Wondering whether to apply for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa or Digital Nomad Visa in 2025? Compare eligibility, income requirements, tax benefits, remote work permissions, and more in this ultimate guide for expats, freelancers, and retirees.
Moving to Spain in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you're planning to move to Spain in 2025, two top visa options for non-EU citizens stand out:
- Non-Lucrative Visa Spain (NLV)
- Digital Nomad Visa Spain (DNV)
While both visas offer a legal path to residency in Spain, they differ in important ways, including application process, work eligibility, financial requirements, and tax implications.
In this in-depth guide, we break down the key differences between Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa and Digital Nomad Visa so you can decide which is best for your lifestyle.
1. What Is Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)?
The Non-Lucrative Visa allows you to live in Spain without working or conducting professional activity. It’s perfect for:
✅ Retirees
✅ Individuals with passive income
✅ People who wish to take a gap year
Key Feature: You cannot work under the NLV, this includes remote work for foreign employers or freelance clients.
2. What Is Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)?
Introduced in 2023, the Digital Nomad Visa is designed for:
✅ Remote workers
✅ Freelancers
✅ Company Owners
Key Feature: You can legally work remotely for non-Spanish companies. You’re also allowed to earn up to 20% of your income from Spanish sources (clients or companies)
3. Income Requirements: NLV vs DNV in 2025
Visa Type Monthly Income Requirement Annual Requirement Dependent Add-On
NLV €2,400 (400% IPREM) €28.800/year +€600/month per dependent
DNV €2,780 (200% SMI) €33.360/year +€1,036/month for spouse, +€350/month per other dependants
- You must prove stable income through bank statements
- The DNV has higher financial demands
- DNV allows digital proof of income (payslips, invoices, contracts)
- For NLV, hard copies of the bank statements with bank stamp plus bank confirmation letter is required
4. Work Eligibility
Feature Non-Lucrative Visa Digital Nomad Visa
Remote Work Not allowed Allowed
Spanish clients Not allowed Up to 20% of income
Freelancing/ Not allowed Allowed
Consulting
Important: Working while on an NLV, even for a foreign company, is not allowed.
5. Tax Residency & Benefits
Non-Lucrative Visa
- You need to remain in Spain for, at least, 183 days
- After those 183 days you become a Spanish tax resident
- Must declare global income
Digital Nomad Visa
- You need to remain in Spain for, at least, 183 days
- After those 183 days you become a Spanish tax resident
- Employees can be eligible for Spain’s Beckham Law (Inpatriate Tax Regime):
- Pay a 24% flat tax on labour income only
- Applies for up to 6 years
Important: Check with an experienced accountant your tax implications regarding your particular situation.
6. Health Insurance Requirements
Both visas require full-coverage private health insurance in Spain, including:
- No copayments
- Full hospital, primary care, and emergency services
- Coverage from day one
Contractors or Freelancers on the DNV will contribute to Spanish social security, which grant access public healthcare. No Private health insurance is needed.
Private Health Insurance is needed for NLV.
7. Processing time, Duration & Permanent Residency
Feature Non-Lucrative Visa Digital Nomad Visa
20 business days applying within Spain
Processing Time 3 months
1 month aprox. applying from Consulate
Renewal 2 + 2 years Up to 5 years
Initial Duration 1 year 3 years (application within Spain) / 1 year (consulate application)
Permanent Residency After 5 years After 5 years
Spanish Citizenship After 10 years After 10 years
(or 2–5 for select nationalities) (or 2–5 for select nationalities)
8. Who Should Choose Which Visa?
👉 Retiree or financially independent → Non-Lucrative Visa
👉 Remote worker, freelancer, or entrepreneur → Digital Nomad Visa
- Retiring in Spain: NLV
- Want to work remotely: DNV
- Running an online / remote business: DNV
- Living off investments: NLV
9. Main Required Documents (General Overview)
Non-Lucrative Visa:
- Passive income or savings
- Bank Statements with official Bank stamp
- Bank letter confirming account and balance
- Criminal background check of the places you’ve lived in the past 5 years
- Private health insurance with a Spanish provider
- Medical certificate
- Notarized promise not to work (people of working age)
- Employer/client letter confirming the termination of the contract (people of working age)
Digital Nomad Visa:
- Remote work contract
- Client/Employer registration certificate
- Income documentation: Downloaded bank statements plus payslips/invoices
- University degree or 3+ years of documented work experience
- Criminal background check of the places you’ve lived in the past 2 years
- Social Security Coverage certificate (if applicable)
- Private Health Insurance with a Spanish provider (if applicable)
10. Final Verdict
Category Winner
Work flexibility DNV
Lower financial threshold NLV
Simplicity of process DNV (within Spain)
Remote work legality DNV
Best for retirees NLV
Best for professionals DNV
FAQs About Spanish Visas
- Can I work remotely on a Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain?
No. The Spanish government prohibits any type of work under the Non-Lucrative Visa, even for foreign clients.
- Can I bring my family with either visa?
Yes, both the NLV and DNV allow family reunification, but the Digital Nomad Visa has higher financial requirements for dependents.
- How long does it take to get either visa?
NLV: 1 - 3 months depending on the consulate
DNV: 20 business days within Spain or 1 month from consulate
Choosing between the Non-Lucrative Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa depends on your goals:
✅ Choose the NLV if you're not working and living off savings or retirement income
✅ Choose the DNV if you're working remotely or freelancing and want to do so legally from Spain
How MoveWise Can Assist You
Navigating the complexities of the DNV application can be a daunting task. That's where MoveWise steps in. We are dedicated to guiding clients
through their DNV applications, offering a range of specialized services:
- Personalized Service: We tailor our services to your specific needs, ensuring a smooth and effortless process.
- Seamless Online Process: Benefit from our fully digital services, ensuring all documentation is managed
- online for a streamlined and hassle-free experience.
- Efficient Scheduling: We optimize your application timeline to ensure a smooth and timely process.
- Full Ownership of Your Application Process: We provide comprehensive support, handling every aspect of your application from start to finish.
- Tax Implications Assistance: Our experts help you understand the tax implications of your DNV and various application options.
- Meticulous Documentation: We prepare and submit all required documents, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements.
- 100% Money-Back Guarantee: If your application is unsuccessful, we offer a full refund, reflecting our commitment to your success.
The Digital Nomad visa for Spain offers a fantastic opportunity to live abroad while working remothely, granting you the freedom to explore and enjoy the country’s vibrant culture and relaxed lifestyle.
Ready to embark on your next adventure?
Contact Us
While the requirements for obtaining a Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad visa for Spain are straightforward, preparing the necessary documents and navigating the application process can be challenging. Mistakes or incomplete paperwork could put your application at risk. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
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