Which Spanish Visa Fits?
The route depends on two things: whether you'll work, and who you'll work for.
- Living in Spain without working, supported by your own means: the non-lucrative visa.
- Working remotely for companies outside Spain: the digital nomad visa.
- Coming for a course: a student stay.
- Joining a non-EU relative who already lives in Spain: family reunification.
- EU or EEA citizens don't need a visa; they register their residence instead.
This page compares the routes. It doesn't decide which applies to you: that depends on details a service can check.
The main routes side by side
| Route | Who it's for | Can you work? | Main financial test | Where you usually apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-lucrative visa | People living on their own income or savings | No | 400% of the IPREM index per month, plus 100% per family member | Spanish consulate for where you live |
| Digital nomad visa | Remote workers for companies outside Spain; self-employed up to 20% Spanish clients | Yes, remotely, within the route's rules | Set as a share of the minimum wage | Consulate abroad, or the UGE if already in Spain lawfully |
| Student stay | People admitted to a qualifying course | Depends on the course type | 100% of the IPREM per month | Consulate; in Spain for residence-permit holders, and for some courses |
| Family reunification | Relatives of a non-EU resident in Spain | Yes for a spouse, partner or children of working age | The sponsor shows 150% of the IPREM for two, plus 50% per extra person | Started by the relative in Spain |
| EU registration | EU and EEA citizens | Yes | Work, or sufficient resources plus health insurance | Registration in Spain within three months of arrival |
Questions that usually decide it
- Will you work while you're in Spain? If not, the non-lucrative visa is the usual starting point. If you'll work remotely for companies abroad, look at the digital nomad visa. Working for a Spanish employer or running a business in Spain needs a different route, which these pages don't cover.
- Is your income from work or from your own means? Pensions, investments and savings point towards the non-lucrative visa. A salary or invoices from foreign clients point towards the digital nomad visa.
- Are you coming to study? A study stay is tied to the course, and only some courses let you bring family.
- Does a relative already live in Spain? Family reunification is started by them, usually after they've lived in Spain for at least a year.
- Are you an EU or EEA citizen? You register your residence rather than apply for a visa.
Where people get stuck
- "Non-lucrative" doesn't mean "retired". It means residing in Spain without working there.
- Remote work for a Spanish company doesn't fit the digital nomad visa for employees. Self-employed applicants can do up to 20% of their work for Spanish companies.
- A language course doesn't open the in-Spain student application for visitors or let you bring family.
- A family member's route follows the main applicant's. Check the family rules of the route you choose.
Get your route confirmed
Both visa-processing services in our group can look at your circumstances and tell you which route to apply for. My Spanish Visa also has an online route selector. See what an eligibility check involves.
My Spanish Visa
A route comparison guide covering the main ways to move to Spain.
- A side-by-side comparison of the routes
- A "find your visa" selector
- The option to speak to its team
Opens provider website. No details shared.
Platinum Legal Spain
An overview of every visa route it handles, with a free eligibility quiz.
- Routes for retirees, remote workers and students
- Renewals and family reunification
- A free consultation to confirm the route
Opens provider website. No details shared.
We don't pass your details to either service. Choosing one opens its website in a new tab, where you start a separate enquiry.
Why the route matters for insurance
Each route words its health insurance requirement differently:
- the non-lucrative visa asks for health insurance;
- the digital nomad visa accepts public or private cover;
- student stays have detailed insurance criteria;
- EU registration on resources asks for cover of all risks in Spain.
Settle the route before you buy a policy. See visa health insurance by route.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change route later?
Sometimes, but a new route means new requirements and new evidence, including insurance that suits it. Confirming the route first avoids paying for the wrong policy.
I'm retired but do a little consulting. Which route?
Any work in Spain matters for the non-lucrative visa, which is for residing without working. Put your exact situation to a service before you apply.