Why applications get refused
Each mistake can mean weeks of delay or a refusal. When you are applying from inside Spain, those weeks may push you past the end of your legal stay. Prevention is far cheaper than an appeal.
The ten mistakes
1. A generic employer letter
The letter must state your role, salary, length of employment and that you are authorised to work remotely from Spain.
2. No proof of the company's activity
Registration documents alone may not show one year of real and continuous activity; tax filings or accounts help.
3. Applying too soon after starting a job
You need at least three months with the current employer or clients.
4. Forgetting family in the income calculation
Add 75% of the minimum wage for the first family member and 25% for each additional one. See income requirement.
5. Weak freelance evidence
Invoices without contracts or bank statements rarely convince. See freelancers.
6. A CV instead of proof of experience
Use certificates, contracts or tax records. See qualifications.
7. Unsuitable health insurance
The insurer must be authorised to operate in Spain, and the cover should be comprehensive.
8. Ignoring social security
Show how you will be covered. See social security.
9. Apostille and translation errors
Wrong authority, missing apostille, non-sworn translations or certificates that expire before filing. See the documents checklist.
10. Bad timing
Filing from Spain at the end of your legal stay, or missing the 60-day window to switch from visa to residence permit.
Spanish clients and employees
A bonus mistake: employees who also work for a Spanish company, or freelancers whose Spanish clients exceed 20% of their activity. Both can lead to refusal or problems at renewal.
A practical example
A Peruvian consultant's first application, filed by himself, was refused for an insufficient employer letter and an expired criminal record certificate. We prepared a new file with a specific remote work letter and a fresh, apostilled certificate, and his second application was approved. See refusals and appeals. More information on the firm's main website: immigration law at Castell Abogados (in Spanish).
Get your file checked before you apply
Most refusals come from documents that do not prove what the law asks for. Send us your situation and an immigration lawyer will tell you what is missing before you submit.
Questions about avoiding mistakes
What is the most common reason for refusal?
Documents that do not prove the remote work authorisation or the company's year of activity.
Can I fix a mistake after filing?
If the authorities request more documents, yes; after a refusal, you appeal or reapply.
Does my health insurance need to be Spanish?
It must be with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain.
When should I apply from Spain?
Early in your legal stay, with a complete file.