#Residence permit of a digital nomad Reading time: 2 min

Answering the Most Common Questions About the Digital Nomad Visa from Our Followers

I don’t work in IT — can I still apply as a nomad?

Yes. Anyone who works remotely for a non-Spanish company and earns at least €2,520 per month can qualify as a digital nomad.

What documents are needed for the DN visa?

You'll find all the necessary information on El Relocator’s website, including specific document checklists for different applicant types:
  1. Freelancers (Autónomo)
  2. Self-employed / Contractors
  3. Employees
These lists haven’t seen major changes since summer.

Which documents require an apostille?

The program officially requires an apostille on:
  1. Police clearance certificate
  2. Birth and marriage certificates (if not issued by the Russian civil registry office – ZAGS)
However, Spanish authorities have the right to request an apostille on any government-issued document.

How long does the entire process take?

From the start of document collection to receiving your resident card, the full process usually takes about 2.5 to 3 months. Here’s the typical timeline:
  1. Up to 20 working days for UGE to review your application
  2. 14 days to complete the fingerprint appointment
  3. Around 25 more days to receive the physical residence card

Does my whole family have to come at the same time?

No, that’s not required. The main applicant can be approved first, and their family can arrive and apply afterward.

Do I have to stay in Spain the whole time?

Not necessarily. To renew your residence permit, you must live in Spain for at least 183 days per year. However, if you plan to apply for permanent residency (PR), this threshold increases to about 10 months per year.

Can I use crypto income?

No. According to UGE rules, you must prove financial solvency by providing official bank statements showing accessible liquid funds. At this time, cryptocurrency is considered an asset in Spain — not a valid payment method.

What’s the approval rate?

According to UGE’s official statistics from July 19, 2023:
  1. 66% of main applicants were approved
  2. 75% of family members were approved
Our approval rate? 95%!

What taxes will I pay?

Digital nomads currently pay tax under Spain’s progressive income tax system. We have a pinned message with a detailed section on taxes. For personalized advice, feel free to message us directly.

What if my application gets rejected?

Out of over 120 cases, we’ve had only 3 rejections — and we already won the appeal on one of them. If you receive a rejection, you can either appeal the decision or reapply (if your Schengen status allows it).
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