❌ Rejected for a Spanish Work Visa?
Spain offers excellent visa options for remote workers, employees, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. But too many applications are denied due to avoidable errors.
In this article, we’ll explain the top reasons Spain work visas are rejected — and how you can avoid them.
🚫 Most Common Reasons for Work Visa Rejection
| Reason | Applies To |
|---|---|
| ❌ Incomplete or missing documents | All visa types |
| ❌ Insufficient income or unclear financials | DNV, Self-Employed |
| ❌ Unclear or unrealistic business plan | Self-Employed, Entrepreneur |
| ❌ No valid apostille/legalization | All visas |
| ❌ Employer not eligible or unregistered | HQP, Cuenta Ajena |
| ❌ Job offer doesn’t meet “highly qualified” standards | HQP |
| ❌ 100% of income from Spain (for DNV) | DNV |
| ❌ Incorrect application channel (UGE vs consulate) | DNV, HQP, Entrepreneur |
| ❌ No proof of qualifications or experience | HQP, DNV |
| ❌ Criminal record issues | All visas |
🔍 Visa-Specific Pitfalls
🧑💻 Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)
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Applying while working for a Spanish company (ineligible)
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Not meeting minimum income requirements (~€2,500/month)
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Submitting contracts less than 3 months old
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Missing proof of qualifications or professional experience
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Applying through a consulate instead of UGE-CE
➡️ Solution: We ensure all documents meet UGE guidelines and income is verified correctly.
💼 Highly Qualified Professional Visa (HQP)
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Job offer does not require advanced skills
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Salary too low (generally under €40,000)
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Lack of accredited degree or experience
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Employer not meeting legal obligations in Spain
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Wrong immigration authority (UGE required)
➡️ Solution: We verify job eligibility and support the employer with UGE submissions.
📄 Self-Employed Visa
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Business plan too vague or unrealistic
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Income projections under €9,500–€10,000/year
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No client letters or proof of viability
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Lack of professional qualification or experience
➡️ Solution: We help create detailed, compelling business plans that meet consular standards.
🚀 Entrepreneur Visa
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Project not innovative enough
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No ENISA or UGE-CE approval
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No funding or capital
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Mistaking this for a normal freelance visa
➡️ Solution: We tailor your startup pitch for UGE-CE and help structure your business correctly.
🛂 Other General Reasons for Rejection
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Documents not translated into Spanish by a sworn translator
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Background check not legalized or over 90 days old
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Using outdated EX forms
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Applying for the wrong type of residence permit
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Not registering for empadronamiento, TIE, or social security in time
📝 What Happens After a Rejection?
You typically have 1 of 3 options:
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Administrative appeal (recurso de reposición) – within 1 month
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Judicial appeal (recurso contencioso-administrativo) – takes longer
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New application with corrected documents
📌 In most cases, a new and improved application is the fastest route.
🧑⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps You Avoid Rejection
We:
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Review your full case for weak points
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Prepare or improve your business plan, job offer, or income documentation
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Translate and apostille everything correctly
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File the application directly with UGE-CE or the right consulate
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Handle appeals if your case was wrongly denied
📞 Don’t Let a Visa Denial Derail Your Move to Spain
📅 Book a consultation and let us professionally prepare your Spanish work visa — or rescue your application if it’s already been rejected.