Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
Please could I have a ‘dummies’ guide to Steps to take to start right through to Spain Digital Nomad Visa submission applying on your own from the UK, Manilva region, Andalucia? Thank you so much! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Spain Digital Nomad Visa group members:
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“Well, there are so many nuances and variations that you can’t really write a full guide. It’s why people employ consultants to apply. But here goes:”
- Step 1: Get a NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) from the Spanish consulate in the UK.
- Step 2: Obtain A1 and S1 forms if employed.
- Step 3: Get a criminal record check and certificate of good standing, and have them apostilled.
- Step 4: Gather and have sworn translated: employment contract, authorization letter, references, and degree, along with the documents from Step 3.
- Step 5: Collect the last three months of bank statements showing payments made by clients or your employer, along with invoices or payslips.
- Step 6: Prepare and translate your CV.
- Step 7: Enter Spain, ensuring you get an entry stamp; scan the full passport.
- Step 8: Get a digital certificate and download the “Autofirma” application.
- Step 9: Submit all the documents online via the UGE portal, including the application form, payment fee form (paid), criminal record declaration, and social security sign-up declaration as needed.
The answer from UGE should come in less than 20 business days. If successful, get a TIE (Foreigner Identification Card) at your local police station and register as self-employed if applicable.”
Here you can find recommended immigration lawyers, with a successful track record of Spanish Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) applications and approvals. You can request online consultations here: https://spainguru.es/consultations-immigration-tax/
If you prefer the DIY route, you will still need services like apostilles and sworn translations, and potentially (depending on your situation), a private health insurance. Here you can find recommended professionals:
Sworn translators: https://spainguru.es/sworn-translations-spanish…/
Apostille services: https://spainguru.es/apostille-services-us-uk/
Health insurance: https://spainguru.es/health-insurance/
Not sure which city is right for you?
Compare cost of living, weather, expat community size, and lifestyle across 13 Spanish cities in our free guide.
Explore Cities →Check out my latest interview to Ainhoa Manero of Sterna Abogados, where she answers the top 30 FAQs about the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa:
Also, here’s another interview to Sofía Mejaíl of CABR Relocation Solutios, where she answers the top 30 FAQs about the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa:
Conclusion
Members of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa group offer a detailed step-by-step guide to applying from the UK, which includes preparing essential documents, obtaining translations, and navigating the UGE portal for application submission.
The process may vary in certain steps, which is why some applicants prefer hiring a consultant. However, the guidance shared here, paired with reliable translation and apostille services, can simplify the journey.
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