RUE — DNV Complete Guide v2 2026

Your Specific Situation

Solo applicant. Freelancer track. Applying from Philippines. Q1 2028. Everything you already have and everything you're starting from scratch.

⚖️

TIE is null — confirmed. Your ex filed baja removing you as a dependent and filed for divorce. Your 3-year authorization was issued as a family member dependent on their DNV. When you were removed as a dependent, your authorization was cancelled. You cannot use the September 2025 TIE to re-enter Spain as a resident. You are starting a fresh DNV application as the main applicant. This is the expected path — and it's better, because this visa is entirely yours.

♾️

Your NIE is permanent and unaffected. The NIE (Foreign Identity Number) belongs to you personally — not to any relationship, not to any visa. Divorce, baja, leaving Spain — none of these affect your NIE. The number is yours forever. You write it on your new application forms. No action needed.

What You Have vs. What You're Building

✅

NIE — Permanent, yours forever

Write it on all application forms. No reapplication needed. This saves you the NIE email/appointment process (₱610 + weeks of waiting).

✅

Degree — BSc Business Administration, MSU-IIT

Satisfies the "degree OR 3 years experience" requirement. Check if your 2025 apostilled copy is still usable. Apostilles don't expire but consulates sometimes prefer recent ones.

✅

Experience doing this process

You know BLS, medical certificate, translations, going early on appointment day. First-time applicants don't know these things. You do.

✅

Scent Stories — 3+ years of client relationship

This is your strongest existing freelancer qualification. 3+ years working with them proves your client tenure requirement. Get a formal COE or signed contract from them now.

❌

TIE — Null due to baja as dependent

Cancelled when ex filed baja. Fresh application needed. Plan unchanged — Q1 2028 as main applicant.

❌

Income at €2,849/month — Not yet

This is your main gap. Every application sent, every client landed, every peso earned is closing this gap. Job + Rue Solutions combined must hit and hold €2,849/month for 6 months.

⚠️

BIR registration — Do this week

Go to your local RDO. Form 1901 → Form 2303. ₱500. Also register DTI first if you want to operate as "Rue Solutions" officially.

⚠️

Cl@ve PIN status — Check now

You need this to request your Spanish criminal record. Try logging in at clave.gob.es. If expired, visit Spanish Consulate Manila to renew.

The Two DNV Tracks

The DNV is NOT exclusively for employees of foreign companies. There are two tracks. You qualify under Track 2 — and your plan combines both.

✅

You do NOT need to be employed by a foreign company. Freelancers and self-employed people can apply. Employee, freelancer, or self-employed — all three are eligible as digital nomads.

Track 1

Remote Employee

Work for a company remotely
Company must be non-Spanish
Employed 3+ months
Company operating 1+ year
Employment contract needed
COE + payslips
Remote permission letter
Company registration proof

Track 2

Freelancer / Self-Employed ⭐

Work for your own clients
Clients mostly non-Spanish
Client relationship 3+ months
Client companies 1+ year old
Client contracts needed
Invoices + bank statements
RETA declaration letter
BIR registration (PH)

This is your track — Rue Solutions

💡

Your plan uses BOTH tracks combined. Remote job (Track 1 income) + Rue Solutions (Track 2 income). The DNV allows combined income from both sources. This actually makes your application stronger — two income streams are more stable than one. The consulate sees you as low-risk.

📌

80% non-Spanish income rule. At least 80% of your total income must come from non-Spanish companies or clients. Your remote job (foreign company) + international Rue Solutions clients = 100% non-Spanish. You're well within this rule.

What This Means Practically

✅

Rue Solutions alone can qualify you

If Rue Solutions hits €2,849/month consistently for 6 months, that's enough for the DNV on its own. The remote job is additional income security, not a requirement.

✅

Job + Rue Solutions combined counts

Total income from both sources is what matters. If your job pays $1,000/month and Rue pays $1,900/month, that combined $2,900 meets the threshold. Both documented separately.

⚠️

Document each income stream separately

Job income: payslips + employment contract. Rue income: invoices + bank statements + client contracts. Keep them clearly organized in your DNV folder. Don't mix them together.

