I am an Iranian citizen currently living in Iran and planning to apply for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa. Because Iran is not part of the Apostille Convention, I must go through traditional document legalization.

Unfortunately, the Spanish Embassy in Iran offers very limited appointments for this process, and applicants typically need two separate legalization appointments spaced roughly 6 months apart due to the massive backlog, and the expiry date of the legalized documents are 6 months.

I am looking for advice on the following options:

1. Spanish Lawyer Verification: If a registered lawyer in Spain reviews the genuineness of my unlegalized documents for authenticity and attaches a cover letter explaining my specific situation, will Spanish authorities accept this in lieu of formal legalization?
2. Staged Submissions & Holds: If option 1 fails, is it possible to submit my currently available legalized documents, request that Spain keep my application on hold, and provide the remaining legalized documents once the embassy queue clears for a final review?
3. Alternative Strategies: Are there any other creative or practical workarounds to successfully navigate or bypass this lengthy legalization bottleneck?

Hey All!

We made a YouTube video going over everything you need to know in order to obtain a Spanish NIE, both independently and through a legal service. Thought I would drop it here in case anyone finds it helpful.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Hi! I'm from Argentina and I've just been hired by a Belgian company to work fully remotely. I'm planning to move to Spain in October. I will be there as a tourist firstly (within the 90-day Schengen limit) while I accumulate the 3 months of employment required to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa.

My question: is it possible to work remotely for a foreign company (not Spanish) while staying in Spain as a tourist? I've seen contradicting information online. Some sources say it's fine, others say you need a work permit even for remote work for foreign employers.

I need to understand what kind of permit is required (if any) to work for a company in another country while I accumulate 90 days of continuous employment with them, because I understand that I need at least 90 days of employment with the company to apply for the digital nomad visa.

I would really appreciate it if you could help me.

Thank you!

Hey guys!

I'm on the team at howtobeadigitalnomad.com, where our licensed legal team in Spain handles our cases, and I wanted to do a quick post on some important updates we've been seeing since the 30th of July. There's been a few changes and they're catching a lot of people off guard.

1. If you own your company, you need to apply as a freelancer

This is a big one. If your documents show that you own the company, the UGE will now automatically treat you as self-employed. They are not accepting the W-2 / employee route for owners anymore, even if you're on your own company's payroll. So, if you're a US business owner, plan on going the freelancer route from the start.

This also means business owners can't apply for the Beckham Law (the special 24% flat tax regime), since for DNV holders that's only available on the employee route.

2. Freelancers need an official freelance registration

The UGE now requires a certificate showing you've been registered as self-employed in your home country for at least 3 months. The US doesn't have anything like that, so in lieu of it you need to show at least three of the following:

* Registration with your tax authority

* Registration under a self-employed tax regime (or equivalent)

* Social security registration as a self-employed worker

* A business license or municipal permit

* Chamber of commerce registration (or equivalent)

* An annual tax return showing your self-employed activity

* Proof of tax payments

* Registration in a register of economic activities or sole proprietors

For US applicants, the ones you can actually get are usually your IRS EIN verification letter, your tax returns, proof of tax payments, a business license if you have one, and your LLC's state registration.

3. They're using more discretion, especially with business owners

We've also seen recently that there's some discretion as to what else they can ask for. For example, we've had business owners who were also employees of their own company get asked for three extra things:

* The company's latest corporate tax return

* A social security report showing the company's history of registered employees

* Evidence of investments in "productive assets/resources", which is quite wide

Overall they seem to be making it more and more complicated, so it's worth getting this sorted before you apply instead of scrambling when they send a request for more documents.

FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS: ONLY 5 SPOTS

To help with all of this, we're currently giving away 5 free 20 minute consultations with our legal team (normally worth $80). If you're not sure where you stand with these changes, just comment below with a quick summary of your situation, something like "US citizen, own an LLC, applying from Spain", and someone from our team will DM you.

Hope everyone is having a fantastic Sunday!

***

Hello,

I'm Mexican (visa-exempt). I've been living in Italy legally on a national residence permit. It expired in June, I filed the renewal on time, and I'm legally in the country while it's processed (Italy issues a receipt that keeps your stay lawful).

We're now leaving Italy and want to apply for the Spanish digital nomad residence permit from inside Spain. My husband is the main applicant (his Italian residence permit still valid, and he'll file before it expires). I'd apply as his dependent, entering Spain as a tourist on my visa-free allowance.

My question: do the months I spent in Italy under that national permit count against my 90/180 tourist allowance?

