Spain Digital Nomad Visa: General Requirements

Regardless of the type of visa you apply for, Spain has overarching eligibility requirements that all applicants must meet. These criteria ensure applicants are prepared for a legal and sustainable stay in the country. Hereโ€™s a breakdown of the general requirements:

Basic Requirements for All Visa Types

  1. Valid Passport
    • Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
    • Should include at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
  2. Proof of Financial Stability
    • Applicants must demonstrate the financial means to support themselves during their stay in Spain.
    • This could include recent bank statements, proof of employment, or evidence of passive income sources.
  3. Clean Criminal Record
    • A background check issued within the last three months is required.
    • The document must show no prior convictions and may need to be apostilled or legalized, depending on your country of origin.
  4. Health Insurance
    • Applicants must have private health insurance that is valid throughout Spain.
    • The policy should provide comprehensive coverage, including emergencies and repatriation.
  5. Completed Visa Application Form
    • The form must be filled out accurately, signed, and submitted along with the required documents.
  6. Proof of Purpose of Stay
    • Depending on the visa type, you will need supporting documents such as an employment contract, university admission letter, or proof of investment.
  7. Biometric Data Submission
    • Most applicants must submit their fingerprints and a recent passport-sized photograph.

General Financial Requirements for Spainโ€™s DNV

Spain requires that digital nomads and remote workers earn at least 200% of the national minimum wage (Salario Mรญnimo Interprofesional โ€“ SMI). As of 2024, this equates to at least โ‚ฌ2,646 per month (โ‚ฌ31,752 per year). Additional financial proof may be required for dependents.

Acceptable Proof of Financial Stability

Applicants must provide documents proving they meet the financial requirement. These may include:

  • Bank statements (typically from the last 3โ€“6 months)
  • Employment contract with a foreign company
  • Proof of self-employment or freelance contracts
  • Passive income proof (investments, rental income, dividends, etc.)
  • Tax returns from the applicantโ€™s home country

Country-Specific Financial Proof Requirements

Each country has different financial reporting systems, so Spain may accept different types of proof depending on where the applicant is from.

United States

  • Bank Statements: U.S. applicants can submit recent statements from major banks (e.g., Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo).
  • Tax Returns: IRS Form 1040 for the previous year, especially if self-employed.
  • Pay Stubs: From a U.S.-based employer showing monthly income.
  • Passive Income: Rental income statements, investment portfolio reports (e.g., Charles Schwab, Vanguard).

United Kingdom

  • Payslips: From UK employers, along with a work contract.
  • HMRC Tax Returns: Latest self-assessment tax return (SA100).
  • Bank Statements: From UK banks (HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds).
  • Pension or Investment Income: Official statements from UK financial institutions.

Canada

  • Notice of Assessment (NOA): Issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
  • Employment Confirmation: Letter from employer confirming remote work.
  • Bank Statements: From Canadian banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank).
  • Investment Proof: Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) details.

Australia

  • Tax Returns: From the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
  • Superannuation Statements: If using savings as proof of financial stability.
  • Payslips & Employer Letters: Confirming continued employment.
  • Freelancer Invoices: If self-employed.

European Union (EU)

  • Income Proof: Payslips from an EU company or remote employer.
  • Freelancer Income: Contracts with clients, proof of ongoing work.
  • Bank Statements: From any EU financial institution.

India

  • Income Tax Returns (ITR): Filed with the Indian Income Tax Department.
  • Bank Statements: From major Indian banks (SBI, ICICI, HDFC).
  • Salary Slips & Employer Letter: Confirming employment and remote work.
  • Passive Income: Rental agreements, dividend certificates.

South Africa

  • Tax Returns: Issued by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
  • Bank Statements: From South African banks (FNB, Standard Bank).
  • Investment Proof: Stocks, property income, or business ownership.

Key Considerations
  • Self-Employed Applicants: Must show consistent income over several months.
  • Passive Income Applicants: Should ensure income meets the minimum threshold.
  • Family Members: Additional income may be required for dependents.

Spainโ€™s authorities may request additional documentation depending on the applicantโ€™s financial background. Ensuring you meet these criteria can improve your chances of successfully obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa.

