Spain vs Portugal: digital nomad visa
On the income bar, Spain is the more accessible of the two: its requirement is EUR 2,849/month (~USD 3,075) = 200% of the 2026 minimum wage (SMI), versus EUR 3,680/month (~USD 3,970) = 4x the national minimum wage for Portugal. Spain's Telework (Digital Nomad) Visa runs for 1 year (consulate) or 3 years (in-Spain residence authorization) (yes, up to 5 years total, then long-term residency); Portugal's D8 Digital Nomad Visa runs for Temporary stay up to 12 months, or 2-year residence permit (yes, residence permit renews in 3-year periods; pr/citizenship eligibility after 5 years). Tax, fees and family rules differ — see the table below, and verify both on the official sources before deciding.
Data as of June 2026.
Spain vs Portugal side by side
| Item | Spain | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum income | EUR 2,849/month (~USD 3,075) = 200% of the 2026 minimum wage (SMI) | EUR 3,680/month (~USD 3,970) = 4x the national minimum wage |
| Approx USD/month | $3,075/mo | $3,970/mo |
| Duration | 1 year (consulate) or 3 years (in-Spain residence authorization) | Temporary stay up to 12 months, or 2-year residence permit |
| Renewable | Yes, up to 5 years total, then long-term residency | Yes, residence permit renews in 3-year periods; PR/citizenship eligibility after 5 years |
| Government fee | ~EUR 80-100 (varies by nationality / reciprocity) | Visa ~EUR 90; AIMA residence-permit issuance ~EUR 170 |
| Tax for nomads | Optional Beckham regime: flat 24% on income up to EUR 600k for up to 6 years | NHR closed to new entrants; successor IFICI gives 20% flat on qualifying income (not automatic); else progressive IRS |
| Family / dependents | Yes. +75% SMI first member (~EUR 916/mo), +25% per additional (~EUR 305/mo) | Yes. Income +50% spouse/adult, +30% per child; savings +EUR 5,520/adult, +EUR 3,312/child |
| Processing | 10 working days (consulate, legal limit); ~20 days in-Spain UGE route | Visa ~30-60 days; AIMA step adds ~30-60+ days |
Sources: Spain official page and Portugal official page. Figures change — verify before applying.
Verdict
Neither visa is strictly "better" — it depends on what you optimise for. If the income threshold is your constraint, Spain wins on that single axis. But weigh the full picture: how long you can stay and renew, the all-in cost, the tax treatment of your foreign income, and whether your family can come. Read the full profiles for Spain and Portugal, and use the eligibility checker to see every country you qualify for.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Spain or Portugal digital nomad visa easier to qualify for on income?
On the income threshold, Spain is the more accessible of the two: EUR 2,849/month (~USD 3,075) = 200% of the 2026 minimum wage (SMI), versus EUR 3,680/month (~USD 3,970) = 4x the national minimum wage for Portugal. Income is only one factor — duration, documents and tax also matter.
How long can I stay on each visa, Spain vs Portugal?
Spain: 1 year (consulate) or 3 years (in-Spain residence authorization) (yes, up to 5 years total, then long-term residency). Portugal: Temporary stay up to 12 months, or 2-year residence permit (yes, residence permit renews in 3-year periods; pr/citizenship eligibility after 5 years).
Do nomads pay less tax in Spain or Portugal?
Spain: Optional Beckham regime: flat 24% on income up to EUR 600k for up to 6 years. Portugal: NHR closed to new entrants; successor IFICI gives 20% flat on qualifying income (not automatic); else progressive IRS. This is general information, not tax advice — your actual liability depends on tax residency, where your income arises and your home-country rules. Verify with each country's tax authority.
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Last updated: 2026-06-20