Complete Comparison Table
| Feature | Non-Lucrative Residency | Digital Nomad Residency |
|---|---|---|
| Can I work? | No, any kind of work is prohibited | Yes, but only for an employer/clients outside Spain (max. 20% of income from Spanish sources) |
| Minimum monthly income (main applicant) | Approx. €2,400 (400% of IPREM) | Approx. €1,200 (200% of IPREM) |
| Accepted income source | Savings, pension, rental income, investments — no employment activity | Income from remote employment or freelance work for a foreign employer/clients |
| Tax regime | Standard progressive personal income tax rates (IRPF) | Possible access to a special regime (similar to the Beckham Law), a flat rate of around 24% up to a €600,000 cap |
| Prior work or academic history required | No | Yes, at least three years of related experience or a university degree + a track record with the current employer/client |
| Suited to | Retirees, people with passive income, those with sufficient savings or investments | Developers, designers, consultants and freelancers who work remotely |
| Counts toward the path to nationality | Yes, counted as part of the years of legal residency | Yes, counted as part of the years of legal residency |
Some people believe they can work informally and on a limited basis for foreign clients while holding non-lucrative residency. This breaches the conditions of the permit and can lead to its revocation. If you intend to work remotely, apply for digital nomad residency from the outset.
Who Is Each Route Better Suited To?
- Non-lucrative residency: suited to people who have no intention of working and have sufficient financial resources (savings, pension, rental income).
- Digital nomad residency: suited to people who want to continue their work activity, but from Spain and for an employer or clients outside the country.
Under both routes, a spouse and dependent children can join through family reunification, provided additional financial resources proportionate to the number of members are proven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which route is cheaper?
In terms of the minimum monthly income, the digital nomad visa (around €1,200) has a lower figure than non-lucrative residency (around €2,400), but it is only available to people with remote work activity.
Can I switch between the two routes?
Yes, in some cases someone who entered under non-lucrative residency may later become eligible for the digital nomad visa, or vice versa. Each switch requires a separate application.
Which route is better for Spanish nationality?
There is no difference in how years of residency count toward nationality; years of legal, continuous residence under either permit are counted equally.