How to File Your Declaración de Entrada in Spain — Step-by-Step Guide 2026
The declaración de entrada (entry declaration) is a mandatory document that must be filed within 72 hours of entering Spain. It is required when no Spanish entry stamp was placed in your passport — for example, when you flew into Spain via another Schengen country. Without this document, or a physical entry stamp, submitting a residency application is not possible. We pre-fill the forms for you — you just need to show up with your documents.
When You Need an Entry Declaration
You need a declaración de entrada if no Spanish entry stamp was placed in your passport on arrival. This most commonly happens when you fly into Spain via another Schengen country (for example, connecting through Frankfurt or Amsterdam before landing in Madrid).
- The declaration must be filed within 72 hours of entering Spain
- Without this document — or a physical entry stamp — submitting a residency application is not possible
- File it at the airport immediately upon arrival whenever possible; do not leave it for later
What Documents to Bring
📋 Required Documents
- Passport — copy of the photo/data page
- Boarding passes — copies confirming your arrival date
- Proof of legal stay in Spain — copy of your visa or any document confirming your right to be in Spain (residence permit, etc.)
How to File
- Find a Policía Nacional office. At the airport, the desk is usually located in the arrivals hall. If you have already left the airport, go to your nearest local Policía Nacional precinct.
- Request the entry declaration (declaración de entrada). We pre-fill the forms for you in advance — just bring your documents.
- The officer will sign the declaration. Keep this document — you will need it when submitting your residency application.
If the airport police desk is closed or you have already left the airport, you can file the declaration at any local Policía Nacional office in your city. The key is to do so before the 72-hour window expires.
Sample Form
Below is an example of a correctly completed entry declaration form. Note the signature placement and the required fields.
We pre-fill the declaration forms and fee receipts for you. Just reach out at hello@espanago.com or via WhatsApp.
Alternative: Acta Notarial de Presencia at a Notary
Since October 2025, the EU's EES (Entry/Exit System) has been rolling out across Schengen borders. The system became fully operational at all Spanish ports of entry on April 10, 2026. Under EES, the entry and exit of non-EU nationals are recorded electronically rather than by physical passport stamp. As a result, you may arrive in Spain with no ink stamp in your passport — and in some cases police may decline to issue a declaración de entrada, citing the EES electronic record.
In that situation, anyone without a physical entry stamp should visit a notary and obtain an acta notarial de presencia (notarial certificate of physical presence). This is an official document in which the notary certifies that you personally appeared before them in Spain on a given date.
- Your personal appearance before the notary
- Identification by passport
- Presentation of your valid residency document or citizenship of a country with visa-free access to the EU, or your valid visa
- The fact of your physical presence in Spain on the date of signing
- A list of the documents you presented to the notary
The notary does not need to draw any conclusions about whether your entry was legal or whether you needed a stamp. The notary simply records facts and documents presented — that is sufficient for immigration purposes.
How to Find a Notary and What to Say
Finding a notary is simple: open Google Maps and search "notaría" — you will see the nearest offices. You can walk into any notary office; no appointment is needed.
🗣️ What to Tell the Notary
Say the following (you can show this text on your phone screen):
«Buenos días. Necesito un acta notarial de presencia para acreditar mi entrada en España. Necesito que el acta refleje: mi comparecencia personal, mi identificación por pasaporte, la presentación de mi documento de residencia (o visado) de un país con exención de visado con la UE, y el hecho de mi presencia física en España en la fecha de hoy.»
The typical fee is €10 to €30. The notary will also make a certified copy of your passport confirming identity verification.
Sample Acta Notarial de Presencia
Below is an example of a real notarial certificate of presence: a certified copy of the passport and the page bearing the notary's stamp and signature.
For a complete overview of the residency application process, see our main Digital Nomad Visa guide.
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