How does the non-lucrative visa differ from the digital nomad visa?

The non-lucrative visa (NLV) does not allow you to work — it is for those living on passive income or savings. The digital nomad visa (DNV), by contrast, permits remote work. The health insurance requirements are similar for both.

What policy does the consulate accept for the NLV?

A full private health policy: with complete cover (no copays), no waiting periods, valid across all of Spain for at least a year, and with a certificate for the consulate.

Will a travel or ordinary policy do?

No. Travel policies and policies with copays are usually not accepted for the NLV. You need a residency policy with the correct certificate.

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) in Spain: What Insurance You Need in 2026

The non-lucrative visa (NLV) is one of the most popular ways to move to Spain and live in Tenerife. It is designed for people with enough passive income or savings who do not plan to work in Spain. One of the mandatory documents is the right health policy. Let us look at which one.

What the non-lucrative visa is

The NLV grants the right to live in Spain without working. It is chosen by retirees, people living on rental or passive income or savings, and those who want to live quietly in the country without a job. The applicant proves financial means and submits several documents — and the health policy is one of the key ones.

The insurance requirement

For the NLV the consulate requires a private health policy meeting four conditions:

full cover (sin copagos) — no copays for appointments or procedures;
no waiting periods — cover works from day one;
for the whole year and across all of Spain;
with a certificate for the consulate stating these conditions explicitly.

These are the same requirements as for other types of residency — but since the NLV is one of the most applied for, it is important to get it right.

How the NLV differs from the digital nomad visa

NLV — live on passive income, no working allowed.
DNV (digital nomad) — you can work remotely for companies outside Spain.

The health insurance requirements are similar for both, so the choice depends not on the insurance but on your source of income.

Common mistakes

Taking a travel policy — it will not be accepted for the NLV.
Saving on a policy with copays — the application may be refused.
Forgetting the certificate — the consulate looks precisely at its wording, not the brochure.

Tip: arrange the policy in advance — a few weeks before applying — so the certificate is already in hand and meets the requirements.

How much it costs

The cost of the policy depends on age, family and cover, so it is calculated individually. The estimate is free and commits you to nothing — you can find out the amount for your situation in advance.

Applying for the non-lucrative visa and unsure which policy fits? Just ask in the chat — we will help with the requirements and prepare a free estimate with a manager.