Your Complete Guide to Spanish Residency
Navigate the DNV process with confidence. From document preparation to TIE card collection — we break down every step so you never feel lost in Spanish bureaucracy.
Three Stages to Spanish Residency
The DNV journey is divided into three main stages. Know where you are and what's coming next.
Pre-UGE
Before Your Visa Approval
Gather documents, get apostilles, apply for Schengen visa, and prepare for your move to Spain.
- Passport, NBI/Police Clearance, CAV
- Client contracts & financial proof
- Apostille & Spanish translations
- Schengen visa & travel booking
During UGE
Application Processing
Your application is submitted. Wait 20 working days while exploring Spain and preparing for approval.
- Track application status
- Respond to document requests
- Scout housing & neighborhoods
- Travel Schengen countries
Post-UGE
Building Your Spanish Life
Visa approved! Now build your foundation, get your TIE card, and establish your life in Spain.
- Digital certificate & bank account
- Housing & empadronamiento
- TIE fingerprinting & card pickup
- Autónomo registration & taxes
Everything You Need to Succeed
Built by digital nomads who've been through the process. We know the pain points and how to avoid them.
Step-by-Step Checklist
Every task broken down with required documents, locations, and pro tips from experienced applicants.
Track Your Progress
Mark tasks complete, add notes, and see your overall progress as you move through each phase.
Document Manager
Upload and organize all your visa documents in one secure place. Never lose track of important papers.
Documents You'll Need
The DNV process requires several documents. Here's what to prepare before you start.
Passport
Valid 6+ months with blank pages
Police Clearance
NBI or equivalent, apostilled
Education Docs
CAV authenticated diploma
Financial Proof
Bank statements & contracts
Pro Tip: Start Early
Document gathering takes 4-8 weeks. Police clearance, apostilles, and translations all have processing times. Start collecting documents as soon as you decide to apply for the DNV.
Typical DNV Timeline
From document preparation to TIE card in hand. Times vary but this gives you a realistic expectation.
Document Prep
Gather, apostille, translate all documents
Schengen Visa
If required for your nationality
UGE Processing
Application review period
Foundation
Bank, housing, empadronamiento
TIE Card
Fingerprints to card pickup
The Master Principle
Once your UGE is approved, you're doing three things in parallel:
Activate Legal Residency
TIE appointment, fingerprints, card collection
Build Proof of Residency
Address, bank account, empadronamiento
Unlock Digital Access
Digital certificate, Cl@ve, online services
Spain rewards parallel execution, not waiting.
2026 Income Requirements
You'll need to prove sufficient income to support yourself (and family) in Spain.
Main Applicant
€2,879
per month (200% of SMI)
Each Additional Family Member
+€720
per month (50% of SMI)
* 2026 values are estimated based on projected SMI increase
Accepted Proof of Income:
- Client contracts (freelancers)
- Employment contract (remote workers)
- Bank statements (6-12 months)
- Invoices and payment records
- Tax returns / income declarations
- Sufficient savings (supplement)
The Complete DNV Journey
From document preparation to full residency. We track every step of your journey.
Document Preparation
Gather and prepare all required documents for your UGE application.
Travel Preparation
Plan your trip to Spain with Schengen visa, flights, and accommodation.
Foundation
Build your Spanish life with bank account, housing, and empadronamiento.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Join digital nomads who are successfully navigating the Spanish visa process with confidence.
Create Free Account