From a one-year digital nomad visa to the residence authorisation: when to apply and do I need a new criminal-record certificate?

If you currently hold a one-year digital nomad/telework visa issued by the Spanish consulate in Chicago, the next step is generally to apply to the UGE-CE in Spain for an initial residence authorization for international teleworking, rather than a renewal of an existing UGE residence authorization. The application can generally be submitted during the 60 calendar days before your visa expires, so please check the expiry date on your visa carefully rather than relying on December alone.

Regarding the criminal-record certificate: the applicable rules provide an exception in certain cases where a criminal-record certificate has already been submitted for a Spanish residence or stay authorization of more than six months. However, I would not assume that the background check submitted for your consular visa automatically satisfies that exception for your UGE-CE application. The safest course is to ask UGE-CE directly whether they will accept your prior certificate or require a new one for your specific visa-to-residence transition, before spending money on another certificate, apostille, or translation.

It is also worth checking the latest UGE-CE application instructions and document checklist shortly before you file. Keep your proof of employment or professional activity, sufficient resources, health coverage/social-security arrangements, and other supporting documents current, as requirements can depend on your circumstances.

Official starting point: www.inclusion.gob.es/web/unidadgrandesempresas/teletrabajadores

Please note that this is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Immigration requirements and the treatment of previously submitted documents can depend on your individual case. For a definitive answer, please confirm directly with UGE-CE or a qualified Spanish immigration lawyer.