Why do Spain digital nomad visas get rejected, and can I reapply?
Updated · Spain nomad visa guide · Not legal advice
Most refusals come from income below the current threshold, less than 3 months with the employer or clients, an employer letter that does not authorise remote work from Spain, insurance with copays, or foreign documents without an apostille or sworn translation. You can reapply with a corrected file, and the refusal notice states the appeal options and deadlines.
| Problem | Fix before filing |
|---|---|
| Income below €2,849/month (single) | Add income history, savings evidence, or wait for a raise |
| Under 3 months with employer/clients | Wait until you pass the mark |
| Employer letter vague | Letter must authorise remote work from Spain and state role, salary, start date |
| Employer company under 1 year old | Provide proof of company age or wait |
| Insurance has copays | Switch to a no-copay, full-cover Spanish policy |
| No apostille / translation | Apostille + sworn translation for each foreign document |
| Spanish clients over 20% | Rebalance clients; document the shares |
| Old criminal record certificate | Order a fresh one timed to your filing |
Appealing vs reapplying
Spanish administrative decisions can be challenged. The refusal must explain the grounds and the remedies available (such as an administrative appeal or a court challenge) and the deadline for each. For a refusal on a fixable document issue, reapplying with a complete file is often faster. For a legal disagreement, talk to a licensed Spanish immigration lawyer quickly: deadlines are short. See lawyer path.
Quick answers
- Can I reapply after a Spain digital nomad visa rejection?
- Yes. Fix the reason given in the refusal and file again.
- My bank statements show irregular income. Will that get me rejected?
- Not by itself. Show a longer history and your annual income; get the file reviewed if months fall below the threshold.
- Is my income too close to the minimum?
- Being near the line is risky because of currency moves. Add a buffer or supporting evidence.
What to do next
Our human review catches these problems before you file. Start with the free check.
Find the gaps in my fileSources
- UGE (Ministerio de Inclusión): Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit
- UGE: digital nomad FAQ (Spanish, PDF)
- BOE: Law 14/2013 (consolidated text, arts. 74 bis and 74 ter)
Checked: . Rules change; confirm current values on the official pages above before you file.