Obtaining a residence permit in Spain for the whole family

Ilona reached out to us to get a Digital Nomad residence permit for the whole family in Spain.

Ilona chose the “All-Inclusive Relocation” package. This meant that we handled all the bureaucracy — obtaining certificates, sworn translations, filling out forms, paying fees, and coordinating processes. For a family of five, this significantly saved time and energy.

1. Document Preparation

Work with Ilona began on June 3rd. We ordered her criminal record certificate as the client was unable to do it independently. Also, one family member arrived in Spain earlier and needed to have their arrival notarized. For this, the person prepared copies of their passport and boarding pass, which were then notarized.

The biggest challenges arose with obtaining the criminal record certificate from Israel. It took an extremely long time to issue, and when all other documents were ready, the certificate still wasn’t available. Moreover, the conditions for obtaining certificates changed, and we had to order it again. Eventually, we decided to postpone the submission until the last moment to upload the document during the review process.

2. Submission

Submission date: July 24, 2024

While the documents were under review, the certificates with apostilles arrived, but one of them was defective: the issuing authority made a typo, and we had to urgently request a replacement certificate through the Israeli Embassy in Madrid. This time the process went faster and without errors, and the corrected document was uploaded to the system in time.

3. Residency Approval

Approval date: August 27, 2024

Approval for Ilona and her family was received without additional requests.

Digital Nomad Visa approval document for the main applicant

4. Fingerprint Submission

Fingerprint submission date: September 13, 2024

The next stage was getting appointments for fingerprint submission. We managed to book a date for all five people on September 13, 2024. We also prepared the forms and payment receipts in advance.

5. Receiving the Residency Card

Card receipt date: October 22, 2024

Next step: autónomo registration.

6. Autonomo Registration and Social Security Registration

The next step was opening a Spanish bank account, after which Ilona could register for social security and set up autónomo (self-employed status in Spain). The service package also included a consultation with a tax lawyer (gestor), which we organized on October 29.

Start of social security registration and autónomo setup process: October 23, 2024

Call with tax lawyer: October 29, 2024

Final confirmation of social security and autonomo registration: November 20, 2024

Now the family lives in Spain and enjoys all its benefits!