Clean Criminal Record Requirement for Spainโ€™s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

One of the essential eligibility criteria for Spainโ€™s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is having a clean criminal record. This requirement ensures that applicants do not pose a security or legal risk while residing in Spain. Below is a detailed breakdown of what this requirement entails, how to obtain the necessary documentation, and country-specific processes for securing a criminal record check.


What Does a Clean Criminal Record Mean?

To qualify for Spainโ€™s DNV, applicants must provide an official certificate proving they have no criminal convictions within the last five years. The record must be:

โœ… Issued by the applicantโ€™s country of residence (or any country where they have lived in the past five years).
โœ… Duly legalized or apostilled (Hague Apostille Convention applies).
โœ… Officially translated into Spanish by a certified translator (if applicable).

Spain reserves the right to reject applicants with serious criminal offenses, particularly those related to financial crimes, fraud, violent offenses, or other felonies that may raise concerns about public safety.


How to Obtain a Criminal Record Certificate (Country-Specific Guide)

Each country has its own procedure for obtaining a criminal record certificate. Below is a breakdown of the process for some key applicant countries:

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States

  • Certificate Name: FBI Identity History Summary Check (FBI Background Check).
  • Where to Apply: Through the FBI or an FBI-approved channeler.
  • Processing Time: 3โ€“12 weeks (varies depending on whether itโ€™s electronic or mailed).
  • Legalization: Requires an apostille from the U.S. Department of State.
  • How to Apply: Online via FBI eDO portal or by mail.

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom

  • Certificate Name: ACRO Police Certificate or DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check.
  • Where to Apply: ACRO Criminal Records Office (ACRO) for visa purposes.
  • Processing Time: Standard (10 days), Express (2 days).
  • Legalization: Needs an apostille from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
  • How to Apply: Online via ACRO website.

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada

  • Certificate Name: RCMP Criminal Record Check (Royal Canadian Mounted Police).
  • Where to Apply: Through local police departments or directly with RCMP.
  • Processing Time: 10โ€“15 business days for electronic submissions, longer for paper applications.
  • Legalization: Requires authentication by Global Affairs Canada.
  • How to Apply: Submit fingerprints electronically to the RCMP.

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia

  • Certificate Name: National Police Certificate (NPC).
  • Where to Apply: Through the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
  • Processing Time: 10โ€“15 working days.
  • Legalization: Requires an apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
  • How to Apply: Online via AFPโ€™s website.

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ European Union (EU) Countries

  • Certificate Name: Certificado de Antecedentes Penales (varies by country).
  • Where to Apply: National police or Ministry of Justice in the respective country.
  • Processing Time: Usually 5โ€“15 business days.
  • Legalization: Apostille may be required unless under EU agreement.

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ India

  • Certificate Name: Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
  • Where to Apply: Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or local police station.
  • Processing Time: 2โ€“4 weeks.
  • Legalization: Apostille from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India.
  • How to Apply: Online via Passport Seva portal or through the police department.

๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ South Africa

  • Certificate Name: Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
  • Where to Apply: South African Police Service (SAPS).
  • Processing Time: 3โ€“8 weeks.
  • Legalization: Requires apostille from DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation).
  • How to Apply: Visit SAPS website and submit fingerprints.

Additional Considerations

1. Apostille and Legalization
  • If your country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, your criminal record certificate must be apostilled before submission.
  • Non-Hague countries need full diplomatic legalization via the Spanish consulate.
2. Translation Requirements
  • If the certificate is not in Spanish, it must be translated by a certified translator (traductor jurado in Spain).
  • Only official sworn translations will be accepted.
3. Validity Period
  • The criminal record certificate is typically valid for 3โ€“6 months from the issue date.
  • Some Spanish consulates may require it to be issued within 90 days of the application submission.

Health Insurance Requirement for Spainโ€™s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

One of the key requirements for Spainโ€™s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is having comprehensive health insurance. Spain mandates that visa applicants have private health coverage to ensure they can access medical care without burdening the public healthcare system. Below is a comprehensive guide on the health insurance requirements, acceptable policies, and how applicants from different countries can meet this criterion.


