Spain Digital Nomad Visa Document Checklist 2026: Everything You Need
Every form, certificate, translation, and piece of evidence you need for a successful Spain Digital Nomad Visa application — whether you are applying from abroad at a consulate or converting your status from inside Spain.
Important: Document requirements and processing procedures can change. This checklist reflects current requirements as of April 2026. Always cross-reference with the specific consulate where you are applying, as some consulates impose additional requirements beyond the statutory minimum.
How to Use This Checklist
Work through each section in order. Gather documents before worrying about translations — only translate documents once you are confident you have the correct version. For anything apostilled, factor in 2–6 weeks for turnaround. The FBI check (US applicants) and ACRO certificate (UK applicants) take the longest — start those immediately.
Application Forms: EX-21 (From Abroad) vs UGE Route (From Spain)
The form you complete depends entirely on where you are when you apply. Using the wrong form is one of the most common — and easily avoided — errors. See our full guide on DNV requirements for the complete eligibility picture.
Applying from outside Spain — Consulate Route
Form: EX-21Available on the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and from individual consulate websites. Download the version specific to your consulate, as some have slightly adapted versions.
- Complete in Spanish or with accompanying Spanish translation
- Sign by hand (digital signatures not accepted at most consulates)
- Submit with all supporting documents at your booked consulate appointment
- One form per person, including dependants
Applying from inside Spain — UGE Online Route
Platform: UGE PortalIf you are already in Spain on a legal status (tourist visa, student visa, etc.), you can apply to convert to the DNV without returning home, via the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas).
- Create an account on the UGE digital platform
- Upload all documents as PDF (originals not required in person)
- Pay Tasa 790-052 online by card
- Processing typically faster than consulate route (20–40 days)
Which route is faster? The UGE in-Spain route typically returns decisions more quickly than consulate applications and does not require apostilled originals in the same way. However, you must already be in Spain legally when you apply. If you are outside Spain, the consulate route is your only option.
- Consulate route: Download current version of form EX-21 from your consulate's official website
- Consulate route: Complete all fields — no blank sections, no corrections without initials
- Consulate route: Sign in the designated signature box (wet signature)
- UGE route: Create account on ugeservi.seg-social.es before gathering other documents
- UGE route: Have high-quality PDF scans of all documents ready before starting the online application
- Both routes: Keep a complete copy of your submitted application for reference
Identity Documents: Passport and Photos
Your passport is the foundation of every document in your application. Passport-related errors cause more delays than almost any other issue.
- Valid passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in Spain — aim for 12+ months to be safe
- Photocopy of passport: Clear copies of the photo/data page, all pages showing visas or entry stamps, and the back cover. Most consulates want copies of every page.
- Previous passports (if applicable): If you have a prior passport with significant travel history, bring it and copies — some consulates want these to verify compliance with prior visas
- Passport photos: Typically two to four recent biometric photographs (35mm x 45mm, or 40mm x 50mm — check your specific consulate). White background, no glasses, taken within the past six months.
- For UGE route: High-resolution scan of passport biographic page (minimum 300 dpi, all text clearly legible)
Passport expiry timing: If your passport expires within 18 months, renew before applying. Your DNV will be issued to match your passport validity, meaning a short-validity passport means a short-validity visa — potentially shorter than the standard one-year initial grant.
Criminal Record Certificate: The Right Type, Apostille, and Sworn Translation
The criminal record requirement catches out more applicants than almost any other document — particularly UK applicants who submit a DBS check instead of the required ACRO certificate. See also our guide on common DNV mistakes.
| Country | Correct Certificate Type | Where to Apply | Typical Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | ACRO Police Certificate (not DBS) | acro.police.uk | 10–20 business days |
| United States | FBI Identity History Summary Check | fbi.gov or approved channeler | 8–15 weeks (standard) / 3–4 weeks (channeler) |
| Canada | RCMP Criminal Record Check | rcmp-grc.gc.ca | 2–6 weeks |
| Australia | Australian Federal Police Check | afp.gov.au | 1–2 weeks |
| South Africa | SAPS Criminal Record Check | South African Police Service | 4–8 weeks |
- Certificate type: National-level certificate — not local, regional, or employer-sponsored background check
- Recency: Must have been issued within three months of your application submission date. Do not order it too early.
