting your application. We will confirm whether BLS applies in your case when reviewing your situation.

Yes — this is the UGE route. If you are legally in Spain on a Schengen tourist visa (up to 90 days within a 180-day period), you can apply via UGE without leaving the country. The UGE processes your application centrally and is significantly faster than the consulate route. This is the route we recommend for most applicants who have the flexibility to be in Spain when they apply.

In most cases, you must apply through the Spanish consulate in your country of legal residence — not just where you happen to be travelling. Some consulates will only accept applications from residents of the countries they serve. There are exceptions, and consulate-specific rules can vary. We advise on the correct consulate for your specific situation as part of the initial assessment.

Your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is assigned automatically when your DNV is approved — you do not need a separate NIE application. You then have 30 days from arriving in Spain to visit your local police station and book an appointment to collect your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) residence card. You book this appointment directly — we guide you through the process as part of our post-approval support.

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is your physical residence card — a credit-card-sized document that proves your legal status in Spain. It shows your NIE number, your permit type, and its validity period. You need it for most administrative purposes in Spain: opening bank accounts, signing rental contracts, registering with a GP, and more. It is collected at your local police station (Comisaría de Policía) by appointment, within 30 days of arriving in Spain.

Yes. Registering on the padrón municipal (the local residents' register) is required for accessing Spanish public services — healthcare as an autónomo, schools, and municipal services. You register at your local ayuntamiento (town hall) once you have a fixed address. Your padrón certificate also serves as proof of address for future administrative processes.

Not for the application itself, but it is highly practical once you are a resident — for rent, utility bills, and direct debits. Most landlords require a Spanish account. As a legal resident with your NIE, you can open an account at any Spanish bank. Some applicants use fintech accounts (Wise, Revolut) in the interim while setting up a full banking relationship.

You become a Spanish tax resident after spending more than 183 days in Spain within a calendar year, or when Spain becomes your main centre of economic interest. Once you are a tax resident, you are required to file a Spanish tax return. If you intend to apply for the Beckham Law, you must do so within the first 6 months of registering as a Spanish tax resident — timing is critical.

Your NIE is assigned automatically when your DNV application is approved — you do not need to apply for it separately. This is a common misunderstanding. Some services offer to apply for an NIE separately before the DNV, but this is unnecessary for DNV applicants and adds cost and complexity. Once your DNV is approved and your NIE is assigned, you use that same number throughout your life in Spain.

Yes — your employer needs to provide an authorisation letter and their company registration documents as part of your application. Practically, if you are moving your tax residency to Spain, your employer's payroll team also needs to understand any implications for your employment contract and tax withholding arrangements. We advise on what to communicate and when.

The Beckham Law (régimen de impatriados) is a special Spanish tax regime that allows eligible new residents to pay a flat 24% income tax rate on Spanish-source income, instead of standard progressive rates up to 47%. The regime lasts up to 6 years from the year you become a Spanish tax resident. It takes its popular name from footballer David Beckham. DNV holders are among those eligible to apply.

No. The Beckham Law is a separate tax application — not bundled into the DNV or included in our service. You must apply within the first 6 months of registering as a Spanish tax resident using the Modelo 149 form. It is handled by a specialist tax team. We can refer you to appropriate tax specialists, but it is a separate engagement.

The flat rate is 24% on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 per year. Income above €600,000 is taxed at 47%. Spain's standard progressive income tax reaches 37%–47% on incomes above €60,000. The saving over the 6-year regime can be very significant for higher earners.

Under the Beckham Law, only Spanish-source income is taxed in Spain at the flat 24% rate. Foreign-source income — salary from a foreign employer, dividends from foreign companies, foreign rental income — is generally exempt from Spanish income tax (though it remains taxable in the source country). This is one of the most significant benefits for DNV holders continuing to earn from outside Spain.

The 6-month window is strict — miss it and you cannot apply for that tax year, reverting to standard progressive rates. It is one of the most time-sensitive steps after DNV approval. We flag this clearly in our post-approval guidance. If you think you may have missed the window, speak to a Spanish tax specialist immediately.

