Last Updated on May 19, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
“We recently got rejected for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa. One of the possible reasons was that we don’t have a university degree — only a high school diploma — but we do have 3+ years of experience with official social security contributions and we’re both working as software developers.
Has anyone had success getting approved without a university degree, by proving 3+ years of work experience?
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Has anyone successfully applied while working for a family-owned company? Did that create any additional challenges with credibility or documentation?
Any advice is truly appreciated!”
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Spain Digital Nomad Visa group members:
“Lots of people have applied and got approved with 3 years relevant work experience! But in addition to reference letters or work contracts, you need to provide accreditation from the tax office or Social Security.”
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“You can definitely get approved with experience instead of a degree. I would say most of my clients use experience actually.”
“My husband has a degree but we went with experience and got approved. From memory we didn’t go with the degree as it wasn’t directly related to his work. Would be useful to understand whether anyone has been approved via an unrelated degree – thinking ahead to renewal!”
“Yes, I was approved without a degree. I provided a letter from a client that I worked with for over three years. It was not notarized or anything.”
“While this was the only requirement before, unfortunately it has changed and it’s more strict now. They ask for official proof (apostilled) on top of the letter of experience. Especially for renewals.”
“For renewals, if you plan to use your own LLC, you still need to show experience by using a degree OR 3 years of experience. So for the experience it could be with another company or with yours (a letter showing the experience) plus W2s/1099s (apostilled and sworn translated).”
“I wouldn’t recommend you signing your own documents if it’s your own LLC. People typically apply with experience from another company or client.”
“I did not have to show tax records. I got approved last July, so almost a year ago.”
“If you have the financial possibility, I would totally advise you have a lawyer help you in this process, so the person will evaluate all your documentation to be sure all data is easy to understand for government. But still, a GOOD one that is specialized in this type of visa.”
“Yeah that’s not the only reason why you got rejected. Have you owned your business longer than 3 years? Do you have many clients that are real businesses? Are you a 100% owner or are there several?”
“I don’t think this is the main reason to be honest. I have had clients which even though not having a university degree were granted with the digital nomad permit for 3 years.”
“A friend of mine didn’t have a degree but more than 10 years of experience in IT.”
“I didn’t have university degree but I submitted some extra certificates.”
“My hubby hasn’t got a degree and was approved 😃”
“Sadly they have got more difficult on those without degrees lately. We have one appeal in progress because of this. I think the job description written in the letters you submit as backup with the social security reports are very important as the work has to be to professional level.”
“Dev here, just an associate degree but applied with experience only and had no problem. Sometimes same applications have different resolutions without reason. I would try to apply again.”
Conclusion
The DNV Spainguru community confirms that it is possible to get approved for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa without a university degree, as long as you can demonstrate at least three years of relevant work experience.
Acceptable proof includes letters from employers or clients, but requirements have become stricter, with some applicants being asked for apostilled documents or official records from tax or social security authorities.
While past approvals were sometimes based on simple letters, current applications—especially renewals—may require more formal documentation like W2s or 1099s with sworn translations. Those applying through their own business should avoid self-signed documents and consider legal assistance.
It’s also evident that outcomes can vary case by case, making thorough documentation and professional help increasingly important.
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