In this article
The short answer
Both Portugal's D8 visa and Spain's digital nomad visa are excellent, and the right pick depends on your priorities. In brief: Portugal tends to win on long-term settlement and a gentler pace, while Spain can win on its special tax regime and the option to apply from inside the country. Let's break down the details.
Income requirements
Spain's threshold is generally lower. For 2026 Spain asks for roughly €2,760 per month (around 200% of its minimum wage), while Portugal asks for roughly €3,280 per month (around four times its minimum wage). If your income sits between those two numbers, Spain may be your only option of the pair. Both require more if you bring family members.
Tax treatment
This is where Spain has a headline advantage: qualifying newcomers may access a special regime — often compared to the “Beckham Law” — taxing certain income at a flat rate for a limited period. Portugal has historically offered attractive regimes for newcomers too, but these have shifted over time. Tax is highly individual, so read our tax guide and speak to an adviser in either country before deciding.
Path to residency
Portugal's D8 residency route is well-trodden: it leads to renewable permits and, after five years, the possibility of permanent residency or citizenship. Spain also offers a route to long-term residency and eventually citizenship, though naturalisation timelines differ (and can be longer for many nationalities). If your goal is a second passport, both work, but the timelines and language requirements differ.
Cost of living & lifestyle
Both countries offer a high quality of life, great weather and strong nomad communities (Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia). Portugal's smaller scale and English proficiency in Lisbon appeal to many newcomers; Spain offers larger cities, more domestic variety and arguably better transport links. Day-to-day costs are broadly comparable, with both having risen in popular hotspots.
The verdict
Choose Spain if your income is closer to the minimum threshold, you want the potential tax advantage, or you'd like to apply from within the country. Choose Portugal if you prioritise a clear long-term settlement path and a slightly quieter pace. Either way, you're choosing between two of the best nomad visas in Europe.
FAQ
Is the Portugal or Spain digital nomad visa easier to get?
Spain's lower income threshold and in-country application option make it more accessible for some, but both have similar documentation. The easier one depends on your income and where you want to apply from.
Which has lower taxes, Portugal or Spain?
Spain's special regime can be very favourable for qualifying newcomers. Portugal's regimes have changed over time. Tax is individual — get advice for your specific situation.
Can I get citizenship through either visa?
Both can lead to long-term residency and eventually citizenship, subject to time, language and other requirements. Timelines differ by country and nationality.