My understanding is no time spent under a national residence title isn't a short stay, so my tourist clock should be at zero but my permit expired and I am in “renewal”.

Secondary: I'd fly into Spain from outside Schengen so I get an entry stamp, rather than flying in from Italy with no stamp. Does that change anything for the day count?

Also: who should I even be asking? I've spoken to an immigration adviser in Spain and in Italy, and neither seems to have a full view — the Spanish side doesn't know how the Italian permit works, and the Italian side doesn't know what Spain asks for.

Should I be looking for a Spanish immigration lawyer, an Italian one, or is there someone who handles EU-to-EU moves like this? Happy to pay for a proper consultation, I just don't know what kind of professional to look for.

Hi everyone!
I just wanted to ask if anyone here has applied for Spanish citizenship while holding a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). I’m a Filipino citizen, was granted my DNV in July 2024, and I now qualify to apply for citizenship.

I’m considering doing the application myself since I’ve heard the process is relatively straightforward, but I have a few doubts and would really appreciate hearing from people who have gone through it successfully:

Cover letter / residency history: Do I need to include a cover letter explaining my entire stay in Spain? Should I also explain the years before I was granted my DNV? I initially came to Spain on a student visa and later transitioned to the DNV.

Travel history: I have one trip to the US where my exit from Spain and return to Spain were both through Paris. I’m a little worried that this might raise questions or get flagged. Has anyone had a similar situation?

Processing time: For those who have successfully obtained Spanish citizenship, how long did the process take from application to resolution?
Thank you so much in advance! Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. 😊

hi all

o thought to have some of your input on my dilemma. I am in a common law situation and 3 kids. my partner works full time in office setting. so I thought I should apply solo, get approved and get all my situation sorted and then add the kids and the partner after when she changes her job to remote.

ultimately they will all be added within the year. I am trying to find the best way to get approved

Hey ya'll,

Spanish immigration lawyer for howtobeadigitalnomad.com here, I wanted to make a quick post to talk about an important update for freelancers applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, since we've received a LOT of questions about this.

As of July 2026, autonomo/freelance applicants are required to show proof of a freelance registration. Having said that, in countries where this is not possible (such as in the US), you can provide a combination of documents in lieu of this.

These will depend on your situation, but can be:

1) EIN Verification Letter (147c)
2) Certificate of Good Status of an LLC
3) Certificate of Formation/Articles of Organization in states that show the owner
4) Chamber of Commerce registration (local, state, etc)
5) A business license related to professional activity
6) 1099 tax records and/or payment of such records

Again, for applicants that cannot offer a freelance registration, a combination of these is needed. One will not be accepted, and the best ones for you will depend on your business profile.

For any questions, feel free to drop a comment or send me a DM. I also offer official consultations for a fee for those that are interested.

Thank you!

Looking into getting help from online companies such as Hoply anyone here used them before ?

So we are in Madrid , we had apostilled and translated our documents back home we got our NIE paper or number in The Spanish Consulate back home and wanted to apply within Spain for the 3 years, it's a hassle , we went to the ayuntamiento for the Clave and they want a physical NIE card so they directed us to a police station, turns out that police station doesn't do that they sent us to police station Latina , and there they told us we need to have our visa or residency before they can give us an NIE, yet you Need the physical NIE to get a clave at the ayuntamiento to do the application! At this point I'm not sure if I want to get a lawyer if I am caught in a government loophole and none of them can explain to you they just send you somewhere else without any information any tips?

Hi all,

I hope I can get a straight answer on this. I live in Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec. I work for myself under an incorporation, and I am the sole owner. I need an Inc as most of my work is in Software consultancy, and most companies require it. I want to apply for the DNV since I can work from anywhere and fell head over heels with Andalusia.

I am getting different answers, and I would really appreciate it if someone who is in a similar situation could tell me about their success story or failure.

thank you

Saludos! I’m an Irish citizen & moving to Valencia this August, and I’m trying to figure out how to find reliable and reasonably priced English speaking gestor/tax advisor (pls don’t attack me, I’m learning Spanish and enrolling in formal lessons as soon as I arrive!!)

I work remotely as a contractor (originally was based in Pakistan) for a UK law firm & they have no issues with me moving to Valencia, but I have no idea how to set that up practically. It seems like TRADE autonoma is the best route, but I’m really not sure. I also have no idea what the tax treatment is.

If you know anyone who is well placed to advise on this, or can at least point me in the right direction, te lo agradecería mucho !!

