Can I move to Spain in 3 months on a digital nomad visa?

Often yes, if your documents are ready quickly. The legal decision period is short; the real time sink is collecting apostilled, translated documents and getting an appointment.

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

It depends on the consulate or office; many apply a window counted from the date of issue. Check the consulate's page before you order it.

How long does the Spain digital nomad visa take to get approved?

Updated 2026-11-12 · Spain nomad visa guide · Not legal advice

Once a complete file is submitted, the UGE must decide a residence application from inside Spain within 20 working days, and if it does not answer in that time the application is treated as approved (positive administrative silence). Consular visa applications have a shorter statutory target (commonly cited as 10 working days), but appointment waits and requests for more documents add time in practice.

Where the time goes
Stage	Typical driver of time	Can you speed it up?
Gathering documents	FBI check, apostilles, sworn translations, SSA certificate	Yes: start these first
Getting a consulate appointment	Varies by consulate; check the consulate's page	Apply where you are eligible; book as early as allowed
Consulate decision	10 working days (statutory target)	Submit a complete file
UGE decision (inside Spain)	20 working days; if there is no answer in that time the application is treated as approved (positive administrative silence)	Submit a complete file; answer requests fast
Requests for more documents (requerimiento)	The clock pauses until you reply	Avoid them with a reviewed file
TIE card after approval	Police appointment availability	Book as soon as you arrive

The 20-working-day rule and positive silence

Law 14/2013 gives the UGE 20 working days to resolve residence authorisations for international teleworkers. If the deadline passes without a decision, the application is deemed approved by positive administrative silence, and you can request a certificate of that. Working days exclude weekends and Spanish public holidays, and the clock stops while you answer a request for more documents.

Why files get delayed

An employer letter that does not explicitly authorise remote work from Spain.
Insurance that has copayments or waiting periods.
Documents without an apostille or a sworn translation.
A criminal record certificate that is too old for your consulate's validity window.

Quick answers

Can I move to Spain in 3 months on a digital nomad visa?: Often yes, if your documents are ready quickly. The legal decision period is short; the real time sink is collecting apostilled, translated documents and getting an appointment.
How long is an FBI background check valid for a Spanish visa?: It depends on the consulate or office; many apply a window counted from the date of issue. Check the consulate's page before you order it.
What happens if the UGE does not answer in 20 working days?: The application is considered approved by positive administrative silence. Keep proof of your filing date.

What to do next

Get a dated plan: which documents to order first and the order to file them in.

Build my timeline

Sources

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