Do I need a sworn translation for the Spain digital nomad visa?

Documents not in Spanish usually need a translation by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) recognised by Spain's Foreign Ministry. Some consulates accept certain documents in English, so check your consulate's page.

How long is an FBI background check valid for a Spanish visa?

It depends on the consulate and route; validity windows are counted from the date of issue. Check your consulate's page before you request it so it does not expire before your appointment.

Do I need a social security certificate for the Spain digital nomad visa?

Yes. Employees normally show a certificate of coverage from their home country (for Americans, from the SSA) or register in Spain; self-employed applicants usually register in the Spanish system.

What should I do first?

Run the eligibility check, then request the FBI check and SSA certificate of coverage right away; they take the longest.

What documents do I need for the Spain digital nomad visa?

Updated 2026-11-12 · Documents guide · Not legal advice

You need a valid passport, proof of remote work for a non-Spanish company or clients (at least 3 months), proof of income of at least €2,849 a month, a degree or 3 years' experience, Spain-valid health insurance, a criminal record certificate for the last 2 years, and social security proof. Foreign public documents usually need an apostille and a sworn Spanish translation.

Spain digital nomad visa: documents by requirement
Document	Who needs it	Apostille / translation
Passport (all pages copied)	Everyone	No
Application form for your route (national visa form at a consulate, or the UGE online application)	Everyone	No
Employer letter authorising remote work from Spain + contract	Employees	Sworn translation if not in Spanish
Company registration showing at least 1 year of activity	Employees (and freelancers' main clients, where asked)	Usually apostille + translation
Client contracts, invoices and a client summary	Freelancers	Sworn translation if not in Spanish
Payslips, bank statements, tax returns	Everyone	Translation as your consulate requires
Diploma or proof of 3+ years' experience	Everyone	Diploma usually apostille + translation
Health insurance certificate	Everyone, including family	Issued in Spanish by most Spanish insurers
Criminal record certificate (US: FBI check)	Adults	Apostille + sworn translation
Social security certificate of coverage or Spanish registration	Everyone	Check consulate
Marriage / birth certificates	Family members	Apostille + sworn translation

Consulate or UGE: the list is similar, the format is not

At a consulate you bring paper originals and copies to an appointment. With the UGE (from inside Spain) you upload scans and sign electronically. The core documents are the same; check the UGE page or your consulate's page for the exact format and any extra items.

The documents that cause the most trouble

Employer letter that does not say you may work remotely from Spain. See employer letter.
Health insurance with copays or waiting periods. See health insurance.
FBI check without the federal apostille, or too old for your consulate. See FBI check apostille.
Translations done by someone who is not a Spanish sworn translator. See apostille and sworn translation.
Social security proof missing. See SSA certificate of coverage.

Order of operations

Start with the slow items: the FBI check and its apostille, the SSA certificate of coverage, and apostilles for diplomas and family certificates. Translate last, once each original has its apostille, because the apostille itself must be translated too.

Quick answers

Do I need a sworn translation for the Spain digital nomad visa?: Documents not in Spanish usually need a translation by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) recognised by Spain's Foreign Ministry. Some consulates accept certain documents in English, so check your consulate's page.
How long is an FBI background check valid for a Spanish visa?: It depends on the consulate and route; validity windows are counted from the date of issue. Check your consulate's page before you request it so it does not expire before your appointment.
Do I need a social security certificate for the Spain digital nomad visa?: Yes. Employees normally show a certificate of coverage from their home country (for Americans, from the SSA) or register in Spain; self-employed applicants usually register in the Spanish system.
What should I do first?: Run the eligibility check, then request the FBI check and SSA certificate of coverage right away; they take the longest.

What to do next

Answer a few questions and get a printable checklist built for your route, work type and family.

Generate my document checklist

Sources

Checked: 2026-11-12. Rules change; confirm current values on the official pages above before you file.