Yes, once you are a Spanish tax resident (183+ days in Spain in a calendar year). The annual declaración de la renta covers the previous tax year and is filed between April and June. Under the Beckham Law you file using the Modelo 151 (a simplified non-resident style return), rather than the standard Modelo 100. A Spanish tax adviser or gestor handles this for most residents.

Without the Beckham Law, you pay Spain's standard progressive income tax: up to €12,450 taxed at 19%, €12,450–€20,200 at 24%, €20,200–€35,200 at 30%, €35,200–€60,000 at 37%, and above €60,000 at 45%–47% (including regional surcharges). For most DNV holders earning above the €2,849/month threshold, the Beckham Law produces a significantly lower tax bill — which is why applying for it promptly is strongly recommended.

Yes — the Startups Law expanded and updated the existing Beckham Law (régimen de impatriados) to include DNV holders as eligible applicants. The Startups Law also extended the regime to include self-employed individuals registering as autónomo, which was not previously the case. This makes the Beckham Law more accessible to DNV applicants than it was under the original rules.

Your initial 3-year DNV can be renewed for a further 2 years. The renewal application should be submitted before your current permit expires — we recommend starting at least 60 days before the expiry date to protect your legal status during the assessment period.

Renewal requires you to demonstrate you continue to meet the income and employment requirements. You will need current income evidence, updated bank statements, a valid passport, and proof of continued residence (padrón certificate). If your circumstances have changed — new employer, moved to freelance — you will need documentation for the new situation. See our renewal service page for full details.

Yes — as long as you continue to meet the core requirements. The DNV does not tie you to a specific employer. Changes in circumstances should be flagged to us early so we can advise on what documentation to prepare.

"Extension" and "renewal" are used interchangeably for the DNV. After the initial 3-year permit, you apply for a 2-year renewal (renovación). This is a full application process — not an automatic extension — requiring updated income and employment documentation. After the 2-year renewal expires (5 years total), you may apply for long-term EU residency rather than a further DNV renewal.

After 5 years of continuous legal residence (your 3-year permit plus the 2-year renewal), you can apply for long-term EU residency (residencia de larga duración). This gives you the right to live and work in any EU country and is not tied to employment requirements. After 10 years of continuous residence, you may be eligible for Spanish nationality, subject to language and integration requirements.

Yes. We handle DNV renewals through the same platform as new applications. Your case history is retained, making the process smoother. See our renewal service page for pricing and what is included.

No. Long-term EU residency (residencia de larga duración) requires a minimum of 5 years of continuous legal residence in Spain. There is no shortcut. However, if you meet other specific criteria — for example, through marriage to a Spanish national — different residency routes may be available earlier. Speak to our team or an immigration specialist if your circumstances change during the permit period.

Yes. UK nationals are non-EU citizens following Brexit and are fully eligible for the DNV. The UK is one of the largest source countries for DNV applications. You apply through the Spanish Consulate in the UK or a BLS International centre, or via UGE if you are already in Spain. Working for a UK employer qualifies you as having a foreign employer — the same requirements apply as for any other non-EU national.

Yes. US citizens are non-EU nationals and are fully eligible for the DNV. You apply through the Spanish consulate covering your US state of residence — major consulates are in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Chicago, and Houston. Working for a US company or US-based clients qualifies as foreign employment. US income is assessed in euros at the prevailing exchange rate.

Yes. Canadian citizens are non-EU nationals and are fully eligible for the DNV. You apply through the Spanish consulate in Canada — there are consulates in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. The same income and employment requirements apply as for any other non-EU national.

Yes. Australian citizens are non-EU nationals and are eligible for the DNV. You apply through the Spanish consulate in Australia. The same requirements apply as for all non-EU applicants — income, foreign employment, criminal record, and health insurance. Spanish consulate appointment availability in Australia can vary, so we recommend starting the process early.

Yes. South African nationals are fully eligible for the DNV. You apply through the Spanish consulate in South Africa. Criminal record certificates from South Africa need to be apostilled — South Africa is a signatory to the Hague Convention. We advise on the full document requirements for South African applicants as part of the eligibility assessment.

If you are a UK citizen who registered as a Spanish resident before 31 December 2020 under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, you hold a TFN (Tarjeta de Familiar de Nacional de la UE) or equivalent EU settlement status and do not need the DNV. If you arrived in Spain after Brexit without registering under EU rules, you would need to apply for the DNV or another residence permit. Contact our team to clarify your status and the correct route.

