LEGAL UPDATES

Digital Nomad Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa?

LEGAL EXPLAINER · REVIEWED AUGUST 2026

PUBLISHED · 23 August 2026

LAST REVIEWED · August 2026

LATEST

The key difference is not where your income comes from. It is what you actually plan to do while living in Spain.

IF YOU PLAN TO KEEP WORKING

The Digital Nomad route is designed for qualifying remote work carried out from Spain under the international teleworker framework.

Best for: People whose move to Spain includes continuing qualifying professional activity.

IF YOU PLAN TO LIVE WITHOUT WORKING

The Non-Lucrative Visa is designed for people who can support themselves without carrying out employment or professional activity.

Best for: People whose move does not depend on continuing professional work from Spain.

QUESTION	DIGITAL NOMAD	NON-LUCRATIVE
Continue working remotely?	Designed for qualifying remote work	No
Main financial test	Work/professional income + resources	Sufficient resources without work
Typical applicant	Remote employee / professional	Retiree / financially independent
Apply from Spain?	Potentially yes if legal requirements are met	Initial route is consular
Family	Can be included under applicable rules	Family can apply subject to requirements

Still unsure?

SOURCE

Read the legislation ↗BOE · Ley 14/2013 · Boletín Oficial del Estado · 2013-09-27
Read the legislation ↗BOE · Ley Orgánica 4/2000 · Boletín Oficial del Estado · 2000-01-12

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