- Apostille: Must bear an apostille from the competent authority in the country of issue (e.g., FCDO for UK documents, US Department of State or relevant Secretary of State for US documents)
- Sworn Spanish translation: Full sworn translation into Spanish by a translator certified by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ordering sequence: Apply for the certificate first, then send the returned document for apostille, then send for sworn translation — these are sequential steps, not parallel
- Countries you have lived in: If you have resided for more than six months in any country other than your nationality country in the past five years, obtain a criminal record certificate from that country too
UK applicants — critical: A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is categorically not accepted. You must obtain an ACRO Police Certificate. These are entirely different products. An ACRO certificate is an internationally recognised criminal record check; a DBS is an employment background check used only within the UK. See our full UK DNV guide for the complete ACRO process.
Medical Certificate: Format, Apostille, and Translation Requirements
The medical certificate confirms you do not suffer from any disease with serious public health consequences. It must be issued within a specific timeframe and must meet exact format requirements.
- Who issues it: A licensed medical doctor — either your GP, a private doctor, or in some countries a government-designated medical officer
- Content required: Statement that you are free from diseases that could constitute a public health risk under the International Health Regulations (2005). The doctor must state they have examined you and list any conditions if relevant.
- Recency: Must be issued within three months of your application date. Medical certificates are time-sensitive — coordinate timing with your other document preparation.
- Doctor's credentials: The certificate must include the doctor's registration number, signature, and practice stamp. Some consulates require the doctor's identity to be independently verifiable.
- Apostille: The medical certificate must be apostilled. In the UK, this means FCDO apostille on the doctor's original certificate. In the US, contact your Secretary of State's office for documents issued at state level.
- Sworn Spanish translation: Full sworn translation required. The translation must remain attached to the apostilled original.
- Format note: Some consulates provide a specific medical certificate form that must be completed by your doctor. Download this from your consulate's website and present it at your medical appointment.
Pre-existing conditions: Disclosing a pre-existing medical condition does not automatically disqualify you. The requirement is about communicable diseases that pose a public health risk, not general health status. If in doubt, consult with an immigration lawyer before disclosing sensitive medical information.
Health Insurance: No Copayments, Full Spain Coverage — What Actually Qualifies
Health insurance is one of the most misunderstood requirements. Many applicants arrive with policies that look suitable but fail on the no-copayment rule or the territorial coverage requirement. Our dedicated DNV health insurance guide has full policy comparisons.
- No copayments (copagos): The policy must have zero copayments for medical consultations, specialist referrals, hospital treatment, and prescriptions. A policy with even small copays will be rejected. This rules out many international travel insurance policies and some basic private health plans.
- Full Spain coverage: The policy must cover you throughout Spain, not just one region. Check your policy schedule — some cheaper plans cover only specific autonomous communities.
- Coverage duration: The policy must cover the full intended period of your initial visa (one year minimum). A three-month or six-month policy is insufficient.
- Insurer authorisation: The insurer must be authorised to operate in Spain by the Spanish insurance regulator (DGSFP). UK, US, and other foreign-only insurers whose policies do not operate in Spain will not be accepted.
- Policy documentation: You need both the insurance certificate (certificate of coverage) and the full policy schedule/welcome letter. The certificate alone is usually insufficient — consulates want to see the coverage terms.
- No waiting periods: The policy should not exclude coverage for the first 30–90 days. Buy the policy before applying and ensure it starts on or before your anticipated visa start date.
- Accepted insurers (common examples): established private health insurers in Spain Spain, a leading private insurer Spain, a leading private insurer Health Spain. Foreign plans from a leading private insurer UK, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and similar providers are generally not accepted.
Annual cost: Budget €600–€1,800 per year per person for a qualifying DNV health insurance policy. Family premiums vary based on age and coverage level. This is not optional — it is a hard requirement for both the initial application and every renewal.
