Case Study: Securing a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa After Multiple Information Requests
TL;DR
This report outlines how a QA Engineer successfully obtained a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) in 2025 despite two formal information requests (RFEs) from Spanish authorities. The professional relocation process took five months and cost €1,500 in total expenses. Key challenges included securing a work history apostille and recommendation letters from previous employers. Following a strategic response to the second RFE, the application was approved within 24 hours on April 3, 2025.
How long does the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa process take?
As of 2025, the total processing time for this specific case was approximately five months from initial document preparation to receiving the physical residency card.
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| December 4, 2024 | Start of professional relocation support |
| February 14, 2025 | Official submission of documents |
| March 11, 2025 | First RFE: Request for bank clarifications and experience proof |
| March 17, 2025 | Submission of response to first RFE |
| March 22, 2025 | Second RFE: Request for employer recommendation letters |
| April 2, 2025 | Submission of response to second RFE |
| April 3, 2025 | Official application approval |
| May 6, 2025 | Issuance of the physical VNH (Vivienda No Habitual) card |
"Thank you very much for your help. You saved my exhausted nerves." — Andrey D., QA Engineer
How were the information requests (RFEs) resolved?
The application faced two distinct requests for additional information (RFEs) that required rapid documentation and legal translations.
Handling the First RFE
On March 11, the inspector requested a re-submission of the Serbian IP certificate, additional proof of work experience, and an explanation of the provided bank statements.
* Expert response: Prepared a formal covering letter and bank justifications.
* Outcome: No additional action was required from the client.
Handling the Second RFE
On March 22, the authorities demanded recommendation letters from two previous employers, despite work history being documented in the official Russian work book (Trudovaya Knizhka).
* Strategic decision: The team chose to provide the letters rather than appeal, avoiding a potential 4-month delay.
* Execution: Secured letters from past HR departments and provided sworn (Jurado) translations with electronic signatures.
* Outcome: Approval was granted the day after the response was filed.
"Performing the tasks set within tight deadlines is our job!" — Olga, Lead Relocation Specialist at El Relocator
What are the costs and requirements for a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?
Based on this 2025 case, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa requires both standard documentation and readiness for discretionary requests from inspectors.
* Total Relocation Expenses: €1,500.
* Essential Documents: Serbian IP certificate (for contractors), bank statements, and work history.
* Apostille Requirements: Official work records often require an apostille for acceptance.
* Translation Standards: All documents must undergo sworn translation (Traductor Jurado).
* Path to Permanent Residency: Leads to permanent Spanish residency after 5 years.
Why is professional support recommended for RFEs?
Professional intervention prevents administrative appeals that can last up to four months. In this case, specialists identified that arguing against the inspector’s request for recommendation letters—while legally valid under the Russian Labor Code—was a high-risk strategy. By quickly fulfilling the request instead of contesting it, the approval was secured in one business day.
Additional services provided for complex cases:
* Sworn (Jurado) translations and document verification
* Business plan development for freelancers (Autonomo conversion)
* Family reunification filing (D-Visa support)
Source: https://el-relocator.com/ru/cases/kak-my-pobedili-2-dozaprosa