My Spain Digital Nomad Visa Experience as a Self-employed LLC Owner
“I got approved for my visa!!! I am a self-employed LLC owner. Business is remote interior design.
I did not use a lawyer per se, but did pay a small fee to have a lawyer submit the documents for me. The lawyer and sworn translator I worked with were incredible. I can’t thank them enough. The translator had such great prices and also was able to get things urgently translated for me.
I had to file for an extension after the first 10 days extension for 5 more days. The lawyer was great at explaining to me what new docs were needed.
A few things that may interest you:
They asked for my bank statements to be STAMPED and translated. I have an American bank and it was difficult to get this. Since I’m in Spain, my mother printed them out and took into a branch to get stamped.
I provided 6 months of bank statements (both personal and business), because I am self-employed. I only got the first page summaries translated and highlighted every transfer/payment made from business to pay myself.
They also required me to highlight every deposit from any invoice I received on my business account and then I had to provide the correlating client’s invoice. This took crazy long to do since it was 6 months of stuff.
I got the feeling they were trying to disprove my business constantly, but the evidence was there and I gave them everything they asked for.
I had to also provide a resume, minutes and an employee contract with my LLC that was 3+ months old. Luckily I am not the only member technically so I was able to get a contract.
I also had to get the good standing certificate apostilled and sworn.”
Questions and Answers
Q1: “Why did you have to both prove your business is making income and present an employer contract?”
A1: “Not sure, I guess it was to prove I’m not a freelancer.”
Q1: “Can you come to Spain on a visitor visa from USA and then apply for DNV or NLV from there?”
A2: “No, only Golden Visa or Digital Nomad Visa; NLV has to be done from your home country at the local consulate.”
Q3: “Your own LLC has only 3 months old and you were approved? Wow congrats”
A3: “LLC is since 2020”
Conclusion
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa application process as a self-employed LLC owner can be intensive and requires detailed financial documentation.
It’s essential to prepare for varying requirements such as the translation and stamping of documents, and to ensure that you have all necessary legal and financial proofs ready to demonstrate the legitimacy and financial stability of your business.
Here’s a summarized table of the visa application experience as described:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Profile | Self-employed, LLC owner, remote interior design business. |
| Legal and Translation Help | Utilized a lawyer for document submission (small fee) and a translator for urgent document translation. |
| Document Challenges | Needed bank statements stamped and translated, which was difficult to obtain; involved physical stamping by a family member in the U.S. |
| Bank Statements Provided | Six months of both personal and business bank statements; first page summaries translated; transactions highlighted. |
| Additional Requirements | Highlighting deposits from invoices and providing correlating client invoices; felt like proving legitimacy of business. |
| Other Documents | Resume, minutes, and an employee contract with LLC (over 3 months old); required apostilled and sworn good standing certificate. |
This article is based on personal experience and is not legal advice. Please consult with our recommended immigration experts.