Income Evidence for Employed Applicants: What Documents You Need
The income threshold is 200% of Spain's IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which equates to approximately €2,646/month in 2025/2026. You need to demonstrate you reliably earn this. See our income requirements guide for the full threshold breakdown.
- Employment contract: Your current contract with your employer, showing: your name, role, salary or hourly rate, start date (must show you have been employed for at least three months), and confirmation the role can be performed remotely. Needs sworn Spanish translation; apostille if required by your consulate.
- Recent payslips: Three to six consecutive months of payslips from your employer. Payslips should be on company letterhead or clearly branded and show gross salary, net pay, tax deductions, and employer details. These need sworn Spanish translation.
- P60 / annual tax summary (UK): Your most recent P60 or equivalent national income certificate corroborates your annual earnings. Sworn translation required.
- W-2 / 1099 forms (US): Most recent available W-2 or 1099 forms corroborate the annualised income. Sworn translation into Spanish required.
- Bank statements: Three to six months of personal bank statements showing regular salary deposits. Entries should be consistent with the payslip amounts. Some consulates want these apostilled if they are issued abroad.
- Annual tax return or equivalent: Your most recent filed tax return (HMRC Self Assessment for UK, IRS Form 1040 for US, equivalent for other countries) demonstrates consistent income history. Sworn translation required.
Currency conversion: If your salary is in GBP, USD, or another currency, you must demonstrate that the converted amount meets the EUR threshold. Use recent official exchange rates and be ready to show calculations. Income that barely meets the threshold in another currency may fall short after conversion fluctuations — aim for at least 30–40% above the minimum. See our UK DNV guide and US DNV guide for country-specific advice.
Employer Letter Requirements: What Must Be Included
The employer letter is scrutinised closely. A vague letter referencing "flexible working" will not cut it — the letter must explicitly confirm your work arrangement and the company's authorisation for you to work from Spain. See our dedicated employer letter guide for templates and examples.
- Company letterhead: The letter must be on official company letterhead, showing company name, registered address, and contact details
- Authorised signatory: Signed by an HR manager, director, or other person with authority to confirm employment conditions. Their title and full name must be stated.
- Your employment details: Your full name, job title, employment start date, type of contract (permanent, fixed-term, etc.), and current gross monthly salary
- Remote work confirmation: Explicit statement that your role can be performed remotely and that you are authorised to work from Spain specifically
- Duration of remote work: Confirmation of when the remote work arrangement started or was approved
- Spanish income confirmation: Statement that no more than 20% of your duties are performed for Spanish clients or entities (if applicable)
- Company information: Company registration number, country of incorporation, and the name/contact of the person who can verify the letter if required
- Date: The letter must be dated. Undated letters are commonly rejected. The letter should be recent — within 30 days of your application.
- Sworn Spanish translation: Required. The translation must be certified by a Ministry of Foreign Affairs-approved translator.
Self-Employed and Freelancer Income Documents
Self-employed applicants face a higher documentation burden because there is no single employer to verify income. You are building a picture from multiple sources. Our self-employed DNV guide covers this in full.
- Proof of self-employment status: Evidence that you have been operating as a freelancer or business owner for at least one year. This might be business registration documents, sole trader registration, or equivalent in your country.
- Client contracts: Copies of active contracts with clients. At least one contract should demonstrate the relationship has existed for over one year. Contracts must show scope of services, payment terms, and client details.
- Recent invoices: A selection of invoices issued to clients over the past three to six months, showing amounts that collectively meet or exceed the monthly threshold. Invoices should be professionally formatted with client details, your details, and payment status.
- Bank statements: Three to six months of statements showing client payments being received. The amounts should correlate with the invoices you provide.
- Tax returns: Filed tax returns from the past one to two years demonstrating ongoing self-employment income above the threshold
- Business bank account statements: If you maintain a separate business account, statements from this account showing business income are valuable supporting evidence
- Professional registration: Any professional memberships, trade associations, or licences relevant to your field of work strengthen the self-employment claim
- 20% Spanish income rule: If any clients are Spanish-based, confirm in documentation that these constitute less than 20% of your total income. Calculate and demonstrate this clearly.