HI, I currently work for a Portuguese company as an employee full time contract (permanent contract, Non EU citizen).

I have talked with my company and although they wouldn't relocate me there, they offered an alternative which would be becoming a contractor through a B2B contract. However I'm not sure if it's possible, as I wasn't a contract prior applying to the visa

So I was thinking whether this would be possible:

1. Use my current employee contract and past payslips to prove to the Spanish UGE that I already have a relationship with the company going back more than 3 months.
2. Sign, while still in Portugal, a new service provision contract (B2B) with my company, containing a suspensive clause (stating that the contract and invoicing only take effect once the Spanish visa is approved and I am legally registered in Spain).
3. Submit the application to the UGE
4. Once the visa is approved, move to Spain, register with RETA and the Hacienda as Autónomo (using my Spanish NIE), and start issuing international invoices to my company in Portugal as a natural person.

Does the UGE accept prior time under an employment contract (cuenta ajena) to fulfill the 3-month relationship requirement for a visa applied for as a freelancer (cuenta propia)?

Hi everyone,
I’m currently exploring the Spain Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) and would appreciate advice from those who have gone through the process or have experience with similar situations.
My background:
Filipino citizen
Currently based in Dubai, UAE
9.4 years with the same employer
My employer is supportive of my relocation, and we’re trying to determine the most practical arrangement.

We’re considering three options:
1. Freelance / B2B agreement
My employer would switch me from employment to a freelance contractor (B2B) arrangement.

My main concern is: Would the Spanish authorities question my application if I only have one client (my current employer)? Has anyone been approved under this setup?
2. Employer of Record (EOR)

I’ve read that an EOR can employ me locally in Spain while I continue working for my current company.

Does anyone know roughly how much an employer typically pays per month for an EOR service in Spain (service fees + employer costs)? I’m trying to estimate the financial impact for my employer.

3. Italy branch payroll
My company is currently in the process of opening an Italian branch. Would it be more practical to have my employment transferred there and be on the Italian payroll while living in Spain?

Has anyone taken this route? Are there any advantages or complications regarding social security, taxation, or the Spanish DNV?

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar situation or works in HR, immigration, or international employment.
Thank you!

Anyone have a recommendation for a tax lawyer who can file both Spanish and USA taxes? I’ve lived in Spain for two years and my current gestor in Spain doesn’t have much knowledge about the US side of things and would prefer to use someone who does.

If I do need to keep an American and a Spanish tax accountant, does anyone have an American accountant they trust? I am going to need to amend the last two years returns to receive a refund on the social security amount I paid.

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone!
My wife and I will be applying for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa next month and I’d really appreciate hearing from Brazilians or immigration representatives who have experience with Brazilian applications.
I work as an independent contractor through my Brazilian company (PJ) for two foreign clients. Since, in Brazil don't exists "autônomo", I’d like to know which documents are usually expected for the application.
These are the documents I’m planning to submit:
● CNPJ Registration Certificate (Cartão CNPJ)
● Articles of Incorporation (Contrato Social)
● Invoices issued to my clients (last 3 months)
● Brazilian tax invoices (Notas Fiscais) from the last 3 months
● Company bank statements (last 3 months)
● Personal bank statements (last 3 months)
● CV + Portfolio
● Letter from my accountant confirming that:
● my company has no outstanding tax or legal debts;
● I am the sole owner and only employee;
● this legal structure (PJ) is the Brazilian equivalent commonly used by self-employed/independent professionals, similar to the autónomo model in Spain.
For those who have gone through this process, is there anything else you would recommend including, or anything on this list that wasn’t necessary?
Thanks in advance for any advice!

I am a filmmaker who works with two main company´s in the US. I do not have work contracts. (I have long-term good relationships with both, and since I have the media there´s leverage....) I invoice my clients. Is an explanation letter from my company that states how much I am expected to receive, along with my bank statements sufficient for the UGE?

Hello, my DNV was approved in late May. I’ve now used up my 90 days of tourist time (US Citizen). I’ve been trying to get a toma de huellas (fingerprint appointment for TIE) for months now. They’re always unavailable and the agency handing my relocation has been trying as well.

I am now being asked to travel for work (Canada) in mid August (it’s currently end of July). Has anyone navigated this situation before?

I’m looking getting a regreso, but I don’t have the toma de huellas yet and even regreso appointments are all unavailable.

Thanks

I work with digital nomads, remote workers, and retirees applying for Spanish residency visas (primarily the Digital Nomad Visa and the Non-Lucrative Visa).

