Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
My Spain Digital Nomad Visa Experience
Spain Digital Nomad Visa Approved!
Today is an incredible day worth celebrating! My son and I have officially been granted a 3-year Digital Nomad Residency applied through UGE in Spain—all done DIY! The journey wasn’t easy, but we navigated the process and made it happen!
Timeline:
- Submitted: February 17, 2025
- Approved: March 3, 2025 (just 10 working days!)
Challenges I Faced & How I Overcame Them:
- No Traditional Work Contract: As a freelance web designer and developer doing mostly one-time projects, I hesitated for months before asking a long-term client for a formal contract—and they agreed.
- Parental Consent for My Son: Despite limited communication with my son’s father, I created an Affidavit of Consent that my son presented for signature and notarization.
- No University Diploma: I didn’t finish my studies but submitted my application anyway. I was not asked for additional documents.
- NIE Name Mismatch: I had my NIE issued in Manila under my ex-husband’s surname but had updated my passport to my maiden name. I booked an appointment at the police station in Madrid to correct the mismatch.
We were already renting an apartment in Madrid before submitting our application. We didn’t spend much on translations or extra documents. If we had been denied, at least we tried—but we got approved! 🎉
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- MIT & MIF forms
- Tasa Modelo 790 Código 380 (paid in cash at BBVA)
- Full passport scans
- Bank and Wise statements (some in Spanish, some not translated)
- Three months of invoices (no translation)
- NBI Clearance & Certificate of Good Standing (apostilled + sworn translation)
- Independent contractor agreement (sworn translation)
- Pledge to register as autónomo, CV, client letter, criminal declaration (simple translations)
- Birth certificate & Affidavit of Consent for son (apostilled + sworn translation)
Total cost for both applications
The total cost was 519.15 EUR (~31,430 PHP)
Questions and Answers
Q: What kind of work contract did you show as a freelancer?
A: “I have a long-term client I used to work with on Upwork. We now work directly. I created an independent contractor agreement and he signed it.”
Q: Did you show proof of your Upwork relationship?
A: “No, just the independent contractor agreement.”
Q: What kind of agreement is that?
A: “It’s a contract between you and a company stating that you work for them as a freelancer—not as an employee. It covers terms like contract length, responsibilities, and pay.”
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Explore Cities →Q: Which documents did you translate or apostille?
A: “For me: criminal record, work contract, and certificate of good standing. For my son: birth certificate and Affidavit of Consent.”
Q: Where did you get the affidavit template?
A: “I wrote it myself.”
Q: What is the “Tasa Modelo” form for?
A: “It’s the government fee form—Modelo 790 Código 380.”
Q: Did you apply by yourself?
A: “Yes.”
Q: Did you pay anything for correcting your NIE name mismatch?
A: “No, I didn’t have to pay.”
Q: Which appointment did you book for that?
A: “Asignacion de NIE.”
Q: Did you submit your bank statements without translation?
A: “Yes.”
Q: Can you apply without a contract as a freelancer?
A: “Unfortunately, no. A contract is required.”
Q: How old is your child, and how are you handling school enrollment?
A: “He’s 12 and homeschooled. I’ve read that children must be enrolled in Spain, so I’ll register him with the Ayuntamiento. I’ll share more once I’ve done that.”
Comments
“Wow! Congratulations 👏”
“You got lucky re the 3 years work experience/degree.”
“This was very encouraging to read. You should be so proud of yourself and go and celebrate!!”
“The process seems very intimidating and that’s why these companies that charge $5k to assist seem so much easier, but thank you for giving people the encouragement!”
“Thanks for outlining your process and experience! Wishing you the best of luck on your new adventure!”
“Congrats! This document list is really helpful.”
“That price is very reasonable. Thank you for sharing your list of documents!! It’s very helpful.”
“Can we apply without a contract? I’m also a freelancer and I don’t think I can manage a contract!”
“Spain’s DNV process sounds so hard. Thanks for breaking it down. Really great information.”
Conclusion
This first-hand success story showcases that applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is possible even without a university degree or traditional work contract—as long as you can provide a solid independent contractor agreement and meet the documentation requirements.
Applying as a single parent with a dependent adds complexity, but with determination, the process can be managed independently.
Key lessons include the importance of translations, understanding apostille needs, and proactively solving legal or identity issues like NIE mismatches. The total cost of the application was modest, and approval was impressively fast—only 10 working days.
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