Health Insurance Requirements for Spainโ€™s DNV

To qualify for the DNV, your health insurance policy must meet the following criteria:

โœ… Full coverage in Spain โ€“ The insurance must cover all medical expenses within Spain, including hospitalization, primary care, specialist visits, and emergency services.
โœ… No co-payments or deductibles โ€“ Spain requires a zero deductible policy, meaning the insurance must cover all costs without requiring the applicant to pay additional fees.
โœ… Valid for the entire visa duration โ€“ The policy must be valid for at least one year and renewable for the duration of your stay.
โœ… Issued by an authorized provider โ€“ The insurer must be licensed to operate in Spain or have international recognition.
โœ… Covers repatriation and emergencies โ€“ Some consulates require repatriation coverage in case of serious illness or death.


Types of Health Insurance Accepted

1. Private Health Insurance (Preferred Option)

Most DNV applicants choose private health insurance from a Spanish provider. The policy must be comprehensive and not require co-payments (polizas sin copago). Some of the top insurers in Spain offering DNV-compliant plans include:

  • Sanitas
  • Adeslas
  • AXA
  • DKV Seguros
  • Mapfre
  • Cigna Global (for expats)

These plans offer full medical coverage with no waiting periods for visa applicants.

2. International Health Insurance

For some applicants, an international health insurance plan may be acceptable if it provides full coverage in Spain. However, many Spanish consulates prefer Spain-based insurers. If using an international provider, ensure the policy meets the no-deductible requirement and includes a certificate in Spanish stating coverage details.

Popular international insurers include:

  • Cigna Global
  • Bupa Global
  • Allianz Care
  • Aetna International

3. Public Healthcare (EU Citizens Only)

  • European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or S1 Form:
    • EU/EEA citizens may use an S1 form (if retired or paying social security in another EU country).
    • The EHIC is not always sufficient for long-term stays, so private insurance is recommended.

Country-Specific Health Insurance Options

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States

  • Preferred Option: Private insurance from a Spanish provider (Sanitas, Adeslas, AXA).
  • Alternatives: U.S.-based expat health insurance (Cigna Global, Allianz, Aetna).
  • Key Requirement: The plan must be without co-pays or deductibles.

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom

  • Preferred Option: Private insurance from Sanitas, Adeslas, or DKV.
  • UK-Based Insurance: Some expats use Bupa Global or AXA International, but Spanish consulates prefer local insurers.
  • NHS Coverage? No, NHS coverage is not accepted for the DNV.

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada

  • Preferred Option: Full private health coverage from Spanish insurers.
  • Canadian Alternatives: Expats sometimes use Blue Cross or Manulife, but policies must comply with Spainโ€™s no-co-pay rule.

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia

  • Preferred Option: Spanish private health insurance (Sanitas, Adeslas, etc.).
  • Australian Alternatives: Bupa Global, Medibank Private, or Allianz International (if meeting Spanish visa criteria).

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ European Union

  • Preferred Option: Private Spanish insurance for non-EU residents.
  • Alternative for EU Citizens: The S1 form (for pensioners and those paying social security in another EU country).

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ India

  • Preferred Option: Spanish health insurance policy.
  • Indian Alternatives: Some international providers, like Tata AIG or ICICI Lombard, offer expat plans but may not meet all DNV requirements.

๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ South Africa

  • Preferred Option: Local Spanish health insurance (Sanitas, Adeslas, Mapfre).
  • South African Alternatives: Discovery Health or Momentum International, if they meet Spainโ€™s no-deductible rule.

How to Get a Compliant Health Insurance Policy?

1. Choose a Spanish Insurance Provider

  • Visit websites of Sanitas, Adeslas, AXA, or DKV.
  • Select a โ€œsin copagoโ€ (no co-pay) plan.
  • Ensure coverage is for at least one year.

2. Obtain a Certificate of Coverage

  • Request a certificate in Spanish stating:
    • Full medical coverage in Spain
    • No deductibles or co-pays
    • Policy duration
  • Some insurers offer pre-approved certificates for visa applications.

3. Submit Insurance Proof with Your Visa Application

  • Provide the official insurance certificate.
  • If required, get the document translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.

Completed Visa Application Form for Spainโ€™s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

A crucial step in applying for Spainโ€™s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is submitting a fully completed visa application form. This document is required by the Spanish consulate or embassy and must be filled out accurately to avoid delays or rejections. Below is a comprehensive guide on the application form, how to complete it correctly, and country-specific submission requirements.


Where to Get the Visa Application Form?

The official National Visa Application Form (Formulario de Solicitud de Visado Nacional, Modelo EX-01 or EX-07) can be downloaded from:

๐Ÿ”น The official website of the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in your country.
๐Ÿ”น Spainโ€™s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
๐Ÿ”น Some consulates provide a physical copy that must be collected in person.