Am I Eligible? — 2026 Assessment

Your situation checked against every 2026 DNV requirement. Freelancer track. Solo applicant.

✓ Remote Worker ✓ Degree ✓ 6 yrs Experience ✓ NIE ⚠ Income — Build to €2,849 ⚠ Client Contracts — Formalize ✗ NBI — Get Aug 2027 ✗ Insurance — Get before applying

✅

Remote worker — YES

Rue Solutions is fully remote. Operations consulting, automation, website building — all digital, location-independent. You need client contracts explicitly confirming remote work is permitted.

✅

Degree OR 3 years experience — YES (both)

BSc Business Administration (2017) + 6 years operations at Evergreen + ongoing freelance work. You satisfy this requirement twice over.

⚠️

Client relationship 3+ months — Build formally

Scent Stories (3+ years) ✅ — get a COE or contract from them immediately. Every new client from today: sign a formal contract before starting work. Each relationship needs documented start date.

⚠️

Client companies operating 1+ year — Verify

Scent Stories ✅ (3+ years). For each client on Upwork or direct: verify how long they've been in business. Collect their DTI/SEC registration or LinkedIn founding date. Save to DNV folder.

❌

Income threshold €2,849/month — Not yet, build toward it

Updated 2026 threshold. Solo applicant: €2,849/month (~₱176,600) gross, sustained 6 consecutive months. Job + Rue combined income must reach and hold this. Track monthly in Notion.

❌

NBI Clearance — Fresh one needed

Valid 6 months only. 2025 copy is expired. Apply at nbi.gov.ph when you're 4–5 months from BLS appointment (around August 2027). Then DFA apostille — allow 2–3 weeks total. If you have a "hit," apply earlier.

⚠️

Spanish criminal record — Check Cl@ve

You lived in Spain — you need this. Request at sede.mjusticia.gob.es using NIE + Cl@ve PIN. Check Cl@ve is active now. If expired, visit Spanish Consulate Manila to renew before you need the certificate.

❌

Health insurance — Purchase before applying

Must cover Spain, €30,000+ coverage, NO copayments, NO deductibles. Buy right before submitting — not years ahead. Feather Insurance is Filipino-friendly. Budget ₱3,850–9,000/month.

✅

NIE — Already have it, permanent

No action needed. Write your NIE on all forms. Saves you the NIE appointment process.

⚠️

RETA Declaration — Simple letter to prepare

As a freelancer, you sign a letter committing to register with Spain's RETA (self-employed social security) once you arrive. Write it in Spanish (ChatGPT helps), sign it. Year 1 RETA fee: €80/month flat rate. You pay AFTER arriving — not before.

Complete Document List

Every document needed. Color coded by urgency. Green = likely have it. Red = urgent. Gold = prepare soon. Gray = closer to application. Blue = PH compliance (not DNV-required but legally mandatory).

⏰

Time-sensitive documents: NBI Clearance (6 months valid) and Medical Certificate (3 months valid) expire fast. Do NOT get these early — get NBI around August 2027 and Medical around November 2027.

🪪 Identity & Personal

NIE — Foreign Identity Number

Permanent — No action

Your NIE from 2025 is permanent. Not affected by divorce or baja. Write the number on all forms. Save a copy in your DNV folder.

Passport — Valid 12+ months beyond application

Check expiry now

If applying Q1 2028, passport must be valid until at least Q1 2029. Check now. If expiring soon, renew early — DFA takes weeks.

dfa.gov.ph for renewal

Passport Copies — All pages with stamps/visas

Self-prepared

Photocopy bio page, signature page, and all pages with stamps or visas. No apostille needed. Last time: 9 pages.

Passport Photo — Schengen format

Get when applying

35x45mm, white background. Ask for "Schengen photo" specifically. Paste onto National Visa Application Form.

