Everything you need to know about required documents for the Spanish digital nomad visa. Whether you're applying via UGE (in-country) or through your consulate, we've broken down every requirement, apostille rule, and common mistake to avoid.
The documents required for a Spain digital nomad visa differ significantly depending on which route you take. Below is the full breakdown for each path.
UGE Route (In-Country): Recommended for those already in Spain. Faster processing (4-8 weeks), fewer bureaucratic hurdles, and MSV handles most of the paperwork filing electronically.
Consulate Route (From Abroad): Required if you're outside Spain. More document preparation needed, notably apostilles and sworn translations, but gives you time to prepare before your arrival in Spain.
Already in Spain or arriving on a tourist visa. Handled via UGE (Spanish immigration office).
Most documents submitted in original language. MSV files everything electronically through UGE portal.
Applying from outside Spain through your country's Spanish consulate.
All foreign documents must be apostilled and officially translated to Spanish.
These are the documents you'll provide when applying through UGE in Spain.
The official Spain digital nomad visa application form. MSV files this electronically through the UGE system, so you don't need to hand-deliver it. We complete the form on your behalf with the information you provide.
A clear photocopy of your valid passport (all data pages). Passport must be valid for the entire application period. Digital scans are acceptable for UGE submission.
The cornerstone document. You must prove you work remotely for a foreign company or have foreign clients. Acceptable documents include:
Pro Tip: If your contract doesn't explicitly mention "remote work" or "Spain," ask your employer to issue an addendum or letter confirming you work remotely from Spain.
UGE wants proof that the company you work for actually exists and that you genuinely work there. Include:
Required only if your home country typically issues these. For UGE, this is usually not apostilled (unless your country's certificate comes apostilled by default). Check with MSV about your specific country.
You must earn enough to support yourself in Spain. The minimum threshold is approximately €2,300/month (varies by UGE office). Evidence includes:
Required by some UGE offices, optional for others. If needed, you must provide proof of private health insurance valid in Spain with no copayment clause. Policies like a leading private insurer Spain, a leading private insurer, or a leading private insurer are standard.
If applicable to your situation (some digital nomads may be exempt). UGE may request documentation showing you understand Spanish social security obligations.
Documents you'll submit to your Spanish consulate when applying from abroad.
Critical: Every document issued in your home country must be apostilled and officially translated to Spanish. This process typically takes 2–4 weeks and must be done before consulate submission.
The official Spanish visa application form. Obtained from your consulate's website or in person. Must be completed in full, signed, and printed (not e-signed in most cases).
Requirements: Minimum 1 year validity beyond your intended stay, with 2+ blank pages. Photocopy all data pages for submission.
4x4 cm color photos on white background. Most consulates require 2–4 copies. Specifications vary slightly by consulate, so check ahead.
The consulate wants clear evidence of stable income to support yourself in Spain. Minimum is typically €2,300–€2,500/month. Provide:
Format: Bank statements must show your name, account type, and transactions. Use official statements from your bank, not screenshots.
For employees: A letter on company letterhead stating you work remotely and confirming employment duration, role, and salary.
For freelancers: Contracts with clients or a professional services agreement showing ongoing work relationships.
⚠️ Must be apostilled and translated to Spanish. The translation must be a sworn translation (traducción jurada) by an official translator accredited by your country.
Issued by your home country (often called a "police clearance" or "background check"). Request it from your local police or justice department.
⚠️ Must be apostilled AND translated to Spanish. Some countries include the apostille automatically; others you'll apply for separately.
A health certificate signed by a licensed physician confirming you have no serious communicable diseases. Must be in Spanish format.
Your home doctor can fill a generic English medical form, but it must then be translated to Spanish by a sworn translator. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment with a Spanish private clinic once in Spain (some consulates accept this if application is fast-tracked).
⚠️ Must be apostilled and translated.
Proof of a private health insurance policy valid in Spain covering the entire duration of your visa. Critical clause: Insurance must explicitly state "sin copago" (no copayment).
Common Spanish insurers: a leading private insurer Spain, established private health insurers in Spain, Seguros Bilbao. Policies typically cost €50–150/month depending on age and coverage.
Note: This document is issued in Spain, so it doesn't require apostille or translation.
Proof of where you'll live in Spain. Acceptable documents:
Visa fees vary by country and consulate, typically €100–150. Pay the fee at the consulate or designated bank, then provide the receipt with your application.
If your remote work is in a regulated field (architect, engineer, doctor, accountant), include copies of relevant certifications or diplomas.
⚠️ Must be apostilled and translated.
The most common source of consulate rejections is improper apostille or translation. Here's the definitive guide.
An apostille is a special seal added to a document by the government authority that issued it (or a higher authority). It certifies that the document is authentic and valid under international law (Hague Apostille Convention).
It is not a signature, notarization, or translation—it's a certification.
Documents that do NOT require apostille: Employment contracts (unless officially registered by government), bank statements, invoices, personal letters.
Contact the government office that issued the original document. For most countries:
Timeline: 2–4 weeks typically. Some countries offer expedited apostille for a fee.
A sworn translation is an official translation of a document, certified by a translator accredited by your government. Every apostilled document must also be officially translated to Spanish.
Order of operations: Apostille first, then translate the apostilled version (not a copy).
Cost: Typically €15–50 per document, depending on length and translator.
