Find the Right Visa for Your Move to Spain
Every route to living in Spain has different requirements, rights, and processes. Here is a clear, honest overview of every visa option available to English-speaking foreigners — so you can find the right path and start it with confidence.
Your Visa Options
Three main visa routes for people moving to Spain, plus a fully managed renewal and extension service for those already here.
Quick Comparison
The key differences between the three main visa routes, at a glance.
| Visa | Best for | Right to work? | Duration | Family included? | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Lucrative | Retirees & passive income | ✗ No | 1 yr → 2 yr → 2 yr | ✓ Yes | 4–12 weeks |
| Digital Nomad | Remote workers & freelancers | ✓ Yes (non-Spanish clients) | 1 yr visa / 3 yr permit | ✓ Yes | ~20 working days |
| Student | Language & university study | ✗ Limited | Course duration | ✗ No | 4–8 weeks |
Processing times are approximate and vary by consulate, nationality, and time of year. Income thresholds, documentation requirements, and eligibility conditions are subject to change. Our team works with current requirements at the time of your application.
Already in Spain? Don't Miss Your Renewal Window
If you are approaching the end of your current visa or TIE, a late or incorrect renewal can have serious consequences for your residency status. We manage your renewal or extension from start to finish — submitted correctly and on time.
Start NLV Renewal → Start DNV Renewal →Still Not Sure Which Visa Applies to You?
Our free eligibility check takes five minutes and gives you a clear answer — which route suits your income, employment, and plans for Spain. No obligation, no sales pressure.
Common Questions
The questions people ask most often when comparing their Spain visa options.
Which Spain visa is right for me?
The right visa depends on why you are moving and whether you plan to work. If you have passive income or are retired, the Non-Lucrative Visa is typically the most suitable route. If you work remotely for clients outside Spain, the Digital Nomad Visa may be the better fit. If you are coming to study, the Student Visa covers language schools, universities, and accredited private institutions.
Our free eligibility check helps you confirm the right route in around five minutes — start here.
Can I work in Spain on the Non-Lucrative Visa?
No. The Non-Lucrative Visa does not permit you to carry out any professional or employment activity in Spain. It is intended for people who can support themselves financially without working — typically retirees, those with investment income, rental income, or sufficient savings. If you plan to work remotely, the Digital Nomad Visa is the appropriate route.
What is the difference between the Digital Nomad Visa and the Non-Lucrative Visa?
The key difference is the right to work. The Digital Nomad Visa allows you to live in Spain while continuing to work remotely for employers or clients based outside Spain. The Non-Lucrative Visa does not permit any work activity. Both allow you to live in Spain as a legal resident, but they are designed for different situations. The income thresholds and documentation requirements also differ between the two routes.
Can my family move to Spain with me?
Yes, on both the Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad Visa routes. Qualifying family members — typically a spouse or civil partner and dependent children — can be included in your application as dependants. Each family member will need their own documentation, and their inclusion will affect the income threshold required. Our team can advise on exactly what applies to your situation.
How long does a Spain visa application take?
Processing times vary by visa type and consulate. Non-Lucrative Visa applications typically take between 4 and 12 weeks at a Spanish consulate abroad — though this varies significantly by location. Digital Nomad Visa applications submitted through the UGE are legally required to be processed within 20 working days. Student Visa applications generally take 4 to 8 weeks.
We advise all clients to begin the process well in advance of their intended move date to allow time for document preparation, apostilles, and translations.
Is there a minimum income requirement for all Spain visas?
Not all visas have income requirements. The Non-Lucrative Visa requires approximately €2,400/month in passive income. The Digital Nomad Visa requires approximately €2,646/month in remote work earnings. The student visa requires sufficient funds to cover your stay (lower threshold). Work permits are sponsored by employers rather than tied to personal income requirements.
Can I apply for a Spanish visa from within Spain?
Some visas can be applied for from within Spain if you're already legally resident. The Digital Nomad Visa can be applied for in-country (granting a 3-year initial permit rather than 1 year). Residence modifications (changing visa type) are also done in Spain. Initial applications for visas such as the NLV are typically made at your home country consulate.
What is the difference between a visa and a residence authorisation?
A visa is granted by the consulate in your home country and allows entry to Spain. For long-stay visas, after arriving in Spain you must then apply for a residence authorisation and TIE card within 30 days. The TIE is your physical residence card and your ongoing proof of legal residency in Spain.
Can my whole family move to Spain on one visa application?
Most Spanish long-stay visa types allow family members (spouse, civil partner, dependent children) to be included in the same application. Each family member needs their own documentation but they are assessed together. The income threshold increases for each dependant added.
What happens if I overstay my Spanish visa?
Overstaying a Spanish visa is an immigration infraction. If you submitted a renewal before your visa expired, your legal status continues during processing. If you haven't applied and have overstayed, you risk fines, difficulties with future applications, and potentially needing to leave Spain to reapply from your home country. Seek immediate legal advice.
Visa Tools & Pathways
Free assessment tools and guides for navigating your visa journey
Eligibility Quiz
Free 5-minute assessment to confirm the right visa for your situation
Compare Visas
NLV vs DNV vs Student — requirements, costs, and suitability
NLV to Citizenship
Long-term pathway from Non-Lucrative to permanent residency
DNV to Work Permit
Transitioning from Digital Nomad to work authorization
Student to Residency
Pathways after graduation and end of student visa
NLV Calculator
Calculate your exact income requirement by household size
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Start with our free eligibility check — five minutes to confirm which visa fits your plans, your income, and your nationality. No obligation.