~₱100

PSA Birth Certificate — Apostilled + Sworn Translation

Verify 2025 copy

Check if your 2025 apostilled copy is still acceptable. Apostilles don't expire technically, but get a fresh one if the consulate asks. Fresh PSA copy → DFA apostille → sworn translation.

psa.gov.ph · dfa.gov.ph

PSA: ₱365 · Apostille: ₱100/page · Translation: ₱2,000–3,000

⏰ Time-Sensitive (Get at Specific Dates)

NBI Clearance — Apostilled

August 2027 only

Valid 6 months only. Apply at nbi.gov.ph (₱130). Bring receipt + valid ID. Then DFA apostille (1–2 weeks). If you have a name "hit" in NBI database, apply 6–8 weeks earlier — resolution takes time. Do not get this early — it expires.

⚠ 6-MONTH VALIDITY — Time with BLS appointment

NBI: ₱500 · DFA Apostille: ₱100

Spanish Criminal Record Certificate

Check Cl@ve now

You lived in Spain — this is required. Request at sede.mjusticia.gob.es with NIE + Cl@ve. Action now: check if Cl@ve is active at clave.gob.es. If expired, visit Consulate Manila to renew. Processing: 3–10 business days once active.

Free · No apostille needed (official Spanish document)

Medical Certificate — DOH-accredited clinic

November 2027

Valid 3 months only. Must be from a DOH-accredited clinic. Apostilled + sworn translation needed. Get in November 2027 so it's valid for Q1 2028 BLS appointment. Angeli's Medical or equivalent.

⚠ 3-MONTH VALIDITY — Get this last

~₱3,550 + apostille ₱300 + translation ₱1,000–1,500

Health Insurance Certificate

Before applying

Must cover Spain. €30,000+ coverage. No copayments. No deductibles. Buy and get the certificate BEFORE submitting application. Feather Insurance is Filipino-friendly and tested.

feather-insurance.com

₱3,850–9,000/month depending on age and plan

💰 Income Proof — Freelancer Track (Build from Today)

🚨

This is your most important section. As a freelancer, your income evidence is built over months. Start today. Every invoice, every contract, every Wise statement matters and must be saved immediately.

Bank Statements — 6 months (Wise)

Build from today

Download Wise statement on the 1st of EVERY month. Save as PDF to DNV folder → Income Evidence. Label: Wise_Statement_MMYYYY.pdf. They want to see: consistent income, amounts matching invoices, from international sources.

Free · No apostille or translation needed

Client Invoices — 6 months worth

Issue formally from today

Every client payment needs a formal invoice: your name, their name, service, amount in USD/EUR, date. Even Upwork has invoice exports. Save every single one to DNV folder organized by month.

Free — use Wave, Bonsai, or create in Notion/Google Docs

Client Contracts — Showing tenure + remote permission

Get for all active clients

Each contract must show: (1) start date, (2) your rate, (3) permission to work remotely from Spain. Scent Stories (3+ years) = your strongest. Get a formal contract or COE from them NOW. Every new client: always sign before starting.

Employment Contract — Remote job (when it starts)

November 2026 target

When you land the remote job: contract must explicitly state remote work is permitted and company is non-Spanish. Also get a separate letter confirming remote work from Spain specifically. Save to DNV folder under Contracts.

Proof clients' companies operating 1+ year

Per client

For each client you use as evidence: their SEC/DTI registration, LinkedIn company page showing founding year, or any official document showing they've been operating 1+ year.

BIR Certificate of Registration — Form 2303

This week

Go to your BIR RDO. Bring valid ID + TIN card. File Form 1901. Pay ₱500. Get Form 2303. Save to DNV folder → BIR Documents. This proves you're a formally registered self-employed professional in the Philippines.

₱500 + ₱15 documentary stamp

BIR Annual ITR — Form 1701

April 2027

Covers your Jun–Dec 2026 income. Due April 15, 2027. Hire a BIR accountant (₱2,000–5,000) to file. Get the BIR-stamped copy immediately after — this is one of your strongest DNV income proofs.

BIR Certificate of Good Standing

Near application date

Request from your RDO. Has short validity — get it 2–3 months before your BLS appointment, not earlier.

