For many navigating the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) process, the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE) has traditionally been a predictable machine. However, recent months have introduced some new complexities that require vigilance and a bit more patience.
While peak seasons last year (like August and December) saw smooth processing, the first half of this year has not been so smooth. Here is our current analysis based on what we’re seeing firsthand.
Reliance on “Administrative Silence” Filings
One of the most notable recent trends has been the need to file for administrative silence. This mechanism allows applicants to assume and request a positive resolution if the administration fails to respond within the statutory 20-day period.
A look at the timeline:
- January 2024: The last time we saw a wave of administrative silence filings, and that was just for a few cases.
- May 2025: A significant surge in filings to catch up on the April backlog created by the last Golden Visa applications from April.
- July 18-24 Submissions: This is the most heavily impacted cohort. These applications are now nearing the two-month mark without a formal response, pushing many to file multiple requests for administrative silence. We have recently posted about this on our Facebook page. Update as of 30 Sep 2025: All but one of our administrative silence cases, which were filed in the July 18-23 period, have now been officially granted and approved! This has been the longest wait we’ve seen (resolving at the 48-51 working day mark).
While some approvals for this July period are starting to come in for other consultants, many cases, including our own, are still pending. We are monitoring these daily.
The “Resolved” Status: Not Always Immediate
A key insight to save you some anxiety: seeing your application status change to “Resolved” on the UGE portal does not always mean the official notification is ready for download.
We have observed instances where the downloadable notification appeared up to 10 days after the status was marked “Resolved.” If you see this delay, please know that it is a known quirk of the system.
Protocol and Rectification
It’s also worth remembering that the UGE and other administrative bodies involved are, at their core, human-run. Mistakes can happen. We’ve occasionally seen incorrect notifications or errors in processing.
Thankfully, in our experience, the officials are generally quite helpful and responsive in rectifying these issues. So, if something seems off, don’t hesitate to inquire.
Our Final Takeaway
The current landscape of the Spanish DNV process, particularly with the UGE, requires a bit more vigilance and patience than usual. Keep an eye on your portal, be prepared to file for administrative silence (even multiple times if necessary) if deadlines pass, and understand that “resolved” doesn’t always mean “instant notification.”
We’ll continue to monitor these developments and share any further insights as they emerge.
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