Spain offers two of the most accessible residency routes in Europe for non-EU nationals: the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) for those with passive income, and the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) for remote workers. Both lead to renewable residency, and — for Filipinos and other former Spanish colony citizens — to Spanish citizenship in as little as two years of legal residence.
We've spent years guiding clients from initial eligibility check through consulate appointment and renewals — and we know exactly where applications stall.
Two lawyers, two jurisdictions, one coordinated file.
Atty. Katrina Borra is a New York-admitted attorney. She provides strategic consultation, eligibility analysis, document preparation, and consulate-stage guidance. All in-country filings in Spain — extranjería appointments, TIE registration, tax residency, post-arrival paperwork — are handled in partnership with her co-counsel, a licensed Spanish lawyer. You get U.S.-trained strategy on the front end and local Spanish expertise where it matters most.
Non-Lucrative Visa
The NLV permits you to reside in Spain for an initial period of one year, renewable for two-year terms. It was originally designed for retirees, but is now granted to anyone who can demonstrate sufficient passive income to support themselves without working in Spain.
Who qualifies
- Minimum monthly passive income of €2,400, plus €540 per dependent (as of 2024).
- Recommended savings of at least €20,000 to demonstrate stability.
- Clean police record and full medical certificate.
- Private health insurance accredited in Spain (no copays, no waiting periods).
Important to know
The NLV does not permit employment in Spain. Income must appear in your personal bank statements (not a company's) for at least 12 months. Documents typically require apostille and certified Spanish translation by a traductor jurado.
Our fee
€400 for the U.S.-side consultation package — eligibility analysis, document review, checklist preparation, application drafting, and consulate appointment guidance. In-country filing fees are billed separately by our Spanish co-counsel, quoted in advance based on case complexity.
Digital Nomad Visa
Launched in 2023, the DNV lets non-EU remote workers and freelancers live in Spain while continuing to earn from foreign clients or employers. It's been transformative for Filipinos working with overseas BPO clients, US-based tech companies, and international agencies.
Who qualifies
- Employment or contractor relationship with a non-Spanish company, generally established for at least 3 months.
- Monthly income of approximately €2,762 (200% of the Spanish minimum wage), increased for family members.
- Proof of relevant experience (typically a degree or 3+ years in the field).
- Clean criminal record, private health insurance, and an employment letter authorizing remote work from Spain.
Why it's attractive
- Initial residency of 3 years, renewable for 2 more.
- Special Beckham Law tax regime: a flat 24% income tax rate for up to 6 years — significant savings for high earners.
- Filipinos can apply for Spanish citizenship after just 2 years of legal residence.
Two years of legal residence under either visa, and Filipinos can already pursue Spanish citizenship. That's the shortest path to an EU passport available in Europe.