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If you're planning to relocate to Spain in 2025, choosing the right visa can make or break your experience. With Spain's Golden Visa program ending in April 2025, American expats now face two primary long-term visa options: the Non-Lucrative Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa.
Both visas offer paths to Spanish residency, but they serve vastly different lifestyles. This comprehensive guide breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed decision based on your income sources, work situation, and long-term goals.
Non-Lucrative Visa: No work allowed
Digital Nomad Visa: Yes, remote work only
Non-Lucrative Visa: €2,400/month (€28,800/year)
Digital Nomad Visa: €2,763/month (€33,156/year)
Non-Lucrative Visa: Passive income only (pensions, investments, rental income)
Digital Nomad Visa: Active income from remote work
Non-Lucrative Visa: 1 year
Digital Nomad Visa: 1 year (if applied from abroad) or 3 years (if applied within Spain)
Non-Lucrative Visa: 2-year renewals
Digital Nomad Visa: 2-year renewals (up to 5 years total)
Non-Lucrative Visa: Standard Spanish tax rates (19-47% progressive)
Digital Nomad Visa: Beckham Law available: 24% flat rate on income up to €600,000/year
Non-Lucrative Visa: 2-8 weeks
Digital Nomad Visa: 15-45 business days
Non-Lucrative Visa: €80-152 (varies by nationality)
Digital Nomad Visa: €73-90
Non-Lucrative Visa: Yes (+€600/month per dependent)
Digital Nomad Visa: Yes (+€1,036/month for spouse, +€345/month per child)
The Non-Lucrative Visa is designed for individuals who want to live in Spain without working. This visa is ideal for retirees, individuals with substantial savings, or those living off passive income streams.
Retirees with pension income
Investors living off dividends or rental income
Early retirees who don't plan to work
Sabbatical takers with sufficient savings
Anyone with passive income exceeding €2,400 per month
To qualify for the Non-Lucrative Visa, you must meet these financial and legal requirements:
Financial Requirements:
Main applicant: €2,400/month (€28,800/year) — equivalent to 400% of Spain's IPREM
Each additional dependent: +€600/month (€7,200/year) — equivalent to 100% of IPREM
Funds must come from passive sources: pensions, investments, rental income, annuities, or savings
Additional Requirements:
Valid passport (minimum 1 year validity)
Clean criminal record from past 5 years
Private health insurance authorized in Spain (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Medical certificate confirming no serious health risks
Proof of accommodation in Spain
Important: You cannot work or engage in any professional activities in Spain with this visa. Violating this restriction can result in visa revocation.
Gather required documents (translations and apostilles may be required)
Schedule appointment at Spanish consulate in your country of residence
Submit application and pay fees (approximately €80-152 depending on your nationality)
Wait 2-8 weeks for processing
Enter Spain within 90 days of visa approval
Apply for TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) within 30 days of arrival
Spain introduced the Digital Nomad Visa in January 2023 as part of the Startup Act. This visa allows remote workers to live in Spain while working for foreign companies or clients.
Remote employees working for non-Spanish companies
Freelancers with international clients
Digital entrepreneurs running location-independent businesses
W2 employees (as of April 2025, W2 workers can now apply!)
Anyone actively working remotely with income exceeding €2,763/month
Financial Requirements:
Main applicant: €2,763/month (€33,156/year) — equivalent to 200% of Spain's minimum wage
Spouse/partner: +€1,036/month
Each child: +€345/month
Work Requirements:
Remote work arrangement for at least 1 year
Employer/clients outside Spain (up to 20% of income can come from Spanish clients for freelancers)
Company must have been operational for at least 1 year
University degree, professional certificate, or 3+ years of relevant work experience
Additional Requirements:
Valid passport (minimum 1 year validity)
Clean criminal record from past 5 years
Private health insurance authorized in Spain
Proof of remote work contract or freelance agreements
Company authorization letter (for employees)
Gather documentation proving remote work and income
Apply at Spanish consulate or from within Spain (if legally present)
Pay visa fee (€73-90)
Processing takes 15-45 business days
Initial visa: 1 year (from abroad) or 3 years (applied within Spain)
Renewable for 2-year periods up to 5 years total
Non-Lucrative Visa: You cannot work at all. This means no employment, no freelancing, no business activities in Spain. Your income must be entirely passive.