๐Ÿ“Œ Tip: Check with your local Spanish consulate to ensure you download the correct version.


How to Fill Out the Spain DNV Application Form

The form is usually available in English and Spanish, but it must be completed in Spanish. Below are the key sections and how to fill them out correctly.

๐Ÿ“ Section 1: Personal Information

โœ… First Name(s): As per passport.
โœ… Last Name(s): Match exactly with passport.
โœ… Date of Birth: Format: DD/MM/YYYY.
โœ… Place of Birth & Country: Match passport details.
โœ… Nationality: Your current nationality.
โœ… Gender: Select M (Male) / F (Female) / X (Other).
โœ… Marital Status: Choose from options (Single, Married, Divorced, etc.).

๐Ÿ“Œ Section 2: Passport Details

โœ… Passport Number: Ensure accuracy.
โœ… Issuing Country: Where the passport was issued.
โœ… Date of Issue & Expiry: Format: DD/MM/YYYY.
โœ… Type of Passport: Check “Ordinary Passport” unless you hold an official/diplomatic passport.

๐Ÿก Section 3: Contact Information

โœ… Current Address: Your legal residence.
โœ… Email & Phone Number: Ensure accuracy for consulate communications.

๐Ÿข Section 4: Travel & Residency Details

โœ… Purpose of Stay in Spain: Select “Residencia sin actividad lucrativa” (Non-Lucrative Residence) or “Teletrabajo Internacional” (International Remote Work).
โœ… Intended Length of Stay: Check the option for 1 year (renewable).
โœ… Intended Address in Spain: Provide a rental agreement or intended location of stay.

๐Ÿ’ผ Section 5: Employment & Financial Information

โœ… Current Employment Status: Mark โ€œEmployed,โ€ โ€œSelf-Employed,โ€ or โ€œFreelancerโ€ based on your situation.
โœ… Company Name & Address: If employed, provide company details.
โœ… Income Source: List salary, freelance work, or passive income.
โœ… Financial Means to Support Stay: Provide monthly income and attach bank statements.

๐Ÿฉบ Section 6: Health Insurance Details

โœ… Name of Insurance Provider: Enter the Spanish or international insurer covering you.
โœ… Policy Number & Coverage Period: Include 1-year validity with no co-pays.
โœ… Attach Proof of Health Insurance.

๐Ÿ“ Section 7: Background & Legal Information

โœ… Criminal Record Declaration: Confirm you have no criminal history.
โœ… Previous Schengen Visa Refusals? Declare if any visa was denied in the past.

โœ๏ธ Section 8: Applicant’s Declaration & Signature

โœ… Sign & Date the Form before submission.
โœ… Parents/Guardians must sign for minors.


How to Submit the Visa Application Form (Country-Specific Guide)

Once the form is completed, it must be submitted along with supporting documents. Submission procedures vary by country.

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States

  • Where to Apply: Spanish Consulates in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Houston, etc.
  • Appointment Required: Yes, via consulate website.
  • Submission Method: In-person.

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom

  • Where to Apply: Spanish Consulate in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh.
  • Appointment Required: Yes, via consulate website.
  • Submission Method: In-person.

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada

  • Where to Apply: Spanish Consulate in Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal.
  • Appointment Required: Yes, booked online.
  • Submission Method: In-person or by mail (depends on the consulate).

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia

  • Where to Apply: Spanish Consulate in Sydney or Melbourne.
  • Appointment Required: Yes.
  • Submission Method: In-person.

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ European Union

  • Where to Apply: Spanish Embassy or Consulate in the EU country of residence.
  • Appointment Required: Usually not required for EU nationals.

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ India

  • Where to Apply: Spanish Consulates in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore.
  • Appointment Required: Yes, via BLS International.
  • Submission Method: In-person.

๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ South Africa

  • Where to Apply: Spanish Consulate in Pretoria or Cape Town.
  • Appointment Required: Yes.
  • Submission Method: In-person.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Application Process

โœ” Double-check the form before submission to ensure accuracy.
โœ” Print in color and sign manually (no digital signatures).
โœ” Attach all required documents (passport copy, health insurance, bank statements, etc.).
โœ” Submit the application well in advance to account for processing delays.

