Editorial transparency and use of artificial intelligence
This article forms part of the CostaLuz Lawyers blog and is published for general informational and educational purposes only. It was prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools and, before publication, was substantively reviewed and editorially approved by Maria de Castro, a Spanish-qualified lawyer registered with the Cádiz Bar Association under number 2745, founder of CostaLuz Lawyers and the person responsible for the editorial review of the published content.
This article does not constitute legal, tax, immigration, employment, estate-planning or investment advice and does not replace an individual assessment and the professional work of the appropriate CostaLuz Lawyers specialist. No action or omission should be based solely on this information.
You are choosing between Spain and Portugal as your base for remote work. Both offer a digital nomad visa; both offer attractive tax regimes. The real question is not “which country is better”.
It is which set of details fits your situation: your income level, whether you are employed or freelance, how Spain’s flat-rate tax regime compares to Portugal’s, and how each treats your family. Getting that match wrong is expensive to undo once you have moved. This guide compares the two on the points that actually decide it.
Spain edges ahead on processing speed and living costs outside Lisbon; Portugal wins on headline tax rate.
Spain vs Portugal: The Two Best Digital Nomad Visas in Europe
Spain and Portugal are the top two destinations for digital nomads relocating to Southern Europe, and both now offer dedicated visa programmes with attractive tax incentives. The choice between them depends on your income level, work situation, lifestyle preferences, and long-term plans.
| Criteria | Spain (DNV) | Portugal (D8) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa name | Digital Nomad Visa (Ley 28/2022) | D8 Remote Work Visa |
| Income requirement | 200% of the SMI in force — approx. €2,442/month in 2026, updated with each SMI revision | 4x Portuguese minimum wage (~€3,680/month) |
| Tax regime | Beckham Law: 24% flat rate | IFICI: 20% flat rate |
| Tax regime duration | 6 years | 10 years |
| Initial permit duration | 3 years | 2 years |
| Processing time | ~20 working days | 3-4 months |
| Application route | UGE (in-country) or consulate | Consulate only |
| Work allowed | Remote work for non-Spanish companies | Remote work for non-Portuguese companies |
| Path to citizenship | 10 years (2 years for Latin Americans) | 5 years |
| Language requirement for citizenship | CCSE + DELE A2 | A2 Portuguese |
| Health insurance | Private insurance required | Private insurance or SNS access |
| Wealth tax | Yes (above €700,000) | No |
Tax Comparison: Where You Keep More
Portugal’s IFICI regime offers a lower headline rate (20% vs 24%), but the picture is more nuanced. Under Spanish law, the Beckham Law allows you to be treated as a non-resident for tax purposes, which means foreign-source income (dividends, capital gains from outside Spain) can be exempt from Spanish taxation entirely. Portugal’s IFICI regime taxes most foreign income at the 20% flat rate.
For a remote worker earning €100,000:
- Spain (Beckham Law): €24,000 tax on Spanish-source employment income
- Portugal (IFICI): €20,000 tax on employment income
However, Spain has no wealth tax exemption under the Beckham Law for non-Spanish assets, while Portugal has no wealth tax at all. For individuals with significant investment portfolios, this can tip the balance towards Portugal.
Cost of Living
Outside the capital cities, Spain generally offers lower living costs than Portugal. Coastal towns in Andalucía (Cádiz, Huelva, Málaga province) are 15-25% cheaper than equivalent areas in the Algarve or Lisbon region. However, Porto and smaller Portuguese cities remain very affordable.
Lifestyle and Infrastructure
Both countries offer excellent quality of life, but with different flavours:
- Spain: Larger country, more diverse regions, stronger domestic economy, extensive high-speed rail, later dining culture
- Portugal: Smaller, more intimate, strong English-language expat communities, excellent surf culture, Lisbon’s tech ecosystem
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Spain if you want faster processing, a longer initial permit, and lower living costs outside major cities. Choose Portugal if you prioritise the lowest possible tax rate, no wealth tax, and a faster path to EU citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for both and decide later?
Technically you can apply to both, but you will become tax resident in whichever country you move to first, making the other application redundant. We recommend deciding before applying.
Can I move from Portugal to Spain (or vice versa) later?
Yes, but you would need to apply for a new residence permit in the destination country. Your special tax regime in the original country would end upon changing tax residency.
Which country is better for families?
Both offer excellent family living. Spain has a larger international school network and lower childcare costs. Portugal has smaller class sizes and a strong public school system in major cities.
Do I need to speak Spanish for the DNV?
No language requirement exists for the Digital Nomad Visa application in either country. Language requirements only apply if you later pursue citizenship.
Ready to apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
📅 Schedule a consultation via Calendly
For a complete overview of immigration and visas in Spain, see our Immigration Spain Guide.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance purposes only and does not constitute personalised tax or legal advice. Each case must be assessed individually according to the client’s specific circumstances. It is essential to consult a qualified specialist before taking any action or making any decision.
Legal Notice: The content on this page is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. No action should be taken based solely on this content without first seeking independent professional legal counsel. Each case requires individual assessment based on its specific circumstances. CostaLuz Lawyers accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
Still deciding between Spain and Portugal? Book a call and we will compare the two for your exact income, work status, and family. No obligation.
Prefer to write first? Send a message → — María replies within one business day.
Need to speak now? +34 919 499 342 (EN/ES, 24h). Office: +34 956 092 687. Costaluz Lawyers — María Luisa de Castro, ICA Cádiz nº 2745.
Dear Sir,
am interested in obtaining Spanish residency under the D8 (Digital Nomad) Program and am looking for professional services to guide me through the application process and assist in securing the residency permit.
Could you please provide details of your services, the application process, estimated timelines, required documentation, and associated fees?
Thank you for your enquiry.
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is available to qualifying non-EU nationals who work remotely for companies or clients located outside Spain. The exact requirements, documentation, processing route and timelines will depend on your personal circumstances.
We are sending info on our services to you by email.
Best wishes!