The short answer
Spain non-lucrative vs digital nomad visa comes down to work. The non-lucrative visa is for self-supporting residents such as retirees, at €28,800 a year, about US$32,880. The telework visa is for remote work for companies outside Spain, at €2,442 a month, about US$2,788. Both recognize same-sex spouses.
Spain non-lucrative vs digital nomad visa is the choice most Americans weigh when they look at Spain. Spain has had marriage equality since 2005 and equal adoption rights since the same law, and both visas treat a same-sex spouse the same as any other. What separates them is income and work. The non-lucrative visa is for people who support themselves without working; the international telework visa is for people who work remotely for companies outside Spain.
Spain non-lucrative vs digital nomad visa, side by side
Main applicant. Euro figures converted at the Spain guide's rate, US$1 = €0.8759 (ECB July 2026 average). Both figures are revised over time.
Scroll sideways to see the full table →
| Non-lucrative visa | Telework (digital nomad) visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Self-supporting residents, such as retirees | Remote work for companies outside Spain |
| Income required | €28,800 a year (about US$32,880) | €2,442 a month (about US$2,788) |
| Per partner or dependent | €7,200 a year (about US$8,220) | €915.75 a month (about US$1,045) |
| How the figure is set | Indexed annually | 200% of the minimum wage |
| Same-sex spouse | Equal treatment | Spouses and civil-union partners qualify |
| Length | Renewable; renewal needs more than 183 days a year in Spain | Visa up to 1 year, then residence up to 3 years, renewable for 2 |
| Health cover | Private first; public buy-in after a year on the padrón | Public or private insurance from an insurer authorized in Spain |
Spain non-lucrative visa requirements
The non-lucrative visa asks €28,800 a year for the main applicant, about US$32,880, plus €7,200 for each dependent. The figure is indexed annually. Pension income qualifies, which makes it the main retirement route; our retirement visa comparison sets it beside the others. Renewal requires living in Spain more than 183 days a year, so it suits people who plan to live there most of the year. The Spain Retiree guide covers the documents and the renewal rules.
Spain digital nomad visa income requirement
The international telework visa, created by Spain's 2022 startup law, asks €2,442 a month, about US$2,788. That is 200% of the minimum wage. Add €915.75 a month for a partner. The visa runs up to a year, then converts to a residence authorization of up to three years, renewable in two-year periods. Permanent residence becomes possible after five years. The consular fee for US citizens is US$190 from 1 January 2026, at the Washington consulate. The Spain Digital Nomad guide has the full checklist.
Can you work on a Spain non-lucrative visa?
The Spain Digital Nomad guide is direct: non-lucrative residence is not a remote-work pathway. It is built for people living on income that does not depend on work, such as pensions and savings. If your income comes from remote work, the telework visa is the route written for you, and its threshold is lower. If you have a pension and some freelance income, take advice from a Spanish immigration lawyer before you apply, because the category you choose shapes every renewal.
Spain visas for same-sex couples
Both routes recognize same-sex spouses. The Retiree guide records equal treatment under the non-lucrative visa. Under the telework visa, same-sex spouses and civil-union partners qualify, and unmarried partners can qualify with documentary proof of the relationship. Spain's Law 4/2023 also bars discrimination on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. Bring an apostilled marriage certificate; our marriage recognition guide explains the documents.
Healthcare on each Spanish visa
Neither visa enrolls you in public care automatically. Non-lucrative visa holders can join the public system through the convenio especial at €60 to €157 a month after one year on the padrón, the municipal register. Until then, private insurance is a practical requirement, and pre-existing condition exclusions are common. Telework visa holders need public or private insurance from an insurer authorized in Spain, and the consulate does not accept travel insurance. For HIV care, the Retiree guide finds free ART and PrEP through the national system, while the Digital Nomad guide rates public HIV care for nomads as conditional. Our HIV relocation guide covers continuity of medication.
Spain visa taxes for Americans
More than 183 days in a calendar year generally makes you tax-resident in Spain, taxed on worldwide income. Foreign pensions are taxed at progressive rates of 19% to 47%. A totalization agreement is in force, and Social Security arrives by direct deposit. You still file with the IRS; see our guide to taxes when living abroad.
Which Spanish visa fits you?
- Choose the non-lucrative visa if you are retired or living on pension, savings or investment income, and plan to spend most of the year in Spain.
- Choose the telework visa if you earn at least €2,442 a month working remotely for companies outside Spain.
- Get advice first if your income is mixed or you want to work for Spanish clients.
Compare Spain with Portugal in our Portugal D7 vs D8 comparison, or filter the Country Finder.
Common questions
What is the difference between the Spain non-lucrative visa and the digital nomad visa?
The non-lucrative visa is for self-supporting residents such as retirees, at €28,800 a year. The telework visa is for remote work for companies outside Spain, at €2,442 a month.
What is the Spain non-lucrative visa income requirement?
€28,800 a year for the main applicant, about US$32,880, plus €7,200 for each dependent. The figure is indexed annually.
What is the Spain digital nomad visa income requirement?
€2,442 a month, about US$2,788, which is 200% of the minimum wage. Add €915.75 a month for a partner.
Can you work on a Spain non-lucrative visa?
Not for remote work: the Spain guide states that non-lucrative residence is not a remote-work pathway. If your income comes from remote work for companies outside Spain, the telework visa is the route written for you. Take legal advice if your income is mixed.
Can my same-sex spouse join me in Spain?
Yes. Both routes recognize same-sex spouses. Under the telework visa, civil-union partners also qualify, and unmarried partners can qualify with proof of the relationship.
Is travel insurance accepted for the Spain digital nomad visa?
No. Consular guidance states travel insurance is not accepted. You need public or private insurance from an insurer authorized in Spain.
Sources and method
Facts come from the Out & Found guides: Retiree Edition (verified as of 1 August 2026) and Digital Nomad Edition (verified as of 17 October 2026), which cite each country's own authorities and named research organizations. Euro figures are converted at the Spain guide's rate, US$1 = €0.8759 (ECB July 2026 average). Requirements and laws change, so confirm the current rule with the official source before you act. This is research, not legal, immigration, medical or tax advice. How we research · Corrections