DNV or NLV — two different permits
DNV allows remote work from Spain, NLV doesn't. Below: which documents and how much income prove each one for 2026, based on official forms from Spanish consulates.
The difference at a glance
| DNV | NLV | |
|---|---|---|
| Working remotely from Spain | allowed | not allowed |
| Monthly income | €2,849 | €2,400 |
| Documents in the pack | 12 | 10 |
| Where you file | consulate, or UGE-CE from inside Spain | consulate in your country of residence only |
DNV — digital nomad visa
For people working remotely for a company or clients based outside Spain.
2026 income threshold — 200% of the minimum wage (SMI): €2,849 a month for the main applicant, +€1,068 for the first dependent, +€356 for each additional one. The percentages run off the annual SMI — €17,094 divided by 12 — not off the €1,221 monthly payment.
Sources: Royal Decree 126/2026 (BOE-A-2026-3815, 19.02.2026) for the SMI figure; Consulate General of Spain in Santiago de Chile, "Requisitos visado TEL," for the 200/75/25% shares and the annual basis. Checked 01.09.2026.
Documents
0 of 12 gatheredTwo ways to apply. From a consulate in your country of residence — a visa valid up to 1 year, then a residence permit for up to 3 years once you're in Spain. Or electronically through UGE-CE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos), without leaving Spain — a 3-year permit right away. The fee varies by consulate and nationality — check the exact amount on your consulate's page.
NLV — no right to work
For people living on savings or passive income.
It doesn't allow work in Spain — not for a Spanish employer, and not remotely for a foreign one either: remote work needs DNV, not NLV.
2026 income threshold — 400% of IPREM: €2,400 a month for the main applicant, +€600 for each family member.
Source: checked against the original 24.05.2026 (Lexidy, movingtospain).
Documents
0 of 10 gatheredConsulates resolve national visas within one month at most, and NLV within three. They advise applying 2–3 months before your entry date — plan for longer: the clock stops while the regional government office handles the residence-permit request, so the real wait runs past three months. NLV can only be filed from a consulate in your country of residence — there is no UGE-CE equivalent.
What's next: gather the documents for your visa and check the exact fee on your consulate's page.
Not sure which visa fits you
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Sources
- Royal Decree 126/2026 (2026 SMI)
- Consulate General of Spain in Buenos Aires, "Visado de residencia por teletrabajo de carácter internacional," v.12-04-2022
- Embassy of Spain in Honduras, "Visado de residencia temporal no lucrativa"
- Checked 31.08.2026. Exact fees and requirements can vary by consulate — confirm on your own consulate's page before filing.