Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
Why apply for a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa versus a non lucrative Spain visa?
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These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
”You can work remotely with a DNV but you are not allowed to work at all on a NLV. If you can afford not to work then apply for a non lucrative Spain visa”
”One is for working remotely, the other is for not working. Typically the non-lucrative visa is nicknamed the ‘retirement visa’ as that’s typically who it is most suitable for”
”Why eat MacDonalds when you can have Burger King”
”Money! You can work with the DNV, but with the non lucrative Spain visacan’t work and make money (officially)”
”They are completely different, you can’t have both, one you work and one you don’t. Think you need to do some research and find out which one suits your circumstances”
”You have to prove that you don’t work anymore from the company you have been working for that you retired from, and that you get a good amount of money as your retirement fund for the NLV”
”I am thinking go applying for NL now because there is nowhere that says you can’t make passive income.. which mine is from online sales”
”Here’s another thought. Which kinda stopped us. If you’re planning on staying a year NLV is fine but if you want to stay longer apparently the only 2 options to continue staying is to convert to a work Visa (which has its own extensive requirements) Or stay on the NLV which can ONLY be done for 2yrs this go round and you’d have to have savings/passive income for 2yrs which means double the amt. We don’t get it like that. Lol but some do and you might”
In conclusion, according to Spainguru Facebook group members, when deciding between a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa and a non lucrative Spain visa, it boils down to the choice of working remotely (DNV) or not working at all (non lucrative Spain visa). The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa enables individuals to maintain their income while abroad, while the non lucrative Spain visa is more suitable for those seeking a retirement-like experience. Factors such as work intentions, financial capacity, and desired length of stay should be carefully considered before making a decision.
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