🎓 Professional Background

Diploma — BSc Business Administration, MSU-IIT

Verify 2025 copy

Check your 2025 apostilled copy. If acceptable, no action needed. If fresh copy required: school registrar → DFA apostille → sworn translation. Last time: 9 pages, ₱950 from school.

School copy: ₱950 · Apostille: ₱900 · Translation: ₱2,500–4,000

Updated CV — Translated to Spanish

Prepare Q4 2027

Include Evergreen (6 years), Rue Solutions (founder, Sep 2025-present), Scent Stories (3+ years). Translate with ChatGPT then review. No apostille needed. Last time: 2 pages.

✍️ Self-Prepared Letters (ChatGPT can draft)

RETA Commitment Letter

Q4 2027

Declares you commit to registering with Spain's self-employed social security (RETA) on arrival. Simple 1-page letter. Translated to Spanish. Signed. No apostille. Year 1 RETA: €80/month flat. You pay AFTER arriving — not before application.

Criminal Record Declaration

Q4 2027

Declares no criminal record in Philippines or Spain. 1-page letter. Translated to Spanish. References your NBI and Spanish criminal record certificate as supporting documents.

Cover Letter / Letter of Intent

Q4 2027

Brief letter explaining why you want to live in Spain, what you do, how you qualify. Translated to Spanish. Reference your previous residence in Alicante — shows genuine connection to Spain.

📋 Application Forms + Fees

National Visa Application Form

Complete when ready to apply

Download from ph.blsspainvisa.com. Fill completely. Paste Schengen photo. Print 2 copies. This is your actual visa application. Last time: 6 pages, 2 original copies.

ph.blsspainvisa.com/national-digital-nomad-visa.php

Form 790-052 — Consular fee payment

Pay when ready to apply

Paid at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es. Print receipt. Bring to BLS appointment. Last time: ₱10,630, 3 pages, 3 copies.

~₱10,630

BLS Appointment

Book early — slots fill fast

Book at philippines.blsspainvisa.com once documents are ready. Slots fill 1–2 months ahead. GO EARLY on the day — wait time is 1 hour if late, 15 minutes if early. Last time: ₱1,040 fee.

₱1,040

Philippine Compliance

What you legally need to do as a self-employed person in the Philippines. Separated into what's required for DNV vs. what's required by Philippine law.

📋

Key distinction: SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG are NOT required for the DNV application. The consulate doesn't ask for them. However, they are mandatory by Philippine law for self-employed individuals. BIR is both legally required AND needed for DNV.

Step 1 — DTI Registration (Do First)

🏢

Register "Rue Solutions" as a business name with DTI first. If you want to operate officially as "Rue Solutions" (not just "Richelle Nonan"), you need DTI business name registration before going to BIR. This makes your business more legitimate on paper — stronger DNV application and more professional for clients. Do DTI → then bring DTI certificate to BIR registration.

DTI Business Name Registration — "Rue Solutions"

This week

Register at bnrs.dti.gov.ph (online). Select "Sole Proprietorship." Business name: Rue Solutions. Scope: Barangay/City/Regional/National — choose based on where you want to operate. Bring DTI certificate to BIR after.

bnrs.dti.gov.ph

₱500 (Barangay) · ₱1,000 (City/Municipality) · ₱2,000 (Regional) · ₱3,000 (National)

Step 2 — BIR Registration (Required for DNV)

BIR — Form 1901 → Form 2303

This week, after DTI

Go to your local RDO. Bring: valid ID, TIN card, DTI certificate. File Form 1901 (Registration as Self-Employed). Pay ₱500. Get Form 2303 (Certificate of Registration). Also register your Books of Accounts at the same visit.

₱500 registration + ₱15 documentary stamp

💡

8% flat tax option: When registering, you can choose the 8% flat income tax on gross receipts instead of the graduated income tax + 3% percentage tax. This is simpler for freelancers earning under ₱3 million/year. Ask your BIR accountant which is better for your income level. The 8% option means fewer forms to file quarterly.

