Moving to Spain as a Non-EU Citizen.

Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, and the Student Visa Route

Spain keeps showing up on the short list for people who want to live in Europe: sunshine, safety, great infrastructure, and a lifestyle that fits remote work beautifully.

If you’re coming from outside the EU, the key question is: which visa actually fits your situation?

In 2025, there are three realistic pathways most people consider:

Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) — for remote workers and online business owners.
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) — for people who want to live in Spain without working.
Student Visa / Stay for Studies — often used as a stepping stone into longer-term residency.

You may also hear people mention the Golden Visa… but Spain has ended that program, so it’s no longer a viable option for new applicants.

Let’s break down the three routes that do matter today — with an extra focus on the Digital Nomad Visa because it fits most digital professionals.

1. The Digital Nomad Visa (Spain’s Remote Work Visa)

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa — officially the International Remote Work Visa introduced via the Startup Law — is designed for non-EU citizens who want to live in Spain while working remotely for foreign clients or employers.

Who it’s for

This visa is ideal if you are:

a remote employee of a company outside Spain, or
a freelancer / contractor with international clients, or
running an online business selling abroad.

You can generally work with Spanish clients too, but most of your income must come from outside Spain.

Core requirements (high level)

Rules vary slightly by consulate, but the basics are consistent:

Proof of remote work (employment/freelance activity).
Minimum income tied to the Spanish minimum wage. In 2025, many guides cite roughly €2,760/month or ~€33k/year depending on household size.
Private health insurance valid in Spain.
Clean criminal record.
Evidence the work relationship existed before applying.

How long it lasts

Apply from abroad → 1-year visa, then convert to residency.
Apply from Spain (if legally here) → 3-year residence permit, renewable.

The tax reality you must understand

The visa gets you into Spain — but your tax life changes once you become tax resident (usually after 183 days here).

You may need to handle:

Spanish income tax (IRPF)
Social Security contributions if working as autónomo
Cross-border VAT (VIES, OSS/IOSS, reverse charge, imports)
Potential access to a special tax regime for remote workers (case-by-case).

LIMIT note: we specialise exactly in this part — setting up autónomo status when needed, invoicing correctly, cross-border VAT, Verifactu-ready records, and quarterly filings for digital professionals.

2. The Non-Lucrative Visa (Live in Spain Without Working)

The Non-Lucrative Visa is Spain’s classic residency route for financially independent people who want to live in Spain but not work.

Who it’s for

This visa fits:

retirees
people living off savings or passive income
anyone wanting Spain as a lifestyle base without working.

The key limitation

The NLV is not intended for remote work. You are committing to not performing professional activity while on this permit.

Some people still work quietly online under this visa, but it’s a grey area and can create renewal risk. If you plan to keep working, the DNV is the correct route.

Core requirements (high level)

Sufficient funds/passive income (linked to IPREM, updated annually).
Private health insurance.
Clean criminal record.
Apply from your home country.

Duration

1 year initially → 2 + 2 years renewals → long-term residency after 5 years.

3. Student Visa / Stay for Studies (A Common “Stepping-Stone” Route)

Many non-EU digital professionals enter Spain on a Student Visa / Stay for Studies, especially if they want to relocate quickly and build a longer-term plan from inside Spain.

This visa allows you to study in Spain for over 90 days at recognised institutions (university degrees, masters, professional training, Spanish language programs, research, etc.).

Why this route is popular

It’s often easier to qualify for initially than some work permits.
It creates a legal base in Spain while you settle in and prepare your next step.
Since May 2025, Spain has modernised student-stay rules, making renewals and transitions more structured.

Can you work on a student stay?

In many cases, students can work part-time / within limits, if compatible with their studies and authorised under the program. Exact limits depend on your case and course type.

Typical next steps after studies

Spain allows “modificación” (change of status) to longer-term residence permits if you meet the requirements. Common pathways include:

Student → Digital Nomad Visa If you meet DNV remote-work + income requirements, this is a very natural transition for freelancers and remote employees.
Student → Work permit as employee If you secure a Spanish job offer after your studies.
Student → Self-employed residence ( autónomo) For those starting a freelance or online business in Spain after finishing studies.

This is why the student route is often treated as a “soft landing” into Spain — especially for people who are still building a remote income stream or want time before committing to a bigger residency category.

LIMIT note: if your plan after studies is to freelance or run an online business, we help with the autónomo setup, invoicing rules, cross-border VAT and quarterly taxes from day one.

A quick note on the Golden Visa (no longer available)

You might still see blog posts or YouTube videos referencing Spain’s Golden Visa (residency by investment).

Spain officially ended the Golden Visa program on 3 April 2025, so new applications are no longer possible. Existing holders keep their status under transitional rules.

If someone is considering “investing to get residency,” the reality is that the DNV or NLV are now the relevant options.

Which route fits you?

Choose the

Digital Nomad Visa

if:

You actively work online for foreign employers/clients.
You want a residence built for remote work.
You need a stable, long-term legal base in Spain.

Choose the

Non-Lucrative Visa

if:

You won’t work while living here.
You live off savings/passive income.

Consider the

Student Visa route

if:

You want to relocate first and build your plan from inside Spain.
You’re enrolling in a recognised course/program.
You may later switch to DNV or a work permit once eligible.

Final thought: the visa gets you in — compliance keeps you safe

Most people choose a visa based on lifestyle. Totally fair.

But once you’re here, the real make-or-break factor is compliance:

correct autónomo / work setup
invoicing aligned with Spanish rules
Verifactu-ready systems
cross-border VAT handled properly
quarterly filings filed correctly, every time.

That’s exactly what LIMIT is built for.

We don’t process visas.

But if you need immigration help, we can connect you with trusted partners — and once you’re approved, we handle the tax and accounting side so you can focus on living and working freely in Spain.

Disclaimer: This article is informational and not legal advice. Visa rules may vary by consulate and personal case. Always confirm final requirements with an accredited immigration lawyer or the official Spanish consulate. Check a lawyer to design your approach.