Fee Payment: Tasa 790-052 Explained
Spain's immigration fees are paid via the Tasa 790 system. For the Digital Nomad Visa, the applicable form is Tasa 790-052. Misunderstanding the fee process is a surprisingly common cause of appointment delays.
- Form type: Tasa 790-052 is the standard immigration fee form for visa and residence permit applications
- Current fee: Approximately €80 per person for the initial DNV application (fees are adjusted periodically — always verify the current amount on the consulate website before your appointment)
- How to pay from abroad (consulate route): Some consulates accept payment by bank draft or postal order; others require you to download and complete the 790-052 form and pay at a designated Spanish bank (only possible if you are in Spain). Check your specific consulate's instructions.
- How to pay from Spain (UGE route): Pay online via the UGE platform by debit or credit card before or at the time of submission
- Payment receipt: Keep the stamped or validated receipt — this is a required document in your application bundle
- Family members: Each applicant (including each dependent) pays the fee separately. Factor this into your budget if applying as a family.
- Non-refundable: The fee is not refunded if your application is refused. Do not pay until you are confident your application is complete and ready to submit.
Family Member Documents: What Each Dependent Needs
Spouses, civil partners, and dependent children under 21 (or older if financially dependent) can apply as dependants alongside the main applicant. Each dependent submits their own document set. See our full DNV family guide for the complete picture on who qualifies and what the process involves.
Spouse / Civil Partner
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport-size photos
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate (apostilled and sworn translation)
- Criminal record certificate (apostilled and sworn translation)
- Medical certificate (apostilled and sworn translation)
- Health insurance policy — their own qualifying policy covering Spain with no copayments
- Completed EX-21 form (consulate route) or UGE application (Spain route)
- Tasa 790-052 fee payment per person
Dependent Children
- Valid passport (6+ months validity) or travel document
- Passport-size photos
- Birth certificate (apostilled and sworn translation)
- If child is 18+: proof of financial dependency on the main applicant
- Criminal record not required for children under 18
- Medical certificate (apostilled and sworn translation)
- Health insurance policy — qualifying coverage for Spain with no copayments
- Tasa 790-052 fee payment per person
- Relationship documentation: All relationship documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates) must be apostilled in the country of issue and sworn translated into Spanish
- Concurrent vs separate applications: It is strongly recommended to apply simultaneously. Dependants whose applications are submitted later may face longer waits and must demonstrate the main holder already has their visa status.
- Income uplift: Adding dependants increases the income threshold. For each additional dependent, an extra 75% of IPREM (approximately €992/month) is added to the minimum requirement.
- Unmarried partners: Cohabiting partners who are not legally married may be able to apply as dependants if they can demonstrate a genuine long-term relationship, though this is assessed case by case and the documentation burden is higher
Not Sure Your Documents Are Ready?
Our immigration team reviews applications before submission and catches the errors that lead to refusals — wrong certificate type, insufficient employer letter, policies with copayments. Book a document review today.
The Master Spain Digital Nomad Visa Checklist: Print and Use
Use this consolidated checklist as your preparation tracker. Tick each item only when the document is complete, apostilled (where required), translated (where required), and in its final form.