BIR Tax Obligations (Ongoing)

Form	What	When Due	Note
2551Q	Quarterly Percentage Tax (3% of gross)	April, August, November 25	Only if NOT under 8% flat tax option
1701Q	Quarterly Income Tax	April 15, August 15, November 15	Required regardless of tax option
1701	Annual Income Tax Return	April 15 every year	Required for DNV — get BIR-stamped copy
Hire a BIR accountant (₱2,000–5,000/year) to handle these. Don't DIY if you're unsure.

Step 3 — SSS (Legally Required, Not DNV)

🛡️

You already have an SSS number from Evergreen. You just need to update your status to self-employed/voluntary. SSS gives you coverage for sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, and death benefits. Don't skip this — it's legally mandatory and protects you.

Contribution	2026 Rate	Your Share	Est. Monthly
SSS — Self-Employed	15% of declared MSC	Full 15% (you pay all)	₱1,500–4,500+
Based on your declared Monthly Salary Credit. You choose your MSC — declare honestly based on actual income.

Update SSS to Self-Employed

Soon

Go to my.sss.gov.ph or visit an SSS branch. Update membership type from "Employee" to "Self-Employed." Declare your monthly income. Start paying contributions. Pay monthly before the 10th of the following month.

my.sss.gov.ph

Step 4 — PhilHealth (Legally Required, Not DNV)

Contribution	2026 Rate	Your Share	Est. Monthly
PhilHealth — Direct Contributor	5% of monthly income	Full 5% (you pay all)	₱500 minimum
Minimum ₱500/month. Maximum ₱5,000/month. Pay monthly before 10th of following month.

Update PhilHealth to Direct Contributor (Self-Employed)

Soon

Register or update at philhealth.gov.ph. Category: Self-Employed / Direct Contributor. Pay via BancNet-accredited banks or online payment. You already have a PhilHealth number — just update the category.

philhealth.gov.ph

Minimum ₱500/month

Step 5 — Pag-IBIG (Legally Required, Not DNV)

Contribution	2026 Rate	Your Share	Est. Monthly
Pag-IBIG — Voluntary	2% of monthly income	Full 2% (you pay all)	₱200 max
Maximum ₱200/month mandatory. You can opt for higher voluntary contributions. Cheapest of the three.

Update Pag-IBIG to Voluntary Member

Soon

Register at pagibigfundservices.com or visit a branch. Update to voluntary/self-employed member. Pay monthly or quarterly. You already have a Pag-IBIG MID number from Evergreen.

pagibigfundservices.com

₱200/month maximum mandatory

Monthly PH Compliance Cost Summary

Obligation	For DNV?	Monthly Cost (Est.)
BIR Quarterly Tax	✅ Annual ITR yes	Set aside ~15–20% of income
SSS — Self-Employed	❌ Not required	₱1,500–4,500
PhilHealth — Direct Contributor	❌ Not required	₱500 minimum
Pag-IBIG — Voluntary	❌ Not required	₱200
PH Compliance Total		~₱2,200–5,200/mo + taxes

💡

Factor PH compliance costs into your DNV income tracking. Your gross income target is €2,849/month — after PH taxes and contributions, your net will be lower. Make sure your income target accounts for this. Budget gross income that covers both the DNV threshold AND your PH obligations.

Full Timeline

Working backward from Q1 2028 application. Every action in the right order. Blue items = PH compliance. Everything else = DNV preparation.

August 15–23, 2026 — Reset + Week 1

Foundation — Do All of These Now

Register DTI business name "Rue Solutions" at bnrs.dti.gov.ph
Register with BIR RDO — Form 1901 → Form 2303, pay ₱500
Register Books of Accounts at BIR same day
Check Cl@ve PIN at clave.gob.es — is it still active?
Verify Wise account is active and fully verified
Create DNV Google Drive folder — 5 subfolders
Get formal COE or contract from Scent Stories
Start issuing formal invoices for every client payment
Check passport expiry — renew if needed before 2029
Update SSS to self-employed/voluntary at my.sss.gov.ph
Update PhilHealth to Direct Contributor at philhealth.gov.ph
Update Pag-IBIG to voluntary at pagibigfundservices.com

Every Month (Ongoing)

