Understanding the Declaración de Entrada for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa

If you’re a non-EU citizen planning to apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) and you’re entering the Schengen Area through a country other than Spain, you’ll likely need a Declaración de Entrada (Entry Declaration). This document is a small but critical piece of the puzzle for ensuring your visa application goes smoothly. In this blog post, we’ll break down what the Declaración de Entrada is, why it’s essential for the DNV, and how to get one.

What is a Declaración de Entrada?

The Declaración de Entrada is a formal document required by Spanish authorities for non-EU nationals entering Spain without a visa (e.g., under the 90-day visa-free Schengen stay). It’s a way for Spanish immigration authorities to record your entry into the country, ensuring compliance with Schengen regulations and tracking your stay.

For Digital Nomad Visa applicants, this document becomes particularly important if you enter the Schengen Area through a country other than Spain (e.g., France, Germany, or another Schengen state) and then travel onward to Spain.

Why is the Declaración de Entrada Needed for the Digital Nomad Visa?

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2023 under the Startup Act, allows non-EU remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to live and work in Spain for up to five years. One key requirement for the DNV is that applicants must be physically present in Spain when applying from within the country (e.g., while on a tourist visa). This is where the Declaración de Entrada comes into play:

• No Passport Stamp, No Proof: If you enter the Schengen Area through another country, such as France, your passport will likely have an entry stamp for that country, not Spain. Without a Spanish entry stamp, immigration authorities have no official record of when you arrived in Spain. The Declaración de Entrada fills this gap by documenting your entry, ensuring you meet the DNV’s physical presence requirement.
• Schengen Compliance: The document helps Spanish authorities track your stay to ensure you adhere to the Schengen Area’s 90-day rule (for visa-free travelers) or other immigration regulations.
• Visa Application Requirement: For those applying for the DNV from within Spain, the Declaración de Entrada may be requested as part of the application process to verify your legal entry and presence.

Without this document, you risk delays or complications in your DNV application, as authorities may question your entry date or legal status in Spain.

When and Where to Get a Declaración de Entrada

If you need a Declaración de Entrada, you must obtain it within 72 hours of arriving in Spain. The process is straightforward but requires prompt action:

• At Airports (Recommended): The easiest place to get a Declaración de Entrada is at a police station located within major Spanish airports, such as:
  • Barcelona: The police office is in Terminal 1 Departures, far left corner when viewed from the street. Use the phone near the door, dial 2, and request the Declaración de Entrada.
  • Madrid: The police office is in Terminal 4 Departures, behind the check-in desks, near McDonald’s and a pharmacy.
    These airport offices are familiar with the process and equipped to issue the document quickly.
• At Police Stations or Immigration Offices: If you can’t get the form at the airport (e.g., if you entered Spain by car or train), you can visit a Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (CNP) station or an Oficina de Extranjería in the city where you’re staying. However, be aware that some local police stations may not be familiar with the Declaración de Entrada, which can lead to confusion or delays.

To complete the process, you’ll need to:

• Bring your passport and any proof of entry (e.g., printed copies boarding passes, travel tickets).
• Fill out the Declaración de Entrada form, which includes your name, nationality, passport number, date of birth, and entry date.

You can download the official form here: Declaración de Entrada Form.

NOTE: as you can see from the image above, the airport police station in Valencia are asking for a copy of all pages of the passports with stamps, something which is impossible to get in the airport as there is no way to get photocopies! Most police stations aren't so strict and only ask for copies of the main photo page of the passport.

Tips for a Smooth Process

• Act Quickly: You must submit the Declaración de Entrada within 3 days of arriving in Spain. Delaying could lead to complications with your DNV application or immigration status.
• Airports Are Your Best Bet: Airport police stations are more likely to understand and process the form efficiently compared to local stations.
• Language Barriers: Some police officers may not speak English or be familiar with the form. Consider bringing a Spanish-speaking friend or a translation of the form’s instructions to avoid misunderstandings.
• Keep Proof: Always keep a copy of the completed Declaración de Entrada and any related documents (e.g., boarding passes) as evidence for your DNV application.

Why It Matters for Digital Nomads

The Digital Nomad Visa is a game-changer for remote workers seeking to live in Spain while working for foreign employers or clients. However, the application process requires meticulous attention to detail, especially for those applying from within Spain. The Declaración de Entrada ensures that your entry is properly documented, avoiding potential issues with immigration authorities when you submit your DNV application.

By obtaining this document, you’re taking a proactive step to prove your legal presence in Spain, which is critical for transitioning from a tourist stay to a longer-term residence permit under the DNV. This small formality can save you from significant headaches down the road.

Final Thoughts

The Declaración de Entrada may seem like a minor administrative task, but it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle for non-EU digital nomads applying for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, especially if you enter the Schengen Area through another country. By securing this document at an airport or police station within 72 hours of arrival, you’ll ensure your DNV application process is smooth and compliant with Spanish immigration rules.

Ready to start your digital nomad journey in Spain? Make sure to gather all necessary documents, including the Declaración de Entrada, and consider consulting an immigration lawyer for expert guidance. With its vibrant culture, sunny climate, and favorable visa policies, Spain is waiting to welcome you!