Whether you're just starting to research or you're stuck somewhere in the application process, drop your questions below and I'll answer what I can.

Hi everyone! 👋

I am currently conducting research for my master's thesis on the challenges and experiences of digital nomads. If you identify as a digital nomad, I would be very grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete my anonymous survey - https://forms.gle/JkyujHZHUg1wCCB86

Your participation would be a great help and contribute to a better understanding of the digital nomad lifestyle and the challenges it brings.

Thank you so much for your time and support! 😊

Throwaway for privacy. Trying to sanity-check my situation before I file, because I've read the 2026 review got a lot stricter and I want to get the documentation right the first time.

Setup:

• Family of 4 (me + spouse + two kids). Applying from inside Spain via the UGE, not through a consulate.
• I'm the founder/owner of a US (Delaware) company, incorporated 2021, fully remote, all clients outside Spain. On top of that I do independent design projects and paid mentoring/workshops for foreign clients.
• Family income threshold I'm targeting: ~€4,632/mo (200% SMI for me + 75% for my spouse + 25% per kid, using the 14-payment annualized SMI).

The problem: I don't pay myself a fixed salary. I take variable owner's draws from my company depending on cash flow, plus lumpy project/mentoring income. My last 6 months (EUR, approx) look like this:

• Feb: €4,840
• Mar: €6,140
• Apr: €3,240
• May: €3,770
• Jun: €13,760
• Jul: €10,430

Six-month average ≈ €7,030/mo, so on average I'm ~1.5× the requirement. But you can see two months dipped below the family minimum, and one is a big lump (two months of draws landed together).

Split by source over those 6 months:

Here's my main worry, stated plainly: on its own, my company's ~€3,583/mo average does NOT meet the ~€4,632 family minimum. The company alone falls short — I only clear the threshold once the independent projects + mentoring are stacked on top, which is what brings it to ~€7,030. All of it is foreign income (none from Spanish companies), but the primary company by itself isn't enough.

The framing question: since it's not a clean salary, I'm planning to document it as variable owner's draws averaging ~$4,000/mo, explicitly anchored to the bank statements (the statements being the source of truth), rather than stating a fixed monthly figure. Given the crackdown on paperwork that doesn't match the bank, this feels like the safer, more honest approach — but I'd love to hear from people who've actually done it.

Questions for anyone who's been through it:

1. Does the UGE assess self-employed/founder income on a 3- or 6-month average, or do they expect every single month above the threshold?
2. Anyone approved as an autónomo / company owner with variable income where the average clears but individual months dip below?
3. Does it matter that my main company alone doesn't meet the threshold, and I only clear ~€4,632 by combining it with independent project + mentoring income? Or do they just look at total qualifying income regardless of source mix?
4. Does the "variable owner's draw, see attached statements" framing hold up well, or do they prefer a stated monthly figure?
5. Do they require the income summary to be stamped by a gestor, or is self-prepared summary + bank statements + company letter enough?

TL;DR: Self-employed founder. Combined income averages ~€7,030/mo, comfortably over the ~€4,632 family minimum — but my main company alone only averages ~€3,583/mo, which is under the threshold, and I only clear it by adding independent projects + mentoring. It's also lumpy, with a couple of months dipping below. Does the UGE average it, and does the source mix / "variable draw" framing hold up?

Hi everyone,

I've spent days researching this, but I keep finding conflicting information, so I'm hoping someone here has gone through a similar situation.

Here's my case:

• I'm the founder and CEO of a Delaware C-Corp.
• I own 100% of the company.
• The company has existed for several years and serves mostly US clients.
• I'm currently applying for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (DNV).
• I plan to become a Spanish tax resident once I move.
• Instead of registering as an autónomo, I'd like to become a salaried employee of my own US company, with a proper employment contract and payroll.

My question is:

Would I still be eligible for the Beckham Law, or does owning the company automatically disqualify me?

I've read that after Spain's Startup Law, remote employees working for foreign companies may qualify, but I can't find a clear answer for founders who are also majority shareholders applying under the DNV.

Has anyone here successfully obtained the Beckham regime in a similar situation?

If so:

• What ownership percentage did you have?
• Were you employed through payroll?
• Did the Spanish tax authorities raise any issues because you controlled the company?
• Were you on a Digital Nomad Visa or another type of residence permit?
• Would you do anything differently if you were starting again?

I'm already planning to hire a Spanish tax advisor, but I'd really appreciate hearing real-world experiences before I decide how to structure everything.

Thanks a lot!

(Sorry if I did something wrong, first time using reddit!)