Monthly Routine — Non-Negotiable

Download Wise statement on the 1st — save to DNV folder
Save all invoices issued that month to DNV folder
Update income tracker: total vs €2,849 threshold
Pay SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG before the 10th
Set aside 15–20% of income for BIR quarterly taxes

November 2026 · Month 4 target

Remote Job Starts

Get employment contract — remote work clause must be explicit
Request remote work permission letter from employer
Verify employer company operating 1+ year
Request Spanish criminal record if Cl@ve is active
First payslip → save to DNV Income Evidence folder

April 2027

BIR Annual ITR — File Before April 15

Hire BIR accountant by March 2027 (₱2,000–5,000)
File Form 1701 covering Jun–Dec 2026 income
Get BIR-stamped copy immediately after filing
Save to DNV folder → BIR Documents

May–October 2027

🎯 Hit €2,849/month — Hold It 6 Months

Total income ≥ €2,849 every single month — no dips
This 6-month window = primary income evidence for DNV
Wise statements saved monthly without fail
All invoices organized by month in DNV folder
NBI Clearance: apply in August so it's valid for Q1 2028

September–November 2027

Final Document Push

NBI Clearance + DFA apostille — complete (valid 6 months)
Spanish criminal record via Cl@ve — obtained
Health insurance purchased — certificate ready
BIR Certificate of Good Standing — from RDO
All self-prepared letters drafted in Spanish
Updated CV translated to Spanish
Diploma — confirm apostille copy is acceptable or refresh
All bank statements printed, organized by month
All invoices printed, organized by month

November–December 2027

Final Checks

Medical Certificate obtained — valid 3 months = good until Feb/Mar 2028
National Visa Application Form downloaded, filled, printed x2
Form 790-052 paid online — printed x3
BLS appointment booked for January–March 2028
Schengen passport photo taken
All documents photocopied — originals + 2 sets of copies

Q1 2028 — Apply

BLS Appointment → España 🇪🇸

Go early — 15 minutes if early, 1 hour if late (your own experience)
Bring everything + extra copies of everything
BLS fee: ₱1,040
Processing: 15–60 business days
Passport dispatched via LBC on approval
Mid-2028: España. On your own visa. Your own terms.

Interactive Checklist

Tap to check off. Session only — keep this tab open while working through it.

🔥 This Week — Start Now

Urgent

Register DTI business name "Rue Solutions" at bnrs.dti.gov.ph

Online, ₱500–3,000 depending on scope. Brings legitimacy to your freelance work. Do before BIR.

Go to BIR RDO — Form 1901 → Form 2303 + Books of Accounts

Bring: valid ID, TIN card, DTI certificate. Pay ₱500. Save Form 2303 to DNV folder immediately.

Check Cl@ve PIN at clave.gob.es — is it still active?

If expired, visit Spanish Consulate Manila to renew. You need this for your Spanish criminal record.

Create DNV Google Drive folder with 5 subfolders

Income Evidence / BIR Documents / Clearances / Identity & Insurance / Contracts

Verify Wise account active and fully verified

wise.com — log in and confirm you can receive international payments.

Contact Scent Stories — request formal COE or signed contract

Must show: start date (3+ years ago), your rate, that work is remote. This is your strongest client tenure proof.

Create formal invoice template for Rue Solutions

Every payment from today needs a formal invoice. Use Wave (free) or Google Docs template.

Check passport expiry date

Must be valid until at least Q1 2029 if applying Q1 2028. Renew at DFA if needed.

Find your 2025 diploma apostille copy — check condition

Is it the original? Good condition? Plan to refresh if not acceptable.

🇵🇭 PH Compliance — Update Your Status

Legal Requirement

Update SSS to self-employed at my.sss.gov.ph

You have a number from Evergreen. Just update the membership type. Start paying ₱1,500–4,500/month.

Update PhilHealth to Direct Contributor at philhealth.gov.ph

5% of income. Minimum ₱500/month. Pay before 10th of following month.

Update Pag-IBIG to voluntary at pagibigfundservices.com

₱200/month maximum. Cheapest one. You already have a MID number from Evergreen.

