Question
Has anyone from Scotland/UK ever applied for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa in Spain by themselves and been successful?
The consulate are no help whatsoever and I’m totally confused on which documents need notarized, apostilled, and translated / what needs all 3.
I understand getting a lawyer to help would be easiest but I’ve paid a massive upfront amount for my apartment in Spain so would to at least try myself first.
Anyone who has any tips / can help please like or comment and I will message you!
Thanks in advance!
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Spain Digital Nomad Visa group members:
(Expert 1 answer) “All the docs, except payslips, invoices and bank statements need sworn translations. ACRO and Companies House cert need Apostille too. Uni Degree as well if you present one.
If you present proof of 3 years of relevant work experience instead, then you need to have your PAYE work history notarised and Apostilled. Or your tax records if self-employed. For CV, you can use Google translation or similar.”
“I do not have a degree so I’m using proof of 3 years work experience – Do you know if ‘PAYE Work History Proof of Income Tax’ is ok for this? I printed it from HMRC website but I can’t see where on HMRC Get Apostilled site this would be put under?
I thought it was just ACRO + Companies House Certificate that need apostilled?
Thanks for your help!”
“It’s a relatively new requirement. You need to engage the services of a private Apostille agent, they will also arrange for certification by a solicitor for you, necessary prior to Apostilling. Yes to PAYE doc.”
“Thank you so much – I would have not realised this! Do you know if me printing my page of ‘PAYE Work History Proof of Income Tax’ is sufficient enough document?”
“I’ve only used this once. But as it’s not signed the client had to download it in front of a notary and then they will sign it off. Then get the apostille
If you have P60s it’s easier to use those”
“There’s no need for official notarisation. I use them all the time. Simple certification by a solicitor, arranged for by Apostille Agency, is sufficient.”
“Yes it is.”
“We asked the apostille service (the one everyone uses) and they said it needed to be notarised first and that they couldn’t do it. However that was right when things first changed so maybe it’s changed now. I know they are fine with P60s.”
(Expert 2 answer) “Also if applying in Spain, don’t bother looking at the consulate website. Consulate requirements vary from consulate to consulate. In Spain you apply via UGE., so it’s what they will accept that’s important.
That said, even the list they write isn’t exactly clear. I’m assuming you already know you’ll need an NIE and digital certificate? Also once the application is in, please please check notifications.
Many people don’t get the emails from them. People think that UGE has give over the time limits and that they should be requesting positive administrative silence. When in fact there has been a request for further documents weeks before and they’ve missed the timeline to download and action it
The list above is correct (at time of writing!!) . Think the only one to add is if using A1 you don’t need to translate or apostille that.”
“I have my NIE and need to look into the certificate. Thank you for flagging”
“You should either be able to get it at the consulate or once in Spain. Works best with windows. You’ll need to download autofirma to sign off the application.
Also paying the Tass. This can be a challenge if you don’t have a bank account. You’ll need your digital certificate first to fill in the Tasa online. Then print and take it to a bank to pay.”
Conclusion
Spainguru Facebook group members offered detailed insights into applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa from the UK without a lawyer. The key takeaway is that most documents—except for payslips, invoices, and bank statements—require sworn translations.
Specific documents like the ACRO certificate, Companies House certificate, and university degrees must be apostilled. If you’re using three years of work experience instead of a degree, your PAYE history or self-employment tax records must be notarized or solicitor-certified and then apostilled.
Requirements are evolving, and experiences differ between Apostille services. P60 forms may be easier to apostille than downloadable PAYE summaries.
Members also advised against relying solely on consulate instructions and emphasized the importance of having a NIE, a digital certificate, and checking the UGE platform for communication after applying.
Join our community!
Make sure to join our dedicated Spain Digital Nomad Visa group here!
