What Is SpainVisaCheck?
SpainVisaCheck is a free online eligibility checker for Spain's two most popular long-stay visas: the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) and the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). Answer a few questions and find out which visa you qualify for in under two minutes — no sign-up required.
SpainVisaCheck is built for US, UK, and Canadian citizens planning to move to Spain in 2025 or 2026. Our tools include a financial calculator, side-by-side visa comparison, and a library of in-depth guides covering every step from application to renewal.
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Requirements (2026)
The Non-Lucrative Visa is designed for people who can support themselves in Spain without working. Key requirements include:
- Passive income threshold: You must demonstrate approximately €2,400/month (400% IPREM) in passive income or equivalent savings — roughly €28,800 per year for a single applicant.
- Private health insurance: A full-coverage Spanish health insurance policy with no copays (sin copago) from a provider authorized in Spain.
- No work in Spain: NLV holders are not permitted to work for a Spanish company or be self-employed in Spain. Passive income from investments, pensions, and rental properties is allowed.
- Clean criminal record: An FBI background check (US), ACRO certificate (UK), or RCMP check (Canada), apostilled and translated into Spanish.
- Medical certificate: Proof you do not have any serious communicable diseases.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements (2026)
The Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live in Spain while employed by or contracting for companies outside Spain. Key requirements include:
- Remote work proof: A letter from your employer confirming you can work remotely, or proof of freelance contracts with clients outside Spain. As of 2025, W2 employees also qualify.
- Income threshold: Minimum approximately €2,400/month (200% IPREM) in gross income from remote work.
- Employer or clients outside Spain: At least 80% of your income must come from non-Spanish companies. You cannot work for a Spanish employer.
- Beckham Law tax benefit: DNV holders can elect to pay a flat 24% income tax rate for up to five years instead of Spain's progressive rates (up to 47%).
- Health insurance and criminal record: Same requirements as the NLV — full private coverage and a clean background check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I qualify for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa?
You likely qualify if you are a non-EU citizen with sufficient passive income or savings (approximately €28,800/year for a single applicant), private health insurance, a clean criminal record, and you do not plan to work in Spain. Use our free eligibility checker to find out in under two minutes.
What is the minimum income for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The minimum gross income is approximately €2,400 per month (200% of Spain's IPREM indicator), or about €28,800 per year. This income must come from remote work for employers or clients based outside Spain.
Can Americans move to Spain without a job?
Yes. The Non-Lucrative Visa is specifically designed for people who do not work in Spain. Americans can move to Spain by demonstrating passive income from savings, investments, pensions, or rental income that meets the financial threshold.
What is the difference between the NLV and the Digital Nomad Visa?
The NLV is for people who will not work in Spain and support themselves with passive income. The Digital Nomad Visa is for remote workers employed by companies outside Spain. The DNV allows you to work and offers the Beckham Law tax benefit (flat 24% rate), while the NLV does not permit any employment.
Do I need health insurance for a Spain visa?
Yes. Both the NLV and DNV require full private health insurance from a Spanish-authorized provider. The policy must have no copays (sin copago), cover the entire duration of your stay, and include repatriation. Travel insurance and international plans like SafetyWing are typically rejected.
How long does the Spain visa application take?
The NLV application typically takes 1–3 months from submission to approval at your local Spanish consulate. The Digital Nomad Visa can take 2–4 months. Processing times vary by consulate and time of year. Document preparation (background checks, apostilles, translations) usually adds 4–8 weeks before you can submit.