Good to know · Legal
Before you leave home: the papers a Spanish consulate asks for
A Spanish consulate decides a long-stay visa from papers you gather before you leave: a criminal record certificate, often a medical certificate, insurance and proof of money, plus birth or marriage certificates for family. Each consulate publishes its own list.
- Why it matters
- The consulate that covers where you live sets the list, the time limits on each paper and who may translate it, so the order you gather papers in matters and some of them expire before the appointment.
- When
- You plan to apply for a Spanish long-stay visa such as the non-lucrative or telework visa and have not yet started gathering papers.
- How long it takes
- London non-lucrative visa: apply up to 90 days before the date of entry (London page).
- Official page
- Telework visa (digital nomad visa), updated 30 June 2025
- Last checked
- 23 Oct 2026
In the guide: the 7 steps, what to bring (9 items), and 4 Easy to miss lines, with every official source.
One Easy to miss, on us
Only original documents, or authentic copies issued by the same body with a handwritten signature, are legalized; electronic signatures are not recognized.