Case: Digital Nomad Residence Permit for a Freelancer
30/06/2025
Reading time: 2 min
System errors are no reason to stop
Expenses for obtaining a residence permit
For obtaining a residence permit
Stages of obtaining a residence permit
November–December 2024
1December 30, 2024
2January 17, 2025
3February 4, 2025
4February 12, 2025
5March 5, 2025
6March 19, 2025
7May 15, 2025
8June 19, 2025
9The applicant reached out to us to secure her Digital Nomad residence permit in Spain.
The applicant from Serbia provides recruitment services for a Hungarian company through her sole proprietorship.
1. Document Preparation
The document package was standard, with one exception — proof of work experience. Since getting an apostille on the diploma would have taken too long, we chose an alternative path.
To prove her professional experience, we submitted:
- Certificate of self-employment in Serbia with an apostille (active since 2020)
- Contract with her current client (dated May 2022)
- Recommendation letter detailing her responsibilities from a previous client
2. Submission
Date: December 30, 2024
We rarely mention technical errors in the UGE system, but unfortunately, they do happen. And in Sladjana’s case, it had real consequences.
3. UGE System Error and Consequences
January 17, 2025 – The applicant received a confusing additional request stating:
“Data is loading. Please wait a moment and copy the text again”
Screenshot of the request message
We had to send several emails to UGE asking them to clarify the situation.
February 4, 2025 – A second request arrived asking for an official document proving education or work experience with an apostille (a standard requirement).
We resubmitted all necessary documents: the certificate of business registration in Serbia and the recommendation letter.
February 12, 2025 – A rejection was issued with the following messages:
“Data is loading. Please wait a moment and copy the text again.”
“The documents you uploaded to our server on 04.02.2025 were not received by us.”
4. Problem Resolution
We had two options:
- File an appeal (3–4 months wait)
- Resubmit the documents, since the applicant holds a visa-free passport
We chose the second option.
March 5, 2025 – We resubmitted the exact same package, and the applicant only had to repay the application fee.
5. Approval
Date: March 19, 2025
Approval was received with no further requests.
Document confirming approval of the digital nomad residence permit
6. Residence Card Issuance
On May 15, she submitted her fingerprints at the police station. On June 19, the applicant picked up her residence card!
This case is a reminder that while digital systems simplify processes, technical glitches can cost time and money. The key is knowing how to respond when they do.
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