🎯 Why Compare the NLV and Digital Nomad Visa?
Both the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) and Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) allow non-EU citizens to live in Spain long-term, but they have very different goals:
| Visa Type | Designed For |
|---|---|
| NLV | Retirees, passive income holders |
| Digital Nomad | Remote workers, freelancers |
Choosing the wrong one could lead to rejection or tax surprises — so let’s break down the key differences.
⚖️ Key Differences: NLV vs Digital Nomad Visa
| Feature | Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) | Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) |
|---|---|---|
| 🧑💼 Work allowed in Spain? | ❌ No (must not engage in work) | ✅ Yes (remote work only) |
| 🌍 Work for foreign employer? | ✅ Allowed (if passive) | ✅ Required |
| 💶 Minimum income required | ~€30,000/year (400% IPREM) | ~€28,000/year (200% IPREM) |
| 📂 Application location | Your home country (via consulate) | Either in Spain or at consulate |
| 🧾 Tax residency | Becomes tax resident after 183 days | Special expat tax regime available |
| 👨👩👧 Family members allowed? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| ⏳ Validity | 1 year → renewable | 1 year → up to 5 years total |
| 📅 Renewal requirement | Double IPREM for 2 years | Maintain remote work/income |
| 🧑💼 Who it’s best for | Retirees, investors, early retirees | Digital workers, freelancers |
💡 Which Visa Fits Your Profile?
✅ The NLV is best if you:
-
Are retired or living off investments or pension
-
Have passive income only (no active work)
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Want a quiet life without remote job obligations
-
Prefer a simpler path to residency
✅ The Digital Nomad Visa is best if you:
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Work remotely for a company outside Spain
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Are a freelancer or own a location-independent business
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Want to live in Spain without quitting your job
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Qualify for the Beckham tax regime (reduced taxes for 5 years)
➡️ [Learn about Beckham regime taxation]
🧾 Application Differences
| NLV | DNV |
|---|---|
| Must apply from your home country | Can apply from within Spain |
| Requires proof of passive income | Requires proof of remote employment |
| Health insurance = private policy | Health insurance = also required |
| No employment letters needed | Must show remote work contract |
💸 Income Requirements Compared
| Applicant Type | NLV (approx.) | DNV (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant | €30,000/year | €28,000–€32,000/year |
| Spouse | +€7,500 | +€9,000 (varies) |
| Child (each) | +€7,500 | +€3,000–€5,000 |
💬 DNV is slightly more flexible for families, but requires ongoing active income.
💼 What If You Work Remotely?
If you’re a remote worker, you should not apply under the NLV unless:
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You are not working at all
-
Your work is 100% passive (dividends, royalties, investments)
🚫 Working remotely under an NLV may result in:
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Rejection or cancellation of the visa
-
Issues at renewal
-
Legal trouble if discovered by extranjería
➡️ Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa instead
🔄 Can You Switch Between NLV and DNV?
Technically, yes:
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You can switch from NLV → DNV from within Spain
-
You’ll need to meet all DNV criteria and submit a new application
-
Switching from DNV → NLV is less common and not always accepted
📌 Always check with an immigration lawyer before switching.
🧑⚖️ Need Help Choosing the Right Visa?
At Borderless Lawyers, we help you decide between the NLV and Digital Nomad Visa based on your:
✅ Income structure
✅ Work obligations
✅ Tax residency goals
✅ Long-term plans (permanent residency or citizenship)