Important Terminologies You Need to Know in Your DNV Application

If you’re planning your move to Spain under the Spain Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), one of the biggest hurdles isn’t just gathering documents or booking appointments. It’s navigating the terminology! Spanish immigration law, visa regulations and application-process language can feel like a maze. To help you stay confident and informed, here are the key terms you’ll encounter (and what they really mean) as you work your way through your DNV application with Spain Move HQ.

1. Remote Worker / Teletrabajador de carácter internacional

This term refers to someone who works remotely (via telecommunications or internet) for a company or as a freelancer, and is eligible for the DNV because the work is performed from Spain although the employer (or clients) are outside Spain.

Why it matters: Your eligibility will often hinge on proving you meet the “remote work” criteria – that your actual job can be done from Spain, and that it doesn’t involve employment by a Spanish-based firm (unless you meet certain limits).

Tip: Make sure your employment or freelance contract explicitly states the remote nature, and your employer or client allows you to perform work from abroad (Spain).

2. Minimum Income Threshold / Umbral mínimo de ingresos

This is the minimum amount of earnings you must demonstrate in order to be eligible for the DNV. For example, one guide notes that as of 2025 the monthly income requirement for a single adult is €2,760 or thereabouts.

Why it matters: You need to submit proof of income (pay slips, contracts, bank statements) to confirm you meet or exceed this threshold.

Tip: Include details for each dependent if applicable. The threshold increases when dependents apply with you.

3. Tasa 790-038 / Application Fee

“Tasa” refers to the government fee or charge associated with submitting your visa/permit application. For the Digital Nomad Visa application, the form code 790-038 is used. 

Why it matters: It’s important you pay the correct fee and using the correct form, otherwise your application may be delayed or rejected.

Tip: Verify in your specific consulate or region which version of the form and fee amount applies to you.

4. Apostille & Traducción Jurada

When you’re submitting documents from your home country (or elsewhere), you may need them legalized (via an apostille) and translated by a sworn translator (“traducción jurada”) into Spanish.

Why it matters: Documents lacking legalisation or certified translations may be deemed invalid or cause application delays.

Tip: Start early. Obtaining an apostille and sworn translation can take time, especially for less common languages. Keep original documents and certified copies.

We also have a sworn translator working with us. Most translators charge around €30–35 per page, but ours offers a much lower rate. If you’re applying for a DNV and need sworn translations, feel free to message us and send your files. We can provide you with a quote. We assure you’ll get the best rate you won’t find anywhere else.

5. NIE / Número de Identificación de Extranjero

NIE stands for “Foreigner Identification Number” in Spain. This unique number is essential for many processes such as long-term residence, banking, taxation, and government registrations.

Why it matters: Whether you need an NIE before applying for the DNV depends on where and how you apply.

• If you are applying within Spain through a consultant like Spain Move HQ, you do not need to obtain an NIE beforehand. It will be automatically issued and included in your result letter once your application is approved.
• If you are applying through a Spanish consulate abroad, the NIE is required as part of your application package.
• If you are applying on your own from within Spain, you need to get an NIE first because it is required to obtain your digital certificate, which is necessary to access the UGE platform where the DNV application is submitted.

Tip: Make sure you understand which application route you’re taking, as NIE requirements differ depending on the process.

6. TIE / Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero

The TIE is the physical residence card issued to foreigners living legally in Spain. It includes your photo, NIE number, type of residency and validity dates.

Why it matters: While the NIE is just your identification number, the TIE is the actual card that proves your legal residency and is required for daily life in Spain — from government procedures to travel.

Tip: After your DNV approval, you’ll book your cita de huellas (fingerprinting appointment) to obtain your TIE/residence card.

7. Permit vs. Visa – Residence Authorization

There are two similar-but-distinct terms:

• Visa (visado) – often refers to the authorization you obtain from a Spanish consulate abroad to enter Spain for the DNV.
• Residence permit / Authorisation (autorización de residencia) – often refers to the permit you apply for or switch to once in Spain, which allows you to stay, register, and live as a resident. 

Why it matters: Understanding the difference is important because the route you take (consulate abroad vs. applying from within Spain) may affect duration, renewal, and rights.

Tip: Ensure you know which route you’re taking and what document you’ll ultimately hold — this influences your next steps (registration, TIE card, etc).

8. Digital Certificate / Certificado Digital 

The Certificado Digital is an official electronic ID used in Spain that allows you to access government platforms, sign documents, submit applications online, and verify your identity digitally.

Why it matters: The digital certificate is required if you plan to submit your DNV application yourself from within Spain, because you need it to log in to the UGE platform where applications are submitted. However, if you are applying with a consultant like Spain Move HQ, you do not need to obtain a digital certificate on your own, because your consultant submits everything on your behalf.

Tip: If you are applying independently, secure your NIE first, as it is required before you can obtain your Certificado Digital and proceed with the online DNV application.

Final Thoughts

Familiarising yourself with these key terms gives you a head start and helps you stay in control of your application. At Spain Move HQ we know the DNV process can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Understanding terminology is one big step towards a smooth, confident submission, and a successful move to Spain.

If you’re ready to take the next step, let’s get in touch and we’ll walk you through your personalised checklist, clarify any questions and guide you to approval.