The DNV is open to non-EU and non-EEA nationals from any country, subject to there being no visa restriction or diplomatic issue between that country and Spain. In practice, nationals of most countries — including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, India, Brazil, and many others — are eligible. Citizens of sanctioned countries may face additional scrutiny. Contact our team if you are unsure about eligibility based on your nationality.

It depends on your nationality. Many nationalities — including UK, US, Canadian, and Australian — can enter Spain for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa under the Schengen free movement rules. This 90-day stay can be used to apply via UGE. Nationals of countries that require a Schengen visa to enter Spain would need to obtain a tourist visa before travelling. We advise on this as part of the initial assessment.

The most common reasons for DNV refusal are: income falling below the €2,849 threshold, insufficient documentation of the employer-employee relationship or foreign client contracts, the employer's company being less than 1 year old, an incomplete or incorrectly formatted application, an issue with the criminal record certificate (expired or not apostilled), or missing translations. Our document review process is specifically designed to catch and resolve all of these before submission.

Common mistakes include: submitting documents that are not certified translations (using machine translations or unofficial versions), missing the apostille on criminal record certificates, submitting payslips that don't show the employer's company details clearly, providing a health insurance policy that has co-payment clauses, and applying with an employer whose company is under 1 year old. We check for all of these before your application is submitted.

Yes. A DNV refusal can be appealed through the standard Spanish administrative review process. There are two stages: a reconsideration request (recurso de reposición) submitted to the same authority, and if that is unsuccessful, an appeal to the administrative court (recurso contencioso-administrativo). We review every refusal to advise whether an appeal is viable or whether reapplication with stronger documentation is the better route.

Yes. A refusal does not permanently bar you from reapplying. If the refusal was based on a fixable issue — insufficient documentation, an expired certificate, an income shortfall — you can reapply once those issues are resolved. We review the specific reason for refusal and advise on what needs to change. In many cases, a reapplication with corrected documentation is the faster and more cost-effective route than a formal appeal.

No. Stage 3 (€899 for new applications) is only charged once your application is approved. If your application is refused, Stage 3 is never charged. Stages 1 and 2 cover the professional work already done on your case and are non-refundable. See our refund policy for the complete terms.

Processing times can vary. For UGE applications, the standard is around 20 working days, but this can extend during busy periods. For consulate applications, delays are more common and less predictable. If your application is significantly overdue, we can follow up with the relevant authority on your behalf. Keep your legal entry status valid in the meantime — do not overstay your tourist visa while waiting. Your case manager will keep you informed of any updates.

Yes — this is exactly what the UGE route allows. If you are in Spain on a Schengen tourist entry (up to 90 days within 180), you can apply for the DNV via UGE without leaving the country. You do not need to return to your home country first. This is one of the key advantages of the UGE route over the consulate route.

Yes, in most cases. If you hold a valid Spanish student residence permit and have completed your studies (or are transitioning to remote work), you can apply for the DNV from within Spain via UGE while your student permit is still valid. The same income and employment requirements apply. You must not overstay or have your student permit lapse before the DNV is approved. Speak to our team early to plan the timing of the switch.

Yes. If your circumstances have changed — for example, you have started remote employment or begun freelancing — you can apply to switch from an NLV to a DNV. The NLV prohibits all paid work, so once you begin working you need to be on the DNV. Apply via UGE while your NLV is still valid to avoid a gap in your legal status. The full DNV income and employment requirements apply.

The DNV can lead to long-term EU residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence — this is more valuable than a standard work permit as it is not tied to a specific employer or employment type. There is no direct conversion of the DNV into a standard Spanish work permit (autorización de trabajo), as these serve different purposes. If you want to work for a Spanish employer during your DNV, speak to our team about the implications for your current permit status.

The DNV requires Spain to be your primary residence. Extended absences — typically more than 6 consecutive months outside Spain, or more than 10 months in a 12-month period — can be grounds for permit cancellation. If you need to be outside Spain for personal or professional reasons for an extended period, speak to our team in advance. Some exceptions apply for professional reasons, but you should not assume your permit remains valid during a long absence without advice.