Decide: 8% flat tax OR graduated + 3% percentage tax

Ask BIR accountant. 8% flat is simpler for freelancers under ₱3M/year. Choose when you register.

📅 Monthly — Every Single Month

Ongoing

Download Wise statement on the 1st — save to DNV folder

Save all invoices to DNV folder — labeled by month

Update Notion income tracker — actual vs €2,849 target

Pay SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG before the 10th

Set aside 15–20% of gross income for BIR quarterly taxes

💼 When Remote Job Starts (Sep 2026)

Sep 2026

Get employment contract — must explicitly say remote work is permitted

Request remote work permission letter from employer

Separate from contract. States they allow you to work remotely from Spain specifically.

Verify employer company has been operating for 1+ year

Save first payslip to DNV Income Evidence folder

📑 April 2027 — BIR Annual ITR

April 15, 2027

Hire BIR accountant by March 2027

Budget ₱2,000–5,000. Ask locally or find online.

File Form 1701 — get BIR-stamped copy

Save to DNV → BIR Documents. One of your strongest income proofs for DNV.

🟡 Aug–Nov 2027 — Final Documents

Late 2027

Apply for NBI Clearance + DFA apostille

nbi.gov.ph → pickup → DFA apostille. Allow 3 weeks total. Check for "hit" early.

Request Spanish criminal record via Cl@ve

sede.mjusticia.gob.es. 3–10 business days.

Purchase health insurance — get coverage certificate

feather-insurance.com. €30,000+, no copayments, covers Spain.

BIR Certificate of Good Standing from RDO

Draft RETA letter, criminal declaration, cover letter in Spanish

Update CV and translate to Spanish

Confirm or refresh diploma apostille copy

✅ Dec 2027–Q1 2028 — Submit

Final Steps

Medical Certificate from DOH-accredited clinic — apostilled + translated

Get November/December 2027. Valid 3 months = good for Q1 2028 BLS.

Download and fill National Visa Application Form — print 2 copies

ph.blsspainvisa.com/national-digital-nomad-visa.php

Pay Form 790-052 online — print 3 copies

~₱10,630. sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es

Book BLS appointment as early as possible

philippines.blsspainvisa.com. Slots fill weeks ahead. Book immediately when documents are ready.

Photocopy everything — bring originals + 2 sets of copies

Get Schengen passport photo taken

35x45mm, white background, taken within 6 months. Ask for "Schengen photo."

Full Cost Estimate

Two sections: DNV application costs (one-time) and ongoing Philippine compliance costs (monthly).

DNV Application — One-Time Costs

Document	Cost	When
DTI Business Name Registration	₱500–3,000	This week
BIR Registration (Form 1901)	₱515	This week
PSA Birth Certificate (if needed)	₱365	When needed
DFA Apostille — Birth Cert	₱100–200	Same time
Sworn Translation — Birth Cert	₱2,000–3,000	Same time
Diploma — School certified copy	₱950	If needed
DFA Apostille — Diploma (9 pages)	₱900	If needed
Sworn Translation — Diploma	₱2,500–4,000	If needed
NBI Clearance	₱500	Aug 2027
DFA Apostille — NBI	₱100	After NBI
Medical Certificate	₱3,550	Nov 2027
DFA Apostille + Translation — Medical	₱1,300–1,800	Same time
Health Insurance (1 month, before applying)	₱3,850	Q4 2027
BIR Accountant (Annual ITR)	₱2,000–5,000	Mar 2027
BLS Appointment Fee	₱1,040	Q1 2028
Form 790-052 Consular Fee	₱10,630	Q1 2028
Sworn Translations (other documents)	₱10,000–15,000	Q4 2027
Passport Photo (Schengen)	₱100	Q1 2028
Miscellaneous (copies, transport, etc.)	₱2,000	Various
DNV APPLICATION TOTAL	₱42,000–55,000

Philippine Compliance — Monthly Ongoing

Obligation	Rate	Est. Monthly
SSS — Self-Employed	15% of declared MSC	₱1,500–4,500
PhilHealth — Direct Contributor	5% of income	₱500 min
Pag-IBIG — Voluntary	2% max ₱10,000	₱200
BIR (set aside for quarterly/annual)	15–20% of gross	Varies
COMPLIANCE TOTAL (excl. BIR)		~₱2,200–5,200/mo

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Flight budget: One-way Manila to Spain. Budget ₱30,000–50,000 solo. Last time (2 pax Emirates with seat selection + extra baggage): ₱98,637. Book after you receive visa approval letter.

