Many remote professionals and entrepreneurs based in the UAE relocate to Spain via the Digital Nomad Visa. The UAE is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents go through chain attestation instead. This page covers UAE-specific steps.
Visa-free Schengen entry
Yes for UAE nationals; visa required for many residents
Apostille convention
No — chain attestation required
Tax treaty with Spain
Yes
Consulate
Spanish Embassy in Abu Dhabi / Consulate in Dubai
Criminal record
UAE Good Conduct Certificate (Police Clearance) issued by Dubai Police, MoI app or your emirate’s police authority.
Apostille / legalisation
No apostille — UAE documents must be attested by MOFAIC (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) and then legalised by the Spanish consulate.
Where to apply
File at the Spanish Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai depending on your emirate of residence.
Tax considerations
UAE has 0% personal income tax. Becoming Spanish tax resident will subject worldwide income to Spanish tax, though the special expat regime may apply.
Get a UAE Good Conduct Certificate
Apply via the police app or service centre in your emirate. Issuance takes a few days.
Attest at MOFAIC
Submit the certificate (and any UAE-issued company documents) to MOFAIC for attestation.
Legalise at the Spanish consulate
After MOFAIC, the Spanish consulate stamps the document so it is valid in Spain.
Sworn translation in Spain
Translate via a traductor jurado registered with the Spanish MAEC.
File your application
Either via the consulate in the UAE or, if visa-free, file from inside Spain via UGE.
Use our free forms builder to generate immigration forms and prepare your document set faster.
Free Spain immigration forms builder
Generate MI-T, MI-F and supporting forms in minutes.
Complete Spain Digital Nomad Visa guide
Requirements, income thresholds and full timeline.
Document checklist
Every document you need for the application.
Apostille and sworn translation
How to legalise foreign documents for Spain.
Compare your situation with the applicant scenarios (freelancer, employee, family) to confirm your route.