Spain Immigration Lawyer | Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad & Beckham Rule

Americans relocating to Spain in 2026 have two primary visa paths: the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) for retirees and passive-income holders, and the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) for remote workers. The NLV requires €28,800/year in passive income (400% of IPREM). The DNV requires approximately €2,849/month in remote-work income (200% of SMI, 14 payments ÷ 12). Both visas are filed through BLS International in New York, not the consulate directly.

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Constantin Razvan Gospodin, Spain-licensed attorney — ICATF Colegiado No. 5961

NLV vs. DNV — 2026 comparison

Criteria	Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)	Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)
Minimum income	€28,800/year (400% IPREM)	€2,849/month (200% SMI, 14 pays ÷ 12)
Work allowed in Spain	No	Yes — remote work for non-Spanish employers
Initial duration	1 year, renewable for 2-year periods	1 year, renewable for up to 5 years total
Beckham Law compatible	Yes	Yes
Family reunification	Yes — +€7,200/year per dependent	Yes — same additional threshold
Path to permanent residency	Yes — after 5 years	Yes — after 5 years

Sources: exteriores.gob.es, BOE-A-2025-76 (Golden Visa abolition), AEAT (IPREM 2026). Figures as of 2026.

Read the full Non-Lucrative Visa guide →Read the full Digital Nomad Visa guide →

Starting or running a business in Spain?

If you plan to work self-employed, launch an innovative venture, or transfer in as a highly qualified professional, the entrepreneur visa, autónomo, and HQP routes have different work rights and tax treatment — including who can access the Beckham Law. Tax questions on this matter are handled through our network of professional collaborators in Spain, not directly by Spain Law NYC.

See Spain Business Immigration

One flat-fee tier, either visa

The Non-Lucrative Visa and Digital Nomad Visa are both handled under the same Visa & Residency Strategy tier — eligibility assessment, tailored document checklist, BLS coordination, and one year of post-approval compliance support. See the full process and document checklist on each visa's dedicated page.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa or the Digital Nomad Visa?

It depends entirely on whether you will keep working. The NLV is for retirees and passive-income holders — it does not permit any work in Spain. The DNV is for Americans who want to keep working remotely for a non-Spanish employer or clients while living in Spain. If you have both passive income and remote-work income, we assess which route fits your full financial picture during the eligibility assessment.

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