Section A — Core Application
- Completed application form (EX-21 for consulate or UGE online for Spain route)
- Valid passport — minimum 6 months remaining validity
- Photocopies of all passport pages (including blank pages)
- 2–4 biometric passport photographs (white background, no glasses)
- Tasa 790-052 fee payment receipt (~€80 per person)
Section B — Background and Medical Checks
- Criminal record certificate — NATIONAL level (ACRO for UK, FBI for US)
- Criminal record apostille from competent authority
- Sworn Spanish translation of criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate — issued within 3 months of application
- Medical certificate apostille
- Sworn Spanish translation of medical certificate
- Criminal record from any other country where you lived 6+ months in the past 5 years (if applicable)
Section C — Health Insurance
- Health insurance certificate from Spain-authorised insurer
- Full policy schedule confirming: no copayments, full Spain coverage, minimum 1-year duration
- Confirmation policy starts on or before visa start date
Section D — Employment / Income Evidence (Employed)
- Employment contract with salary, role, and remote work permission confirmed
- Sworn Spanish translation of employment contract
- Employer letter on letterhead (dated, signed, naming you and your salary)
- Sworn Spanish translation of employer letter
- 3–6 months of payslips
- Sworn Spanish translation of payslips
- 3–6 months of personal bank statements showing salary deposits
- Most recent annual tax return or P60/W-2 equivalent
- Sworn Spanish translation of tax return
Section E — Income Evidence (Self-Employed)
- Proof of self-employment for at least 1 year (business registration, sole trader docs)
- Active client contracts (at least one showing 1+ year relationship)
- Sworn Spanish translation of contracts
- 3–6 months of recent invoices issued to clients
- Sworn Spanish translation of invoices
- 3–6 months of bank statements showing client payments
- Tax returns from the past 1–2 years
- Sworn Spanish translation of tax returns
Section F — Family Dependants (if applicable)
- Spouse: marriage certificate (apostilled + sworn translation)
- Children: birth certificate (apostilled + sworn translation)
- Each dependant's passport and photos
- Each adult dependant's criminal record certificate (apostilled + sworn translation)
- Each dependant's medical certificate (apostilled + sworn translation)
- Each dependant's qualifying health insurance policy
- Each dependant's completed application form and Tasa 790-052 fee payment
Realistic Document Preparation Timeline: 8 Weeks From Start to Ready
Most applicants underestimate how long document preparation takes. The criminal record certificate, apostille process, and sworn translations all add time. Here is a realistic week-by-week plan.
| Week | Tasks | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Apply for criminal record certificate (ACRO / FBI / equivalent). Request medical certificate appointment. Contact insurer about health insurance. | Start these first — they take the longest |
| Week 2 | Request employer letter. Gather payslips, bank statements, employment contract. Request P60/W-2/tax return if not already to hand. | Give employer 1–2 weeks notice for the letter |
| Week 3–4 | Attend medical certificate appointment. Send completed medical certificate for apostille. Complete health insurance purchase. | Apostille can take 1–3 weeks |
| Week 4–5 | Criminal record certificate should arrive. Send for apostille. Once all documents with apostilles are back, send for sworn translations. | Allow 5–10 days per document for sworn translation |
| Week 6 | Complete all sworn translations. Assemble full application package. Conduct final quality check. | Review every document against this checklist |
| Week 7 | Book consulate appointment (if not already booked — these book up weeks in advance). Or prepare UGE online submission. | Book consulate appointments early — availability is limited |
| Week 8 | Final review, make copies, attend consulate appointment or submit via UGE. | Bring originals and copies to consulate appointment |
Frequently Asked Questions: Spain Digital Nomad Visa Checklist
The most common questions we receive about the document requirements for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa.
Which form do I need for the Digital Nomad Visa — EX-21 or something else?
The form depends on where you apply. If applying from outside Spain at a Spanish consulate, you use form EX-21 (Solicitud de visado de residencia para teletrabajo de carácter internacional). If you are already legally in Spain and applying to change status, you apply via the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas) online platform — there is no paper EX form for the in-Spain route.
Always download the EX-21 from your specific consulate's website rather than from general government portals, as consulates occasionally use adapted versions. Complete all fields — leaving sections blank commonly causes rejection or delay.
What criminal record certificate do I need, and does a DBS work for UK applicants?
No — a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is not accepted under any circumstances. UK applicants must obtain an ACRO Police Certificate, which is an internationally recognised criminal record certificate issued by ACRO Criminal Records Office. Apply at acro.police.uk. Processing takes 10–20 business days for standard service.
The ACRO certificate must then be apostilled by the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) and accompanied by a sworn Spanish translation before submission. See our UK DNV guide for the full step-by-step ACRO process.