Proof of Purpose of Stay for Spainโ€™s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

One of the key requirements for Spainโ€™s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is providing Proof of Purpose of Stay. This document verifies that the applicant is legitimately applying to live in Spain as a remote worker, freelancer, or business owner with the ability to sustain themselves financially. Below is a detailed guide on what is required, acceptable documents, and country-specific submission guidelines.


What is Proof of Purpose of Stay?

This requirement ensures that you have a valid reason for living in Spain under the International Remote Work visa category (Teletrabajo Internacional).

โœ… Remote Work Confirmation โ€“ Proof that you work for a company outside of Spain or run your own business remotely.
โœ… Freelancer Contracts or Business Proof โ€“ If self-employed, you need contracts with international clients.
โœ… Company Ownership Proof โ€“ If running a company, documentation proving ownership and ongoing operations.
โœ… Letter of Intent โ€“ A personal statement explaining why you are applying for the Digital Nomad Visa.


Required Documents Based on Employment Type

1. Remote Employees (Working for a Foreign Company)

If you are employed by a company outside Spain, you must provide:

โœ” Employment Contract โ€“ A valid contract proving you have been working remotely for at least 3 months before applying.
โœ” Letter from Employer โ€“ A formal letter stating:

  • Your position and salary.
  • That you are allowed to work remotely from Spain.
  • Confirmation that the company is registered outside Spain.
    โœ” Proof of Income โ€“ Bank statements and/or pay slips from the last 3โ€“6 months.

2. Freelancers / Self-Employed Individuals

If you are a freelancer, you must provide:

โœ” Client Contracts โ€“ At least one or more contracts proving ongoing remote work with companies outside Spain.
โœ” Proof of Work History โ€“ Invoices, tax declarations, or payment records from clients.
โœ” Business Registration โ€“ If self-employed, proof that your business is registered in your home country (e.g., LLC certificate, freelancer license).


3. Business Owners / Entrepreneurs

If you own a business and intend to manage it remotely, you must provide:

โœ” Company Registration Certificate โ€“ Proof of company incorporation outside Spain.
โœ” Proof of Ownership โ€“ Shareholder agreement or business license confirming your role as an owner.
โœ” Financial Statements โ€“ Company bank statements for the last 6 months showing stable income.
โœ” Letter of Intent โ€“ Explaining your role in the company and why you need to stay in Spain to manage it remotely.


4. Letter of Intent (Personal Statement)

Most Spanish consulates require a Letter of Intent to explain your purpose of stay. This document should be concise (1-2 pages) and include:

๐Ÿ”น Why you want to live in Spain (e.g., quality of life, business opportunities).
๐Ÿ”น How you plan to sustain yourself financially.
๐Ÿ”น Your work setup (company details, contracts, or clients).
๐Ÿ”น Your intended residence in Spain (if already arranged).

๐Ÿ“Œ Tip: The letter should be signed and, if necessary, translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.


Country-Specific Proof of Purpose of Stay Requirements

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States

โœ” Employment Letter from U.S. employer confirming remote work.
โœ” IRS Tax Returns for freelancers proving self-employment.
โœ” LLC Registration for business owners managing U.S.-registered companies.

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom

โœ” Payslips & P60 Tax Forms for employees.
โœ” Self-Assessment Tax Return (SA100) for freelancers.
โœ” Company Registration with HMRC for business owners.

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada

โœ” Employer Letter & CRA Notice of Assessment for employees.
โœ” GST/HST Registration & Invoices for freelancers.
โœ” Canadian Business Number (CBN) Registration for entrepreneurs.

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia

โœ” ATO Tax Records for freelancers.
โœ” Company Registration (ABN/ACN) for business owners.
โœ” Payslips & Employer Statement for remote employees.

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ European Union

โœ” Business Registration from home country if self-employed.
โœ” Employment Letter stating remote work authorization.
โœ” Client Contracts & Financial Statements for freelancers.

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ India

โœ” GST Registration Certificate for freelancers.
โœ” Employment Offer Letter & Bank Statements for employees.
โœ” Company Incorporation Certificate for business owners.

๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ South Africa

โœ” SARS Tax Clearance Certificate for freelancers.
โœ” Business Registration Documents if managing a company.
โœ” Employer Confirmation Letter for remote workers.


How to Submit Proof of Purpose of Stay?

