If you're thinking about living in Spain, one of the first questions is: what visa do I need?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your plans — whether you want to retire, work remotely, study, or join family. I’ve written this short guide to help you understand the most common types of visas available right now.
I’ve kept it simple and close, as always. This is not legal talk — just friendly advice from someone who’s been helping internationals settle in Spain for nearly 20 years.
1. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) – For living in Spain without working
This visa is perfect if you want to enjoy Spain without working here or anywhere in the world. Many retirees choose this option, but it’s also valid for anyone with enough savings or passive income (like pensions or rental income).
You cannot work or earn money from Spanish or any other country/ies´ sources with this visa. You’ll need to prove a stable income and have private health insurance.
Even though the NLV doesn’t allow you to work in Spain at first, you can apply later for a modification to a work permit (modificación a residencia y trabajo). This usually happens after one year of legal residency. You’ll need a job offer from a Spanish employer (for employed work) or a business plan and funds (for self-employment). It’s a common path for people who want to start slow, get to know the country, and then move into work life legally.
📌 Financial requirement: Around €2,400/month for the main applicant, plus €600/month for each family member.
2. Digital Nomad Visa – For remote workers and freelancers
If you work online for a non-Spanish company or have international online clients as a freelance, this visa allows you to live in Spain legally and work remotely.
It has become a very popular option, especially for young professionals and families who want to enjoy a better work-life balance. It also includes tax benefits if you apply under the Beckham Law.
📌 You’ll need to prove your work relationship (contract or freelance clients), qualifications, and an income of about €2,650/month.
3. Entrepreneur Visa – For starting an innovative business
This visa is for people with a strong business idea that brings innovation and value to Spain. You’ll need a business plan and approval from a government body that checks if your project is “in the national interest.”
It’s not for any small business — they’re looking for projects with growth potential, technology, or international projection.
4. Highly Qualified Professional Visa – For skilled workers with a job offer
If you’ve been offered a job in Spain in a technical or managerial role, you may qualify for this visa. It’s part of a fast-track process to attract international talent.
📌 Your employer must sponsor you, and the salary usually needs to be above €40,000/year (more for executives).
5. Student Visa – For studying in Spain
Whether it’s university, language courses, or training programs, this visa lets you live in Spain while you study. You can also work part-time, and in some cases, move to a work visa later.
It’s a good option if you want to spend a year in Spain and see if it suits you — especially for younger people.
With a Student Visa, you can already work part-time while studying (up to 30 hours per week), and once your studies are completed, you can apply to modify your visa to a full work permit. This is a great option for younger people or professionals who want to study first — for example, in Spanish language or postgraduate programs — and later stay on with a job or their own project. Spain values continuity, so studying here can open many doors.
6. Family Reunification Visa – To join a family member in Spain
If your spouse, parent or child is already legally living in Spain, you may be able to join them through this visa. The requirements vary depending on your relationship and their legal status.
So… which one is for you?
Here’s a quick overview:
| Your situation |
Suggested visa |
| Retired or financially independent |
Non-Lucrative Visa |
| Working remotely for a non-Spanish company |
Digital Nomad Visa |
| Creating a start-up |
Entrepreneur Visa |
| You have a job offer in Spain |
Highly Qualified Professional Visa |
| Studying in Spain |
Student Visa |
| Family already in Spain |
Family Reunification |
If you’re not sure where you fit, don’t worry. We have helped many people like you explore their options — often combining legal rules with life plans. Spain is more than paperwork — it’s a lifestyle.
Feel free to write if you have questions. I'm happy to help — not just as a lawyer, but as someone who truly believes Spain can be home.
Warm wishes,
María
