Question
“I submitted my fbi report to the agency I’m working with for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa application and in it shows a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) from 20 years ago when I was 23. The agency is asking me for details, did I get detained, what happened etc.
This was 20 years ago does it matter? Had anyone not been approved due to a criminal incident like this so long ago?
Also, for those applying with many years of experience did you submit your university diploma? I graduated 20 years ago, I’ve misplaced my original diploma and only have a digital copy. Is this really necessary?”
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Spain Digital Nomad Visa group members:
“My husband had something on his record from 23 years ago and we still got approved. He basically used a product in the store and they said it was theft. Your agency might wanna just have all the information in case UGE ask, but I’m thinking they won’t, but you never know.
I applied with experience and no diploma and have no issues either. I did submit a letter from a client to vouch for me.”
“I know someone whose FBI background check showed a DUI from more than 15 years ago and they were approved as a DNV dependant.
When I applied in July 2023 I did not include a diploma. I had a letter from my client which said I had been working for them for 5 years. I also included my resume/CV with more than 20 years experience.
If you apply in Spain then all documentation is submitted electronically so a digital copy might be sufficient.”
(Professional answer) “I’ve had a client approved with a driving without insurance, and driving whilst license suspended from 19 years ago. We didn’t add any extra info and it went straight through.
I also had a client that had something on their record from 7 years ago. Not a driving offence and it was a really low fine. I added probably about 3 sentences in explanation, that it was more than 5 years ago, one sentence about what it was, mentioned the low fine (with a convert into euros) and said more info available should they request it. They didn’t. It went straight through.
You would be extremely unlucky to have a problem with a DUI from that long ago (can you get it expunged?)
Yes you’ll need to get a copy certificate of your diploma plus an apostille.
Or if you want to use experience it’s the last 3 1099/W2 plus notary, plus apostille, plus reference letters. (This change at the end of last year. Before that you could just use a client letter). The diploma is easier and less pages to translate.”
Spainguru’s recommended sworn translators
Conclusion
According to the community, a DUI from 20 years ago is unlikely to jeopardize your Spain Digital Nomad Visa application.
Many members reported successful approvals with older or minor offenses on their records, especially when the incident was clearly explained or ignored altogether without consequence.
As for proving professional experience, a diploma isn’t strictly necessary—several applicants successfully applied using client letters and employment records. However, submitting either a notarized and apostilled diploma or detailed, documented work history is essential.
The key takeaway is to provide sufficient information if requested but not to worry excessively about very old, minor offenses.
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