What is this Requirement?
For digital nomad freelancers, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa requires proof that your non-Spanish clients are legitimate, active entities. You must provide an official commercial-register certificate (or equivalent) for each principal client you rely on to meet the income threshold.
Legal Basis
This requirement stems from Ley 28/2022 (the Startup Law), which regulates the residence permit for international teleworkers. According to the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores ([#1], [#8]), applicants must prove a professional relationship of at least 3 months with these specific companies.
Satisfactory Evidence
- Certificate of Incorporation: An official document from the local commercial registry in the client's home country.
- Certificate of Good Standing: A document confirming the company is currently active and compliant.
- Local Equivalent: In jurisdictions without a central register, a tax registration certificate or verified business license may suffice.
Document Preparation
- Apostille: Documents from outside the EU usually require a Hague Apostille to be legally valid in Spain.
- Sworn Translation: Any certificate not in Spanish must be translated by a translator certified by the Spanish Ministry (Traductor Jurado).
Common Pitfalls
- Expired Documents: Certificates are usually only valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
- Missing Information: Ensure the document clearly shows the company name, registration number, and address.
- Oversight of TIE/NIE: Remember that once approved, you must apply for your TIE ([#7]) and register as an autónomo ([#3]), but you cannot be registered if the underlying client entity cannot be verified.