Spain’s Non-Lucrative vs. Digital Nomad Visa: A Complete Legal Guide by moviinn®

Over the past few years, Spain has emerged as one of Europe’s top destinations for relocation, offering sunshine, culture, a slower pace of life, and great public services. Whether you're looking to retire, take a career break, or continue working remotely from a sunnier place, there are two visas you’ll hear about often: the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) and the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV).

But what are the key differences? Which one suits your lifestyle best? In this article, I break down everything, from the legal process to financial requirements, tax implications, and common pitfalls, so you can confidently plan your move to Spain.

1. What Is the Non-Lucrative Visa?

The Non-Lucrative Visa (Visado de Residencia No Lucrativa) allows non-EU/EEA citizens to reside in Spain without working. It is primarily designed for individuals who can support themselves through passive income, such as pensions, rental income, dividends, or savings.

🔹 Duration & Renewals

- Initial Duration: 1 year
- First Renewal: 2 years
- Second Renewal: 2 years
- After 5 years of continuous legal residency, you may apply for long-term residency.

All renewals may be completed from within Spain, without the need to return to your home country.

🔹 Where to Apply

This visa must be applied for at the Spanish consulate in your country of legal residence. It is not possible to apply from within Spain.

🔹 Key Requirements

- Passive income of at least €30,000 per year (indexed annually).
- Income must not originate from work activity.
- Private Spanish health insurance with full coverage and no co-payments.
- Clean criminal record for the past five years in all countries of residence.
- Medical certificate stating you are free from any disease that may pose public health risks.

🔹 Who is it for?

- Retirees
- Individuals on sabbatical or gap year
- Financially independent persons
- Families or couples seeking a medium- to long-term stay

This visa is particularly suitable for those who do not intend to engage in any professional activity in Spain and who plan to reside seasonally or permanently without employment.

2. What Is the Digital Nomad Visa?

Introduced in 2023, the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) enables non-EU nationals to live in Spain while working remotely for non-Spanish companies. It is ideal for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs with international clients.

🔹 Duration & Renewals

- From your home country: 1-year visa
- From within Spain (e.g., on a tourist visa): 3-year residence permit
- Renewable for an additional 2 years

Applying from within Spain is typically more efficient, as the process is managed by the Unidad de Grandes Empresas, which generally handles applications faster and more transparently than Spanish consulates.

🔹 Key Requirements

- Employment or freelance activity must be fully remote
- Work must be primarily for non-Spanish entities (up to 20% of income can come from Spanish companies)
- Minimum monthly income of approx. €2,500 - €3,000
- University degree or 3+ years of demonstrable experience in a highly qualified profession
- Proof of stable income, work contracts, or business activity

🔹 Who is it for?

- Remote employees working for foreign companies
- Freelancers or consultants with international clients
- Owners of companies based outside of Spain
- Entrepreneurs working remotely across borders

3. Non-Lucrative vs. Digital Nomad: Key Differences

4. Tax Implications: What You Need to Know

It is important to distinguish between immigration status and tax residency in Spain.

You are considered a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain. If you spend fewer days, even with a valid visa, you are generally not required to become a tax resident.

Example:

- A retiree spending 4 months per year in Spain on an NLV would not be considered a tax resident.

- A remote worker residing in Spain all year under the DNV would likely acquire tax residency.

Tax residency involves declaring your global income in Spain, although double taxation treaties may apply depending on your country of origin.

⚠️ Neither visa automatically offers tax advantages. Tax optimization requires tailored advice based on your personal income structure and residency plans.

5. Application Tips from My Legal Experience

Based on years of supporting international clients:

✅ For the Non-Lucrative Visa:

- Prepare financial documents early: bank statements, investment portfolios, pension letters
- Use a Spanish health insurance provider approved by immigration offices.
- Translate all documents to Spanish and legalize where required.
- Begin the application at least 90 days in advance.

✅ For the Digital Nomad Visa:

- Ensure employment contracts explicitly state that your role is 100% remote.
- Gather proof of qualifications (degrees, certificates, or a resume with 3+ years of experience).
- Freelancers: submit multiple contracts or letters from clients abroad.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting active income sources for the Non-Lucrative Visa
• Applying for an NLV from within Spain (not allowed)
• Incomplete documentation or missing official translations
• Failing to provide proof of remote activity (for DNV)
• Misunderstanding tax obligations tied to physical presence

7. Family Members and Dependents

Both visas allow you to bring your spouse and children, provided you meet increased income thresholds:

• Non-Lucrative Visa: Approx. €8,000 - €9,000 per dependent
• Digital Nomad Visa: Amount varies but must show adequate means for family support

moviinn® provides step-by-step support for family reunification cases, including application handling and translations.

8. Can You Own a Company in Spain?

Yes, as a foreign national you can own a company in Spain, even without holding a residence permit.

However, acting as the administrator (legal manager or director) of that company may require a residence permit, because it implies active management responsibilities.

It is legally possible to be a shareholder or owner without being involved in day-to-day operations. In fact, you may appoint a third-party administrator (even a Spanish national or resident) to run the company on your behalf.

⚠️ It’s worth noting that Spanish authorities are not fully aligned on whether a non-resident can act as administrator. The Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) and Social Security offices may interpret this differently, so professional legal guidance is advised.

9. Can You Buy Property in Spain on These Visas?

Yes. Both NLV (Non-Lucrative Visa) and DNV (Digital Nomad Visa) holders may purchase real estate. Many clients choose to buy homes as a primary residence or vacation property.

However, owning property does not grant you residency. You must still apply for and comply with the appropriate visa.

10. Is Either Visa a Path to Permanent Residency or Citizenship?

Yes, both visas allow for residency accumulation:

- After 5 years of legal residence in Spain, you may apply for long-term residency
- After 10 years, you may apply for Spanish citizenship

🟨 Exception:

If you are a citizen of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, or Equatorial Guinea, the citizenship application period is only 2 years. Furthermore, you are allowed to hold dual nationality without having to renounce your original citizenship.

If you are married to a Spanish national, you may apply for citizenship after just 1 year of legal residence.

11. Future Legal Changes: What to Expect

At the time of writing, no major legislative changes are expected for either visa. However, Spanish immigration policy evolves regularly in its interpretation and application of the law.

While the core legal framework may remain unchanged, procedural updates, especially regarding documentation, consular processes, and online platforms, can impact your application timeline. That’s why it's essential to work with professionals who stay on top of policy shifts.

12. How moviinn® Helps You Relocate to Spain

From choosing the right visa to finding your perfect home, moviinn® offers a complete relocation service across Spain and its islands. Our team combines legal expertise with hands-on experience to help you settle with confidence.

We support:

- Visa planning and documentation
- Legal coordination and translations
- Home search and real estate advice
- Family relocation, school enrollment, healthcare setup
- Local registration, banking, and insurance

Whether you’re a freelancer in Berlin, a family relocating from the U.S., or a couple retiring from Canada or Brazil, moviinn® makes moving to Spain easy, compliant, and personalized.

Book Your Free Consultation

Book a call today with our relocation team. We’ll review your situation, explain your visa options, and help you plan your move step by step.

You can also watch our full video guide for a breakdown of everything you need to know before applying.

Let’s moviinn® – to Spain.