- Minimum income: €1,080/month (individual)
- Valid passport
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
- Criminal record check
Choosing the right visa is crucial. Each visa option has different requirements, costs, and benefits. This guide will help you understand the key differences and determine which option best fits your situation.
Not sure which applies to you? Contact us on the dashboard to discuss your specific circumstances with a visa professional.
NLV Renewal
€1,080/month
Income requirement
Golden Visa
€500,000+
Investment required
Digital Nomad
€2,300/month
Income requirement
Work Visa
Employer sponsored
Employment required
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | NLV Renewal | Golden Visa | Digital Nomad | Work Visa | Student Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year (renewable) | 1 year (renewable) | 1 year (renewable) | 2 years typical | 1-4 years |
| Min. Income | €1,080/month | N/A | €2,300/month | Employer dependent | N/A |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks | 8-12 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 4-8 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| Health Insurance | ✓ Required | ✓ Required | ✓ Required | ✓ Required | ✓ Required |
| Family Members | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Sometimes | ✓ Yes |
| Employment Allowed | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Remote work | ✓ Yes | Part-time |
| Pathway to Residency | ✓ After 5 years | ✓ Faster | ✓ After 3 years | ✓ Yes | ✓ After studies |
| Annual Cost | €700-1,500 | €500,000+ | €1,500-2,500 | €300-1,000 | €500-2,000 |
NLV (Non-Lucrative Visa) Renewal
Best for: Retirees, investors, and those with passive income
Requirements
Advantages
Pros:
- Low income requirement
- Renewable annually
- Pathway to permanent residency after 5 years
- Family members can join
- Quick processing (4-8 weeks)
Disadvantages
Cons:
- Cannot work or be self-employed in Spain
- Remote work from Spain prohibited
- Annual renewal required
- Income requirement adjusted annually
Golden Visa (Investor Visa)
Best for: Those making significant property or business investments
Requirements
- Investment: €500,000+ in real estate OR
- €1,000,000+ in business investment OR
- €500,000+ in Spanish government bonds
- Valid passport
- No criminal record
Advantages
Pros:
- No income requirement
- Can work in Spain
- Faster pathway to residency (after 1-2 years)
- Potential investment returns
- Renewable annually
- Lifetime residency eligibility
Disadvantages
Cons:
- Very high investment requirement
- Complex application process
- Real estate market fluctuations
- Investment lock-in period
Digital Nomad Visa
Best for: Remote workers and digital entrepreneurs
Requirements
- Minimum income: €2,300/month (from remote work)
- Valid passport
- Health insurance
- Remote employment contract or business proof
- No work in Spain required (work abroad)
Advantages
Pros:
- Designed for remote workers
- Can work for foreign companies
- Renewable annually
- Faster processing (4-6 weeks)
- Family members eligible
- Pathway to residency after 3 years
Disadvantages
Cons:
- Higher income requirement than NLV
- Must maintain remote employment proof
- Cannot work for Spanish employers
- Annual renewal required
Work Visa (Residence for Work)
Best for: Those with job offers from Spanish employers
Requirements
- Employment contract from Spanish employer
- Employer must demonstrate labor market need
- Valid passport
- Health insurance
- Criminal record check
Advantages
Pros:
- Full employment rights in Spain
- No income requirement (employer dependent)
- Access to Spanish social security
- Faster pathway to permanent residency
- Family members can join
Disadvantages
Cons:
- Requires job offer from Spanish employer
- Employer labor market test can be lengthy
- Visa tied to employment
- More complex application process
Student Visa
Best for: Those pursuing studies in Spanish institutions
Requirements
- Admission to Spanish educational institution
- Proof of financial resources (€700-1,000/month)
- Valid passport
- Health insurance
- Criminal record check
Advantages
Pros:
- Low financial requirement
- Part-time work allowed (20 hours/week)
- Valid for duration of studies
- Easy transition to work visa post-graduation
- Access to student discounts and benefits
Disadvantages
Cons:
- Requires active student status
- Limited work hours
- Visa expires when studies end
- Must maintain adequate academic progress