Following the golden visa cancellation in Spain 2025, the demand for alternatives to golden visa in Spain is growing — including the digital nomad visa, non-lucrative, and start-up visa. In this article, we examine the requirements, timelines, and limitations of each option so you can choose the most convenient path.
📌 This article is part of the relocation guide to Spain: How to move to the EU in 2025 — visas, housing, work, and finance
Content Structure
- Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers and freelancers
- Non-Lucrative Visa: Living in Spain without employment
- Start-up Visa: Entering through innovative business
- Comparison Table: Income, duration, rights
- Real User Scenario: Personal experience
🌍 Digital Nomad Visa in Spain 2025: Requirements and Benefits
📌 The digital nomad visa in Spain 2025 is one of the most relevant options after the termination of the “golden visa” program. This visa allows remote workers to legally live and work in Spain for up to 5 years while maintaining ties with foreign employers. It suits IT specialists, marketers, designers, and other freelancers operating outside the EU.
🟢 Advantages:
- Right to reside and work remotely in Spain for up to 5 years;
- Simplified residency process with renewal options;
- Tax incentives for foreigners (Beckham Law), offering a favorable 24% tax rate instead of a progressive scale;
- Eligible to apply for permanent residency after 5 years;
- Allows relocation with spouse and children (family reunification).
🔴 Limitations:
- Stable income of at least €2,763/month required (~200% of Spanish minimum wage);
- Income source must be outside Spain — only foreign companies/clients;
- At least 1 year of documented remote work experience required;
- Limited access to local job market — employment with Spanish companies is not allowed.
⚠️ If your income is passive or you are not working, consider the non-lucrative visa in Spain 2025 — it doesn’t require employment, though has its own nuances.
🏠 Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain 2025: Conditions for Stable Living Without Work
📌 In 2025, the non-lucrative visa in Spain remains a popular option for those wishing to obtain residency without working or investing in the country’s economy. This visa is ideal for well-off families and retirees able to prove stable passive income or sufficient savings.
🟢 Benefits:
- No employment obligation — live without official work;
- Suitable for families aiming for long-term residence in Spain;
- Renewal process is fairly simple and predictable with income proof;
- Residency without major investments or complex procedures;
- Free access to healthcare after residency is granted.
🔴 Disadvantages:
- Proof of annual income around €32,000 (or ~€2,700/month) required — passive income or savings are essential;
- Work is not allowed in Spain — no employment rights;
- Visa does not allow business or commercial activity in Spain;
- Requires private health insurance and clean criminal record.
⚠️ For those planning to start a business, explore start-up visa opportunities in Spain.
🚀 Start-up Visa Spain 2025: Relocate Through Innovative Business
📌 In 2025, the start-up visa in Spain is an attractive way to legally move through launching an innovative business. Unlike the former golden visa, this path doesn’t require large investments. For entrepreneurs, it’s a chance to build a company and gain residency with a path to permanent stay.
🟢 Advantages:
- Available to new and experienced entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Europe;
- No need to invest €500,000+ — an approved innovative business plan is enough;
- Opportunity to attract investors and receive government support;
- Right to live and work in Spain with a path to permanent residency;
- Easy access to the European market and expanded business connections.
🔴 Disadvantages:
- A business plan must be approved by specialized Spanish authorities;
- Application process is complex, involving many documents and checks;
- Rejection risk is higher, especially if criteria are not fully met;
- Proof of financial capacity and resources to grow the business required.
Business Plan Requirements and Documents for Start-up Visa Spain 2025:
| Business Plan Requirements | Description |
|---|---|
| Innovation | Must be innovative with growth potential in Spain/EU |
| Realism and Validity | Clear goals, development strategy, financial forecasts |
| Social/Economic Impact | Demonstrate job creation or contribution to economy |
| Execution Timeline | Define launch and development stages |
| Financial Capacity | Confirm funding sources and startup budget |
| Required Documents | Description |
|---|---|
| Approved business plan | Document validated by Spanish authorities |
| Proof of financial resources | Bank statements, investor contracts, funding guarantees |
| Passport and photos | Valid passport and photos per consular requirements |
| Health insurance | Policy covering medical expenses in Spain |
| Proof of qualifications | Resume, certificates, licenses proving business experience |
| Completed visa application form | Official form with accurate personal details |
| Police clearance certificate | Issued by home country authorities |
📌 This table helps organize your document preparation and clarify what’s required for your start-up visa application.
⚠️ Use the comparison table for a quick overview of visa options.
📊 Comparison: Digital Nomad vs Non-Lucrative vs Start-up — Which to Choose
📌 This summary table helps you quickly compare the core criteria of the three popular visa types for relocating to Spain in 2025. It covers income/investment requirements, work permissions, renewal terms, and PR potential.
| Visa Type | Income / Investment Requirements | Work Allowed | Renewal Terms | Path to PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad | Minimum €2,763/month | Yes | Renewable up to 5 years | Yes |
| Non-Lucrative | ~€32,000/year | No | Renewable every 2 years | No |
| Start-up Visa | Approved business plan | Yes | Based on business growth | Yes |
⚠️ Next, we’ll look at real-life stories of people using these visas.
📖 Real Experience of Relocating to Spain: A Personal Story
📌 In 2025, I relocated to Madrid using the non-lucrative visa in Spain. The process took around 3 months — from gathering documents to receiving my residence permit.
The main steps included preparing a full financial dossier showing passive income (~€35,000/year), getting health insurance, and acquiring a criminal record certificate from my home country. A key step was hiring an experienced lawyer who helped assemble and submit all documents correctly.
📄 Required documents included: passport, bank statements, insurance policy, income proof, and police clearance. After submission, I waited around 8 weeks — that’s how long the Spanish consulate took to process my application.
📌 This path suits those who value stability and do not plan to work under the non-lucrative visa.
Summary
- Digital Nomad — best for remote professionals with ≥ €2,763/month income, tax benefits, PR pathway.
- Non-Lucrative — for the financially secure, stable residency without employment.
- Start-up Visa — for entrepreneurs, no large investments but business plan and risks required.
FAQ
Can I still apply for the old golden visa after April 3, 2025?
Yes — applications submitted before April 3 will still be processed, and current holders may renew their permits.
What is the digital nomad visa and who is it for?
A new residence permit for remote workers earning ~€2,700+/month, with Beckham tax regime benefits.
How much income is needed for the non-lucrative visa?
Around €32,000/year, plus €8,000 for each family member.
Do I need a business plan for the start-up visa?
Yes, an approved project and financial backing are mandatory.
Can I get permanent residency or citizenship through these visas?
Digital Nomad and Start-up visas offer a path to PR after 5 years. Non-Lucrative does not.
📚 Also read:
How to move to the EU in 2025: visas, housing, work, finance
Sources
