Spain Digital Nomad Visa approved today October 7th 2024 with no additional requirements! My husband, the main applicant, and I applied on September 18th 2024 by ourselves, but we would not have succeeded without the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) and the helpful attorneys and experts who answered my many questions.
Here are my tips based on the experience:
- Prepare for a lot of reading. Organize the information you gather because it will be substantial.
- Evaluate yourself against the requirements. If you’re unsure or find them difficult, that’s a sign you might need an attorney or consultant for help.
- Plan ahead. Start organizing your documents before arriving in Spain and be aware of document expiration dates. Arriving in Spain to start gathering the documents will not only add stress but may also cut into your tourist days if you need to reapply. Bonus: arrive with your NIE and digital certificate, which can be obtained at Spanish consulates abroad—it’s easier than trying to get it in Spain.
- Don’t aim for perfection. If you receive additional requirements, don’t panic. It’s not the end of the world, and you’ll likely have a chance to fix whatever is missing.
- Prepare your dossier as if the reviewer were a toddler. Be redundant, highlight important points, and ensure everything is clear. For example, convert your salary into euros if you’re paid in a foreign currency.
- Apostille all official documents. There are many posts about apostilles in this group, and you can search them.
- Use an official translator recognized by the MAEC to translate non-Spanish documents. Get quotes from multiple interpreters to compare prices, as they vary significantly.
- Consider hiring a professional. If you lack experience or time, don’t try to do it yourself. Moving to another country and dealing with legal documents can be overwhelming.
Even as an attorney with experience in corporate law and immigration, the process was exhausting, and there were many unexpected challenges. Don’t underestimate the value of having a professional help carry the burden.
Questions and Answers
Q1: “Any tips for someone just starting out?”
A1: Just a quick tip that will help reduce the stress. Even if you are applying through a third party, try to get a NIE assigned before you apply (either at the Spanish consulate back home or in Spain) and book your fingerprint collection appointment ahead of time.
Once we knew our travel dates and were 100% sure that we were going to be able to apply as soon as we got here, I used a VPN to start tracking TIE appointments and scheduled one for 1.5 months from our arrival date. We were approved on the 7th and our fingerprints are getting collected on the 31st whereas the new dates that are being released are in 2 months time
Q2: “Can you get a NIE without a Spanish address at the consulate? I was under the impression you needed an address to be registered at the local council where you reside to get a NIE”
A2: my husband and I did not put down a Spanish address when we requested ours. Moreover, asking for a Spanish address would appear contradictory to me because the NIE certificate states that said number/document does not prove your immigration or residency status.
However, consulates are well known for being whimsical and inconsistent with their interpretation of the regulations or requirements.
Conclusion
Successfully applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa requires careful preparation, organization, and attention to detail. Make sure to start early, especially with gathering and apostilling documents.
If the process seems overwhelming, hiring a professional may be your best option. Even experienced professionals find the application tiring, so don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.
Join our community!
Make sure to join our dedicated Spain Digital Nomad Visa group here!