Does my employer letter need to be notarised or apostilled?
In most cases, the employer letter does not need to be notarised or apostilled — but it does need to be on company letterhead, signed by an authorised company representative, and accompanied by a sworn Spanish translation. Some consulates may ask for notarisation or apostille if they cannot independently verify the company, particularly for smaller or less well-known employers.
To be safe, ensure the letter includes the company registration number and a contact person the consulate can call to verify. If your employer is publicly listed or operates in Spain, the verification bar is typically lower.
What documents does a self-employed applicant need instead of an employer letter?
Self-employed applicants substitute the employer letter and employment contract with: active client contracts (at least one demonstrating a relationship over one year), recent invoices corroborating regular income, bank statements showing client payments, proof of self-employment registration, and tax returns for the past one to two years.
The income threshold is the same as for employed applicants — 200% of IPREM, approximately €2,646/month. The challenge for self-employed applicants is demonstrating that this income is consistent and reliable, not just a recent spike. Three to six months of consistent invoicing and matching bank deposits is the minimum; 12 months of history is stronger.
Do Spanish translations need to be sworn (jurada)?
Yes, all translations must be sworn translations (traducciones juradas) carried out by a translator officially certified by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Standard commercial translation agencies, bilingual friends, and online translation services are not accepted.
You can find the current list of officially certified sworn translators on the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (exteriores.gob.es). Many translators work remotely and can receive scanned documents, translate, and return signed translations by post or scan within a few days. Budget approximately €80–€150 per document for sworn translation.
How recent must my bank statements be when I submit my application?
Bank statements should cover the three to six months immediately before your application date and ideally should be no more than one month old at the time of submission. Statements more than three months old may be queried or rejected.
The statements need to show two things: (1) regular income deposits matching your declared salary or client payments, and (2) a healthy ongoing balance demonstrating financial stability. There is no fixed savings balance requirement, but a balance equivalent to two to three months of your threshold income is generally seen as reassuring.
What health insurance qualifies for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
Qualifying health insurance must: cover you throughout Spain (not just one region), have no copayments (copagos) for any type of medical consultation or treatment, be issued by an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, cover the full duration of your visa (minimum one year), and have no significant waiting periods or exclusions for common conditions.
Policies from established private health insurers in Spain Spain, and a leading private insurer Spain are commonly accepted. UK and US health insurance plans that do not operate in Spain will not qualify. Travel insurance, even comprehensive travel policies, is not accepted as a substitute for long-term health coverage.
What documents do family members need to accompany me on the DNV?
Each adult dependant (spouse, civil partner) needs: a valid passport, their own criminal record certificate (apostilled and sworn translation), a medical certificate (apostilled and sworn translation), proof of the relationship (marriage or civil partnership certificate, apostilled and sworn translation), their own qualifying health insurance policy, a completed application form, and Tasa 790-052 fee payment.
Dependent children under 18 do not need a criminal record certificate. Children need a birth certificate (apostilled and sworn translation), valid passport, medical certificate, health insurance, and their fee payment. Income thresholds increase with each dependant.
Do I need to bring original documents to my consulate appointment, or are copies sufficient?
Requirements vary by consulate, but you should always bring both originals and certified photocopies. Most consulates retain copies and return originals. Some consulates retain your passport temporarily to affix the visa sticker — they will confirm their specific procedure when you book your appointment.
For apostilled documents, bring the full original apostilled document (which is the original document with the apostille certificate attached) plus a photocopy. Never submit your only copy of any irreplaceable document — always retain a backup set.
What is the Tasa 790-052 fee and how do I pay it?
Tasa 790-052 is Spain's standard immigration application fee form. For the Digital Nomad Visa, the fee is approximately €80 per applicant (verify the current figure on the consulate website before your appointment, as fees are adjusted periodically).
For the consulate route from outside Spain, payment methods vary — some consulates accept payment by bank draft or international money order. For the UGE route from inside Spain, payment is made online by card. Each person in the application (including each dependant) pays a separate fee. Keep your payment receipt — it forms part of your application bundle. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
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