FAQ

All questions from your conversation answered in one place.

My ex filed baja and divorce — is my TIE null?

Yes, your TIE is null. Your authorization was issued as a dependent family member. When the main applicant removed you as a dependent (baja) and the divorce was filed, your authorization as a family member was cancelled. You cannot use it to re-enter Spain as a resident. You start a fresh DNV application as the main applicant. This was always the plan — nothing has changed.

Does my NIE expire? Do I need to re-acquire it?

No. Your NIE is permanent and never expires. It is not affected by divorce, baja, or leaving Spain. The number is yours for life. Write it on your new application forms. No action needed. This saves you the NIE email/appointment process.

Is the DNV only for employees of foreign companies?

No. There are two tracks: (1) Remote Employee and (2) Freelancer/Self-Employed. You qualify under Track 2 as a freelancer through Rue Solutions. You do not need to be employed by anyone. Your freelance income alone can meet the threshold — and combining it with a remote job makes your application stronger.

Can I combine my job income and Rue Solutions income to meet the threshold?

Yes — combined income counts. Total income from all sources is what matters. Job salary + Rue Solutions invoices together can meet the €2,849/month threshold. Both must be documented separately: payslips + contract for job, invoices + bank statements for Rue. All income through Wise for clean evidence.

What is the 2026 income threshold?

€2,849/month gross for a solo applicant. This is higher than the €2,646 in older guides and in the master plan — update your target everywhere. Annual gross: €34,188. At ~₱62/€, this is approximately ₱176,600/month. Hold this for 6 consecutive months before applying.

Do I need SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG for the DNV?

No — the consulate does not ask for these. However, they are mandatory under Philippine law for self-employed individuals. You already have numbers from Evergreen — just update your status to self-employed/voluntary. The only Philippine government requirement for the DNV itself is BIR (Form 2303 and Annual ITR).

Do I need DTI registration for Rue Solutions?

Not strictly required for DNV, but highly recommended. DTI business name registration makes Rue Solutions official on paper — stronger DNV application, more professional for clients, required for certain banking and legal purposes. Do DTI first (bnrs.dti.gov.ph), then bring the DTI certificate when registering with BIR.

What is RETA and do I pay it before applying?

No — you only commit to it, you don't pay before the visa. For the application, you write a letter declaring you'll register with Spain's self-employed social security (RETA) on arrival. Year 1 flat rate: €80/month. You pay AFTER you arrive in Spain. Just write, translate, and sign the letter for the application.

What is the 80% income rule?

At least 80% of your income must come from non-Spanish companies. Your remote job (foreign company) + international Rue Solutions clients are 100% non-Spanish. Scent Stories (Philippines) is non-Spanish. You're well within this rule. Just don't have Spanish clients making up more than 20% of your income.

Should I apply from the Philippines (BLS) or from Spain (UGE)?

Philippines via BLS. You're based here. The BLS consulate gives a 1-year DNV, renewable in Spain to 3 years — which you already know from experience. The UGE route requires already being in Spain, which isn't your situation. Same BLS process as your 2025 application, except this time you're the main applicant.

After arriving in Spain, what do I need to do?

From your own 2025 experience: (1) Secure accommodation, (2) Empadron appointment — done in 10 minutes, (3) Get social security number, (4) Register with RETA as self-employed, (5) Open Spanish bank account, (6) TIE appointment. As a Filipino with 2 years legal residence, you'll be eligible for citizenship application. By 2030–2031: Spanish citizenship.

Spain Digital NomadVisa — Full Guide v2

Spain Digital Nomad
Visa — Full Guide v2