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Spanish Mortgages 2025: Rates, Financing & What International Buyers Should Know
Terrasur Homes | Dec 2025
Digital Nomad Visa vs Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain: Key Differences Explained
Terrasur Homes | Jan 26
As Spain continues to attract international buyers not only for its lifestyle, climate, and culture, but also as a place to relocate, work remotely, or spend long periods of the year, understanding the difference between the Digital Nomad Visa and the Non-Lucrative Visa is essential for foreign buyers planning to live, work, or invest here
With that comes one of the most common questions we receive from clients considering a move to the Costa del Sol:
Which visa is right for me?
Most of our clients use of these two options: the Digital Nomad Visa and the Non-Lucrative Visa.
They serve very different profiles, and understanding the difference early can make your relocation and property purchase far smoother.
The Non-Lucrative Visa: Living in Spain Without Working
The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is designed for people who want to live in Spain without carrying out any professional activity, either locally or remotely.
Who is it for?
- Retirees
- Semi-retired individuals
- Buyers with passive income (investments, pensions, savings)
- Families relocating without employment income
Key characteristics
- You cannot work in Spain or remotely
- Proof of sufficient financial means is required
- Private health insurance is mandatory
- Initially granted for 1 year, then renewable
Pros
- Well-established and widely understood
- Suitable for long-term lifestyle relocations
- Clear renewal structure
- Works well for buyers planning to live in Spain full-time
Cons
- No professional activity allowed
- Financial requirements can be high
- Less flexibility for people who want to remain active professionally
For many buyers seeking a calmer lifestyle on the Costa del Sol, particularly retirees or those living off investments, this visa remains a reliable option.
The Digital Nomad Visa: Living in Spain While Working Remotely
The Digital Nomad Visa is a more recent addition, created for people who work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain.
Who is it for?
- Remote employees
- Freelancers with international clients
- Entrepreneurs managing businesses abroad
- Professionals who want flexibility
Key characteristics
- Remote work is permitted
- Income must come mainly from outside Spain
- Specific tax and social security rules apply
- Initially granted for 1 to 3 years, depending on the application route
Pros
- Allows legal remote work from Spain
- Attractive tax treatment in some cases
- Suits modern, flexible lifestyles
- Ideal for professionals who are still active
Cons
- Application process is more complex
- Requires ongoing proof of professional activity
- Tax planning is essential
- Not suitable for fully passive income profiles
This visa has opened new possibilities for buyers who want to combine work, lifestyle, and property ownership in Spain.
The Key Difference (In Simple Terms)
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Digital Nomad Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Can you work? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (remotely) |
| Income type | Passive | Active (foreign) |
| Best suited for | Retirees / lifestyle buyers | Remote professionals |
| Flexibility | Lower | Higher |
| Complexity | Lower | Higher |
What This Means for Foreign Property Buyers
Choosing the wrong visa can affect far more than your residency status. It can influence:
- Tax residency
- How long you can stay in Spain
- Renewal conditions
- Long-term property planning
That’s why we always encourage clients to think beyond the property itself and look at the bigger picture before committing.
How Long Can You Stay in Spain and What About Taxes?
One of the most important differences between the Non-Lucrative Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa is how they affect time spent in Spain and tax residency.
Days in Spain
Both visas allow you to live legally in Spain for extended periods, far beyond the standard 90-day tourist limit.
However, it’s important to understand that:
- If you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, you may be considered a tax resident, regardless of the visa type.
- This rule applies equally to Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad visa holders.
The visa gives you the right to stay, but tax residency is determined by time spent and personal circumstances, not just visa status.
Taxes: What Buyers Should Know
- Non-Lucrative Visa holders are typically tax residents in Spain if they live here most of the year and must declare worldwide income.
- Digital Nomad Visa holders may benefit from special tax regimes in certain cases, but this depends on individual circumstances and must be assessed carefully.
- Owning property in Spain also comes with annual tax obligations, even if you are not a tax resident.
Because tax implications can vary significantly depending on income sources, country of origin, and time spent in Spain, professional tax advice is essential before making decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work remotely with a Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain?
No. The Non-Lucrative Visa does not allow any professional activity, including remote work.
Q: Does the Digital Nomad Visa make me a tax resident in Spain?
Not automatically. Tax residency depends on time spent in Spain and personal circumstances, not only visa type.
Q: Can I buy property in Spain with either visa?
Yes. Property ownership is independent of visa type.
Our Advice
There is no “better” visa, only the one that aligns with how you plan to live.
Before applying, it’s important to:
- Be clear about whether you intend to work (even remotely)
- Seek professional legal and tax advice
- Align your visa choice with your long-term lifestyle and property goals
At TerraSur Homes, we work closely with trusted legal and relocation partners to help our clients make informed decisions, not just about where to buy, but how to live in Spain with confidence.
Thinking about relocating to Spain?
Choosing the right visa is just as important as choosing the right home.
At TerraSur Homes, we work daily with international buyers relocating to Spain and see first-hand how visa choices impact long-term property plan. If you’re unsure which option applies to your situation, we’re happy to guide you and connect you with the right professionals.
📩 Get in touch with TerraSur Homes to start the conversation.
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