Spanish Digital Nomad Visa Requirements and Document Preparation

Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

I’m starting my journey on getting the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa. Hoping to get some clarifications on the requirements. Would I need NIE considering that I will apply in Spain? Of all the documents, which ones need to be sworn translated, and apostilled? Thank you!

Answers

These are the answers from the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa Facebook group members

“you need a NIE + a digital certificate if you are applying on your own. If you are hiring a lawyer/professional, then you don’t need either. certificate of incorporation + criminal background check + birth/marriage certificates + degrees (if you use that instead of experience) need an apostille and sworn translation. Contract + experience need sworn translation.”

“Are you applying on your own? If you are, yes, you will need the NIE and you can apply for it in Spain too. If you are hiring someone, you won’t need the NIE at all.”

“It is not necessary to have a NIE to make the application. The NIE will be assigned to you during the processing of the application. -Criminal Background Certificate, -University Degree (if submitted), -Contract (this does not require an apostille – only a sworn translation), -Certificate of incorporation/good standing -If you extend the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa to a family member the document proving the family relationship (marriage/birth certificate for example).”

Conclusion

From the responses in Spainguru’s Spanish Digital Nomad Visa Facebook group, it’s evident that the need for a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) can vary depending on whether an applicant decides to handle the application personally or through a professional.

For document preparation, critical documents such as the certificate of incorporation, criminal background checks, and personal certificates like birth and marriage must undergo both apostille and sworn translation processes.

Meanwhile, contracts and professional experience documents typically require only sworn translation. The process generally follows apostilling the documents first and then proceeding with the sworn translation.

Bruno Bianchi CEO & Spain Immigration Expert

Bruno Bianchi is the founder and CEO of Spainguru, Spain's largest expat immigration community with 150,000+ members. Since 2014 he has helped thousands of people relocate to Spain through expert guides, webinars and vetted professional services covering visas, residency, taxes and life in Spain.

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