Why applications get refused
Criminal record certificates that are too old, missing apostilles, translations that are not sworn, or an employer letter that does not explicitly mention remote work are the most frequent reasons for requests for more documents. Each request adds weeks.
Personal documents
- Passport in force, full copy.
- Official application form.
- Criminal record certificates from the countries where you have lived in the last two years, apostilled and translated, and a sworn statement of no criminal record in the last five years.
- Health insurance with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain.
- Proof of payment of the fee.
Documents about the company
- Certificate of incorporation or registration of the company or group.
- Evidence of at least one year of real and continuous activity: tax filings, accounts or official registry extracts.
Documents about your work
Employees
- Employment contract showing at least three months of relationship.
- A letter from the employer authorising you to work remotely from Spain, with your role and salary.
- Recent payslips.
Freelancers
- Contracts with clients outside Spain, at least three months old.
- Documents setting out the terms of the remote work.
- Invoices and bank statements.
Qualifications or experience
Degree or postgraduate certificate, or evidence of at least three years of experience: employment certificates, contracts or references. See qualifications.
Social security
Evidence of coverage, such as a certificate of coverage under a social security agreement, or registration in the Spanish system. See social security.
Apostille and translation
Public documents from countries in the Hague Apostille Convention need an apostille; others need consular legalisation. Documents not in Spanish need a translation, normally by a sworn translator.
Validity of documents
Criminal record certificates and other official certificates are generally accepted only if recent. Plan the order in which you request documents so that none expires before filing.
A practical example
A South African marketing consultant had all her documents ready except the criminal record certificate, which takes weeks in her country. We planned the timeline so that it was requested first and arrived still valid, and the application was filed complete. See common mistakes. 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 the documents
Do my documents need to be translated?
Yes. Documents not in Spanish must be translated, normally by a sworn translator.
Do I need an apostille?
Public documents from Hague Convention countries need an apostille; others need consular legalisation.
What letter do I need from my employer?
A letter authorising you to work remotely from Spain, stating your role, salary and length of employment.
Which criminal records do I need?
Certificates from the countries where you have lived in the last two years.