When the Digital Nomad Visa Spain started working in practice in 2023, the process felt relatively straightforward: a minimal document package, fast decisions, and—unsurprisingly—a large wave of applicants.

Even then, it was clear that some people were using the status not as intended: as a convenient way to live and travel across Europe without meeting the obligations that come with residency.

By the end of 2024, the situation began to change. Spain’s immigration authorities started compliance checks, and applicants began receiving official notifications—often described as “letters of happiness”—informing them that a review of their residency conditions had begun.

What changed: compliance checks became a real risk

One common risk area is when a case requires registration as autónomo, but that registration was never completed.

The key point is this: digital nomad residency is not a “long-stay travel document.” It is a legal status with specific conditions. If those conditions are not met, the system can react—sometimes with a formal review that may lead to cancellation.

How the cancellation procedure typically works

1) A compliance notice is issued

The notice appears in your electronic mailbox / online account. Even if you do not open it, after 10 days it is considered legally received automatically.

2) You have 10 business days to respond

Once the notice is considered received, the deadline starts. You usually have 10 business days to respond and explain why the conditions were not met—and/or to show what you have done to correct the issue.

3) There is a real risk of cancellation

If the explanation is not accepted, or if no action is taken, the residence permit may be cancelled.

A critical nuance: those 10 business days are your window

This period is the most important part of the process. During the response window, your residence permit is still valid—and you still have a chance to fix the situation.

At the same time, it’s important to be realistic: submitting a new residence application during this period usually does not “save” you. Immigration authorities can still continue the cancellation process, and a new application may be effectively frozen while the prior issue is being resolved.

What can actually help

In practice, the most workable approach is to eliminate the violation urgently and document it properly in your response.

For example:

• registering as autónomo (including retroactively),
• paying missed contributions and taxes,
• closing any outstanding debts and penalties.

Yes, the amount can be significant. But in some cases, doing this quickly can help protect the residence permit.

What to do if you receive a notice

1. Check when the notice is considered “received”
This determines how much time you actually have.

2. Set your true deadline
In practice, it often feels like “about two weeks,” but the exact timing depends on when the notice becomes effective and the 10-business-day response period.

3. Do not delay action
Depending on your situation, that can include:

• autónomo registration,
• payment of contributions,
• preparing your written explanation and supporting documents.

​​4.Work with a consultant

Time is critical in this situation, and mistakes are costly.

Final takeaway

Spain’s digital nomad visa is no longer treated as a formality. Control has tightened, and failure to meet the conditions increasingly leads to consequences.

But even in a difficult situation, there can still be a window to protect your residency—if you act fast and follow a clear plan.

About Docsinside

If you want to handle the process in a more structured way, Docsinside can help.

DocsInside is an online platform that supports Spanish residence applications and renewals in a structured way. It guides you step by step, provides templates and checklists, and gives you a secure personal account to upload and organize documents in one place. If you’d like to discuss your situation, email us at hello@docsinside.com.