Requirement Overview
As part of the General Application Documents for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) under the Ley 28/2022 (Startup Law), applicants must prove they have a clean criminal record. Beyond the official certificates from national authorities, you are required to provide a signed declaration confirming you haven't had criminal records in any country of residence during the previous 5 years.
Why it is needed
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores) stipulates that all remote workers and freelancers must demonstrate good conduct to maintain public safety. This specific declaration complements the formal certificates and covers the 5-year period preceding the application.
Satisfying the Requirement
To comply with this checklist item, you must:
- Draft a document stating your personal details (Name, Passport number).
- Explicitly declare that you have no criminal records in the countries where you have lived in the last 5 years.
- Sign and date the document.
Note: While this personal declaration is a standard part of the checklist, it does not replace the formal Criminal Record Certificate issued by the government of your home country or countries of recent residence.
Legalizations and Translations
- Apostille: Unlike government-issued certificates, a personal signed declaration usually does not require an apostille because it is a private document signed by you.
- Translation: If the declaration is written in English or another language, a sworn translation into Spanish is typically required by the consulate or the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas).
Common Pitfalls
- Gaps in History: Failing to list or account for all countries where you resided for more than 6 months in the last 5 years.
- Inconsistency: The dates on your declaration should align with your official criminal record certificates and your CV/professional history.
- Missing Signature: Forgetting to physically or digitally sign the declaration before submission.