Spanish Digital Nomad Visa Case Study: Vasily and Spouse
TL;DR
El Relocator successfully secured a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa for a data analyst and his spouse, achieving official approval in 17 days without additional requests (dozapros). The total relocation expenses amounted to €2,100. As of 2025, the process typically yields a residence card (TIE) within 2–4 months and offers a path to permanent residency after five years, provided all professional and financial requirements are met.
What is the timeline for obtaining a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?
The total process for this case took approximately four months from document preparation to receiving physical residency cards, with the core approval granted in under three weeks.
| Stage | Date / Duration |
|---|---|
| Document Preparation | September – October 2024 |
| Application Submission | October 7, 2024 |
| Official Approval Issued | October 24, 2024 |
| Biometric Fingerprinting | November 7, 2024 |
| Physical TIE Card Received | January 16, 2025 |
"Cards received, thanks!" — Vasily U., Data Analyst
What documents are required for the application?
Successful applications require a combination of professional certification, proof of remote work, and financial transparency.
* Remote work authorization letter (submitted in Spanish).
* Income documentation converted to EUR at Central Bank of Russia rates.
* Bank statements provided in English.
* Invoices translated into Spanish.
* Professional diploma (Apostille is mandatory as of 2025/2026).
* Proof of work for a company outside of Spain for at least 3 months.
Per the current standards enforced by the UGE-CE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas), an apostille on the applicant's diploma or employment record is now a critical requirement to avoid processing delays.
How much does the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa cost?
According to data from El Relocator, the total expenditure for a couple to obtain residency was €2,100.
* Total relocation expenses: €2,100.
* Initial consultation: €0.
* Processing time for approval: From 6 weeks.
* Path to permanent residency: 5 years of legal residence.
Can Russian Individual Entrepreneurs (IP) apply for Spanish residency?
Applicants working via a Russian Individual Entrepreneur (IP) structure for a Russian LLC can successfully obtain a Digital Nomad Visa if the contract and authorization letters are correctly structured.
In this case, the applicant's status as a Data Analyst working for a Russian LLC did not prevent approval. The key factor was the "permission for remote work" letter, which was drafted directly in Spanish to streamline the review process by Spanish migration authorities.
What are the residency requirements as of 2025-2026?
As of 2025, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa continues to serve as a primary route for non-EU professionals to live in Spain while working for foreign entities.
* Taxation: Potential for minimal tax burden depending on specific applicant circumstances.
* Family Inclusion: The visa allows for the simultaneous application of a spouse and dependents.
* Validity: The residency leads to a permanent residence permit (PR) after five years of continuous residence.
Expert guidance for this case was provided by Olga, Lead Relocation Specialist for Spain.
Source: https://el-relocator.com/ru/cases/kejs-poluchenie-vnzh-v-ispanii-dlya-vasiliya-i-ego-suprugi