NLV vs DNV: which Spanish visa is right for you?
Two popular routes to live in Spain: the Non-Lucrative Visa (live on savings/passive income, no work in Spain), and the Digital Nomad Visa, which lets you work remotely for non-Spanish clients.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (NLV) | Digital Nomad Visa (International Teleworker) (DNV) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary residence | Temporary |
| Who it's for | People with sufficient passive income or savings who want to live in Spain without working. | Remote workers and freelancers working for non-Spanish clients or employers from Spain. |
| Government cost | ~€80 visa + ~€16 residence fee (higher for US/UK/Canada/Australia by reciprocity) | ~€80 visa + authorisation tasa ~€75 (790-038) |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months | ~20 working days (UGE) |
| Length of stay | 1 year initial, renewable 2+2 years | 3 years (UGE) or 1 year (consulate), renewable |
| Where to apply | At a Spanish consulate in your country of residence | Online to UGE in Spain (3 yrs) or at a consulate abroad (1 yr) |
| Work rights | No economic activity in Spain | Remote work for non-Spanish companies (max 20% Spanish clients) |
| Pathway to PR | Counts toward 5 years for long-term residence and 10 years for citizenship. | Counts toward 5 years for long-term residence; possible 24% Beckham-style tax option. |
Which is right for you?
Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (NLV)
People with sufficient passive income or savings who want to live in Spain without working.
Full NLV guide →Digital Nomad Visa (International Teleworker) (DNV)
Remote workers and freelancers working for non-Spanish clients or employers from Spain.
Full DNV guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, NLV or DNV?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (NLV) is the lowest at ~€80 visa + ~€16 residence fee (higher for US/UK/Canada/Australia by reciprocity). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, NLV or DNV?
Indicatively Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (NLV) is the quickest at ~1-3 months. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between NLV and DNV?
Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (NLV) is for people with sufficient passive income or savings who want to live in Spain without working. Digital Nomad Visa (International Teleworker) (DNV) is for remote workers and freelancers working for non-Spanish clients or employers from Spain.