How to Document Your Entry into Spain for the Digital Nomad Visa

Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) while physically present in Spain requires you to prove that you entered the country legally and are currently within your allowed period of stay.

Since mid-April, border control officers have largely stopped stamping passports for travelers entering the Schengen Area. Previously, travelers could request a stamp by explaining it was necessary for future visa applications, but this request is increasingly being ignored by border staff. Furthermore, the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE)—the body processing DNV applications—does not have direct access to automated border control systems and does not always have visibility into entry declarations.

Because the risks associated with an incomplete application are high—especially for those on single-entry visas—we strongly recommend formalizing your entry documentation. The most reliable method is through a notary.

1. Direct Flights to Spain

If you flew directly into Spain, the process is straightforward:

• Keep your boarding passes: These are essential pieces of evidence.
• Visit a Notary: Immediately after arrival, take your passport and boarding passes to a notary. They will draft a notarial act of presence (acta de presencia), confirming your entry and presence in Spain. This document serves as your official proof of entry during the visa application process.

2. Entry via Another Schengen Country

If you entered Spain through another Schengen state:

• Obtain an Entry Declaration (Declaración de Entrada): You should attempt to register your arrival at a local police station.
• Notarize your documents: Because some police stations now refuse to issue these declarations or make them difficult to obtain, your boarding passes remain your primary evidence. Take your entry declaration (if obtained) and all relevant boarding passes to a notary to formalize the proof of your entry into Spain.

Important Considerations

• Retain Everything: Regardless of the circumstances, keep every boarding pass and travel document. They are your most important fallback evidence.
• Be Proactive: The documentation process can be time-consuming. We advise our clients to schedule a notary appointment well in advance, selecting a convenient time and location to ensure all paperwork is in order before the formal submission of the residency application.

Disclaimer: Immigration requirements can change. Ensuring your documentation is verified by a professional helps mitigate risks and ensures your application meets the strict standards of the UGE.