1๏ธโƒฃ Prepare your documents (employment letter, contracts, bank statements).
2๏ธโƒฃ Translate into Spanish (if required by your consulate).
3๏ธโƒฃ Notarize or Apostille certain documents (business registration, contracts).
4๏ธโƒฃ Submit with your visa application at the Spanish consulate.

Biometric Data Submission for Spainโ€™s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

A critical step in applying for Spainโ€™s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is the biometric data submission. Spain requires applicants to provide fingerprints and facial recognition data as part of the visa application process. Below is a detailed guide on where, when, and how to submit your biometric data.


What is Biometric Data?

๐Ÿ”น Fingerprints โ€“ All 10 fingerprints are collected digitally.
๐Ÿ”น Facial Photograph โ€“ A digital photo is taken at the appointment.
๐Ÿ”น Signature Scan โ€“ Some consulates require an electronic signature.

The biometric data collection is mandatory for all applicants aged 12 and above.

๐Ÿ“Œ Note: If you have submitted biometrics for a previous Spanish visa within the last 5 years, you may not need to provide them again.


Where to Submit Biometric Data?

1๏ธโƒฃ At the Spanish Consulate or Embassy

Applicants must schedule an appointment at their nearest Spanish consulate or embassy to submit biometric data. This is usually done at the time of submitting the visa application.

2๏ธโƒฃ At a Designated Visa Application Center (VAC)

In some countries, Spain uses external visa processing centers, such as:
โœ” BLS International โ€“ Used in India, UAE, and parts of Asia.
โœ” VFS Global โ€“ Used in some locations like Canada and Australia.

3๏ธโƒฃ In Spain (For Residency Card)

Once in Spain, digital nomad visa holders must submit biometric data again to obtain the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE), which is the residence permit card.


Country-Specific Biometric Submission Process

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States

๐Ÿ“Œ Where? Spanish Consulates in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Houston, etc.
๐Ÿ“Œ How? In-person at consulate.
๐Ÿ“Œ Appointment Required? Yes, via consulate website.

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom

๐Ÿ“Œ Where? Spanish Consulate in London, Manchester, Edinburgh.
๐Ÿ“Œ How? In-person.
๐Ÿ“Œ Appointment Required? Yes, scheduled via the consulate website.

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada

๐Ÿ“Œ Where? VFS Global Centers in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal.
๐Ÿ“Œ How? In-person submission at designated Visa Application Center.
๐Ÿ“Œ Appointment Required? Yes, via VFS Global website.

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia

๐Ÿ“Œ Where? Spanish Consulate in Sydney, Melbourne.
๐Ÿ“Œ How? In-person biometric collection.
๐Ÿ“Œ Appointment Required? Yes, book through the consulate.

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ European Union

๐Ÿ“Œ Where? Spanish Embassy in the EU country of residence.
๐Ÿ“Œ How? Direct submission at the consulate.
๐Ÿ“Œ Appointment Required? Often not required for EU nationals.

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ India

๐Ÿ“Œ Where? BLS International centers in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore.
๐Ÿ“Œ How? Biometric submission at BLS International.
๐Ÿ“Œ Appointment Required? Yes, booked via BLS website.

๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ South Africa

๐Ÿ“Œ Where? Spanish Consulate in Pretoria or Cape Town.
๐Ÿ“Œ How? In-person.
๐Ÿ“Œ Appointment Required? Yes, via consulate website.


What to Bring for Your Biometric Appointment?

๐Ÿ”น Valid Passport โ€“ Must be at least 1 year valid.
๐Ÿ”น Visa Application Form โ€“ Fully completed and signed.
๐Ÿ”น Proof of Appointment โ€“ Print your booking confirmation.
๐Ÿ”น Recent Passport Photos โ€“ Some consulates may require an additional printed photo.
๐Ÿ”น Payment Receipt โ€“ If fees are required.

๐Ÿ“Œ Tip: Avoid applying henna, tattoos, or cuts on fingertips before your appointment, as they can interfere with fingerprint scanning.


What Happens After Biometric Submission?

โœ” Processing Begins โ€“ Your visa application will be processed by Spanish authorities.
โœ” Decision Notification โ€“ You will be informed via email or through the consulateโ€™s tracking system.
โœ” Visa Collection โ€“ If approved, you can collect your visa-stamped passport.