Where to find a translator: Check your country's Ministry of Justice for a list of official translators. Alternatively, many Spanish consulates can recommend accredited translators.
We coordinate the entire process for you. When you work with MSV for a consulate application, we:
Cost: Apostille & translation coordination is included in your MSV service package. We don't charge extra, but you pay the official fees (apostille: ~€5–20 per doc; translation: ~€15–50 per doc).
We've reviewed hundreds of applications. Here are the mistakes that trigger rejections.
Mistake: Submitting an apostilled document in English without Spanish translation.
Fix: Every apostilled document needs a sworn Spanish translation. No exceptions.
Mistake: Getting an apostille from the wrong government office (e.g., local city office instead of national office). Apostilles must come from the issuing authority.
Fix: Contact the national-level office that issued the document. MSV will guide you.
Mistake: Criminal records or medical certificates older than 6–12 months.
Fix: Request fresh copies with recent dates. Criminal records especially are time-sensitive; don't request them too early.
Mistake: An employer letter that confirms employment but doesn't explicitly state "remote work" or "working from Spain."
Fix: Ask your employer to reword the letter or provide an addendum explicitly confirming remote work arrangements.
Mistake: Submitting a health insurance certificate that requires copayment (coinsurance) or has deductibles.
Fix: Look for policies with "sin copago" explicitly stated. Spanish consulates are strict on this.
Mistake: Bank statements showing only one or two deposits, or averaging below €2,300/month.
Fix: Provide 6 months of statements showing consistent monthly deposits. Include explanation letters if income is irregular (freelance work).
Mistake: Leaving fields blank on the visa application or providing vague answers.
Fix: Complete every field. If a field doesn't apply, write "N/A" rather than leaving it blank.
Mistake: Blurry, low-contrast, or partially cut-off photocopies or scans.
Fix: Use a high-quality scanner or dedicated scanning app (Adobe Scan, CamScanner). Ensure all text and signatures are readable.
You don't manage documents alone. Here's our process.
After signing on with MSV, you receive a secure client portal where you upload each required document. The portal guides you through the checklist step-by-step.
Our visa specialists review every document you upload. If something is missing, unclear, or incorrect, we notify you immediately with specific guidance on what to fix or resubmit.
We tell you exactly which documents need apostille and translation, connect you with reputable translators, and review final versions before they're submitted to the consulate.
For in-country UGE applications, we handle the entire electronic submission through the UGE system. You provide documents; we file them officially and track the application status.
For consulate applications, we schedule your appointment, ensure you have all documents, and follow up with the consulate on your behalf if needed.
MSV Service Package: Full document review, apostille and translation coordination, portal management, and government filing is included. Service fee: €1,899 (payable in 3 installments of €633 each). This is a one-time fee covering the entire application process.
Answers to the most common questions about digital nomad visa documents.
No. Apostilles are only required for documents issued by government authorities (criminal records, medical certificates, vital records, educational credentials). Bank statements and employment contracts are private documents and do not require apostille. However, an employment contract may need to be officially translated to Spanish if submitted to a consulate.
Typical timeline is 2–4 weeks, depending on your country and office processing times. Some countries offer expedited apostille (1–2 weeks) for a small extra fee. Start this process early—don't wait until your consulate appointment is scheduled. MSV recommends requesting apostilles 8–10 weeks before your expected consulate submission date.
Most sworn translators offer remote services. You can send apostilled documents by email, they translate them, and send back the notarized Spanish translation. Some require a small verification step (video call or ID scan), but the entire process can be done remotely. MSV will recommend trusted translators in your country.
Consulates typically require a criminal record certificate dated within 6–12 months of application. If yours is older, request a fresh one from your local police or justice department. The good news: if you have no criminal record, the process is usually quick (1–2 weeks). MSV will advise you on the specific timeline for your consulate.
This is common for remote workers. Alternative options: (1) Ask your employer for an email confirmation you can print and have them sign, (2) Provide a freelance contract or service agreement with the client, (3) Show consecutive invoices or payment receipts proving the work relationship. If you're self-employed, invoices and tax returns are often sufficient. MSV will advise on what works best for your specific situation and consulate.
No. Apostille and notarization are different processes. An apostille certifies the document is authentic and comes from a government office. Notarization is typically for private documents (like affidavits) and is not required for most Spain visa documents. Check with MSV about your specific documents, but in 95% of cases, you need apostille, not notarization.
The minimum monthly income requirement is approximately €2,300, but consulates want to see a consistent history (6 months of statements). Rather than a lump sum, focus on showing monthly deposits of your salary/invoices. If you have savings, include those bank statements too, but the key is proving monthly recurring income. MSV will review your specific numbers and advise if you're above or below the threshold.
Yes, color copies are fine and often preferred for clarity. Just ensure they're high-quality, not blurry or faded. For passports, color helps readability. For black-and-white documents (like letters), either is acceptable, but color is clearer if there's any stamp or signature. MSV will provide specific formatting requirements based on your consulate's rules.
Recommended insurance specialists
Spanish Health Insurance — visa-compliant private health insurance for English-speaking foreigners in Spain.
247 Expat Insurance — health and all types of expat insurance in Spain, tailored for international residents.
Our visa specialists will review your documents, coordinate apostilles and translations, and guide you through every step of the process.
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