Digital Nomad Visa vs Non-Lucrative Visa
🇪🇸 Spain · Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78)vs🇪🇸 Spain · NLV
If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to whether you have active remote income or passive income to rely on. Spain's Digital Nomad Visa is built for people earning money through work. The Non-Lucrative Visa is for those with savings, investments, or other passive income streams. Your income type determines which one fits.
At a glance
Which one fits you?
- 01
Income type
Pick Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78)Pick Digital Nomad if you earn active income from remote work or freelancing.
Pick NLVPick Non-Lucrative if you have €28,800+ yearly passive income with no work plans.
- 02
Work eligibility in Spain
Pick Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78)Pick Digital Nomad if you want to work remotely for non-Spanish companies.
Pick NLVPick Non-Lucrative if you cannot or don't plan to work in Spain at all.
- 03
Visa validity period
Pick Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78)Pick Digital Nomad for a 3-year visa reducing renewal hassle.
Pick NLVPick Non-Lucrative if you prefer shorter 1-year terms with more flexibility.
- 04
Education and experience required
Pick Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78)Pick Digital Nomad if you have a bachelor's degree and 3+ years work experience.
Pick NLVPick Non-Lucrative if you only have high school education or no work history.
- 05
Tax benefits
Pick Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78)Pick Digital Nomad if you want Spain's 24% flat tax on Spanish-source income.
Pick NLVPick Non-Lucrative if tax incentives aren't a factor in your decision.
Read the full pathway
Digital Nomad Visa
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa lets remote employees and freelancers live in Spain while working for non-Spanish companies. Beckham-style 24% flat tax available for new residents up to €600k of Spanish-source income for 6 years.
Full Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78) guideNon-Lucrative Visa
Residency for the financially independent. No work allowed in Spain — applicants prove €28,800/yr passive income (400% of IPREM) plus €7,200 per dependant. Renewable, leads to PR after 5 years.
Full NLV guideStill can't decide?
Take the 14-question quiz. We'll score your specific profile against Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78), NLV, and 60+ other pathways and tell you which is the best fit — with the why.
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