Over the past year, many entrepreneurs applying for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) have experienced increasing uncertainty. The Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE) — the department responsible for processing DNV residency applications — has been requesting additional documentation from applicants, often with very short notice and only ten working days to provide it.
This inconsistency in what’s required has created real challenges. Business owners have had to rush to collect documents, obtain legalizations, and pay for sworn translations that were never part of the original checklist. In some cases, applicants have spent nearly €1,000 on certified translations, while others have faced multiple rounds of document requests, leading to unnecessary stress and delays.
In this article, we’ll look at what has changed, outline the current documentation requirements, and share practical advice to help company owners prepare for a smoother DNV application.
Why These Changes Happened: Emphasis on Genuine Business Activity and Proper Registration
The Spanish government’s goal is to ensure the Digital Nomad Visa remains available only to those who can genuinely sustain themselves and contribute to the local economy.
In the early months of the program, some applicants established inactive or shell companies to meet the eligibility criteria, which raised doubts about whether those businesses could actually support a three-year residency. As a result, the authorities are now paying closer attention to real, ongoing business activity.
Applicants can demonstrate genuine operations through documents such as:
- A Certificate of Good Standing (ideally issued within the past six months) showing the company has been trading for at least a year
- Company or personal tax returns, proving consistent business income
Another key change involves how business owners are registered for social security and tax purposes.
Many UK business owners previously applied as employees under an A1 certificate, allowing them to keep paying UK National Insurance rather than joining the Spanish system. However, Spanish law states that individuals with a controlling interest in their business — or, in some cases, even a smaller ownership share — must register as self-employed (autónomos) and contribute to Spanish social security.
For business owners, understanding these distinctions is critical to ensure the application complies fully with Spanish regulations.
Current Documentation Requirements for Company Owners
According to the latest UGE guidance, company owners must present the following key documents:
Required Documents
- Proof of company ownership
- The latest corporate tax return
- Evidence of investment in production tools or assets
- Social security report showing employee registration (if applicable)
- A Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Incorporation, confirming the company has operated for at least one year
Additional Documents (Sometimes Requested)
- Proof of company payments to you in the three months before the application
- B2B contracts with third-party clients
- Personal tax returns or bank statements/savings, to strengthen your financial standing
How to Strengthen Your Application
- Prepare Early: A well-prepared application stands out. If possible, ask your accountant to finalize your company’s tax return early or make relevant business investments that reflect your company’s growth and sustainability.
- Work with Professionals: Navigating the Digital Nomad Visa process as a business owner can be complex especially if your company is registered abroad. Working with experienced immigration or tax professionals who understand both Spanish and international corporate structurescan help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your documents meet UGE standards.
- Reconsider Your Business Structure: If you hold less than 50% ownership, you may not need to provide sensitive documents such as corporate tax returns. Similarly, if you operate through an LTD or LLC, it may be easier to invoice as a sole traderinstead of applying through your company simplifying both your application and your tax situation.
In conclusion
While these new requirements may initially seem demanding, they ultimately help make the Digital Nomad Visa system fairer and more transparent. With the right preparation and documentation, business owners can avoid unnecessary stress, delays, and costly rework later on.
By applying under the correct legal structure from the start, you can protect yourself from future complications and focus on what really matters building your business and enjoying life in Spain.
Make your move to Spain simple, safe, and hassle-free.
Contact Nomad Immigration Lawyers today and let our experts guide you toward a successful residence in Spain.