Digital Nomad Visa: You can work remotely for foreign employers or clients. Freelancers can earn up to 20% of their income from Spanish clients.
The Digital Nomad Visa requires slightly higher income (€2,763/month vs €2,400/month), but the key difference is the source:
Non-Lucrative: Passive income only (pensions, investments, rental properties)
Digital Nomad: Active income from remote work
This is where the Digital Nomad Visa shines.
Non-Lucrative Visa holders pay standard Spanish income tax rates:
19-47% progressive tax rates on worldwide income if you become a tax resident
Digital Nomad Visa holders can benefit from the Beckham Law:
24% flat tax rate on income up to €600,000/year (for first 4-6 years)
Only Spanish-sourced income taxed for non-employment income
Significant tax savings for high earners
To qualify for Beckham Law benefits, you must:
Not have been a Spanish tax resident in the previous 10 years
File application within 6 months of obtaining residency
Work for a Spanish company or relocate to Spain for work purposes (some flexibility applies to Digital Nomad Visa holders)
Non-Lucrative Visa: Must be applied for from your country of residence (cannot apply from within Spain)
Digital Nomad Visa: Can be applied for either from abroad or from within Spain if you're legally present (even on a tourist visa). If applied from within Spain, you receive a 3-year initial permit instead of 1 year.
Both visas offer a path to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence. After 10 years, you may be eligible for Spanish citizenship (or sooner if you're from Latin America, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal).
You're retired or planning early retirement
You have substantial savings or passive income
You don't want or need to work
You're living off pensions, investments, or rental income
You prefer simpler tax implications
You work remotely for a foreign company
You're a freelancer with international clients
You want to continue your career while living in Spain
You can benefit from Beckham Law tax advantages
You're actively earning income and want work flexibility
Myth 1: "I can work remotely on a Non-Lucrative Visa if no one finds out."
Reality: This is visa fraud and can result in deportation and a ban from the Schengen Area. Always choose the correct visa for your situation.
Myth 2: "Digital Nomad Visa means I pay no taxes."
Reality: You'll still pay taxes, but may benefit from reduced rates under Beckham Law. You must file tax returns in Spain if you become a tax resident (staying 183+ days).
Myth 3: "W2 employees can't get Digital Nomad Visas."
Reality: As of April 2025, confirmed cases show W2 employees are being approved. This is a recent development, but approvals are happening.
Myth 4: "The visa with lower income requirements is always better."
Reality: The €363/month difference is minimal compared to choosing the wrong visa type. Focus on work restrictions and income sources, not just the amount.
Navigating Spanish visa bureaucracy can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with document translations, apostilles, and strict requirements. At Globexs, we've helped thousands of American expats successfully relocate to Valencia since 2002.
Legal Support (Valencia Only):
Complete visa application assistance
NIE number applications
Bank account setup
Padrón (residency registration)
Health insurance guidance
Document translation and apostille coordination
Temporary Furnished Housing: Available in major cities across Spain and Europe (Brussels, Antwerp, and more)
Flexible 1-11 month contracts
All utilities included
Move-in ready apartments
No long-term commitment required
Community Integration:
Twice-monthly social events
Expat community connections
Local resource recommendations
Follow our "Rule of Three" — attend three events before deciding if they're right for you
With 20+ years of experience, we understand the real challenges of relocation. We don't just process paperwork; we help you build a successful life in Spain.
The choice between Non-Lucrative Visa and Digital Nomad Visa ultimately depends on your work situation and income sources. Consider these questions:
Do you plan to work or are you retired/financially independent?
What is your primary source of income?
Can you meet the income requirements?
Do you need the tax benefits of Beckham Law?
How important is work flexibility to you?
Both visas offer excellent pathways to living in Spain. The key is choosing the one that aligns with your lifestyle and legal situation.
Ready to start your relocation journey to Valencia? Contact Globexs today for a personalized consultation. Our expert team will assess your situation and guide you through the entire visa application process.
