New Portugal and Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

First, let’s talk about why these two countries are so popular and then we will talk about Portugal and Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements. It’s not just the sunshine and the wine—though those don’t hurt. Both Portugal and Spain offer a mix of old-world charm and modern convenience, with fast internet, affordable living (compared to much of Europe), and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for remote work1 7.

I remember my first week in Lisbon, sitting in a café by the sea, trying to work while people chatted in half a dozen languages. It felt like the whole world was there, everyone with a laptop and a dream. Spain, especially cities like Barcelona and Valencia, has a similar energy—lots of co-working spaces, friendly locals, and a rhythm that makes it easy to balance work and life.

More Read: How To Get Estonia Digital Nomad Visa in 30 Days

Portugal and Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

Both visas are designed for non-EU/EEA citizens who work remotely. But the details? They matter a lot.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa)

Who can apply: Non-EU/EEA citizens, remote workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs.
Income requirement: Around €3,480 per month (four times the Portuguese minimum wage)1 2.
Length: Up to one year, renewable, with a path to residency after five years.
Family: You can bring your spouse, kids, and even dependent parents.
Requirements: Proof of remote work, clean criminal record, health insurance, accommodation, and a NIF (Portuguese tax number)1.
Benefits: Right to live in an EU country, visa-free travel in Schengen, option to open a local bank account, and a path to citizenship2.
Cost: Not too high—mostly state fees (around €260), health insurance, and accommodation2.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Who can apply: Non-EU/EEA citizens, remote workers, freelancers, self-employed.
Income requirement: €2,763 per month for individuals, more for families4 5.
Length: Up to five years (if applied from within Spain), or one year if from outside, renewable5 6.
Family: You can bring your spouse and children.
Requirements: Proof of remote work, health insurance, clean criminal record, and sometimes a degree or three years of work experience4 5.
Benefits: Reduced tax rate (15% for four years), visa-free travel in Schengen, and the ability to bring family5.
Cost: Visa fee is around €80, plus health insurance and accommodation4 5.

My Experience: Applying for Both Visas

Let me tell you, nothing brings out your patience like dealing with bureaucracy in a foreign language. I applied for both visas, and while neither was a walk in the park, I learned a lot.

Portugal: The D8 Visa Adventure

I started with Portugal. The process is pretty straightforward, but you need to be organized. I remember spending a whole weekend gathering documents—bank statements, work contracts, proof of accommodation (which was a bit of a headache), and getting my criminal record translated into Portuguese.

One thing I didn’t expect? The NIF. You need a Portuguese tax number before you can do much of anything. I got mine through an online service, but it still took a few days. Once I had everything, I booked an appointment at the consulate. The staff were friendly, but the waiting time was a bit long.

When I finally got the visa, it felt like a huge relief. Portugal is super welcoming to digital nomads, and the community here is fantastic. I met people from all over the world, and the cost of living was lower than I expected. Plus, the food—oh, the pastel de nata!

Spain: The Digital Nomad Visa Saga

Spain was a different story. The income requirement is a bit lower, but the application process felt more complicated. I had to prove my remote work status, which meant digging up old contracts and pay stubs. I also needed a degree or three years of work experience, which was fine for me, but might be a hurdle for some.

The appointment at the consulate was a bit of a production. I had to bring my passport, photos, and a mountain of paperwork. The staff were efficient but not exactly chatty. The waiting game was tough—I heard that if you don’t get a response in 20 business days, you’re automatically approved, but I still checked my email every hour6.

When the approval came, it was a huge weight off my shoulders. Spain is vibrant, the people are warm, and the lifestyle is hard to beat. The reduced tax rate is a nice perk, and the food—well, let’s just say I gained a few pounds.

Comparing Portugal and Spain: The Good, The Bad, and The Unexpected

Let’s put these two side by side.

Feature	Portugal Digital Nomad Visa	Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Income Requirement	€3,480/month	€2,763/month (individual)
Visa Length	Up to 1 year, renewable	Up to 5 years (within Spain), 1 year (outside)
Path to Residency	Yes, after 5 years	Yes, after 5 years
Family Reunification	Spouse, kids, dependent parents	Spouse, kids
Tax Benefits	None specific to visa	15% tax rate for 4 years
Application Complexity	Moderate	Moderate to high
Cost of Living	Lower	Slightly higher, but still affordable
Community	Very welcoming, large nomad scene	Vibrant, diverse, lots of co-working
Language	Portuguese (but English widely spoken)	Spanish (but English common in cities)

Living as a Digital Nomad: Portugal vs Spain

Now, let’s talk about what it’s actually like to live in each place.

Portugal: Slow Living and Stunning Scenery

Portugal is all about slow living. The pace is relaxed, the people are friendly, and the scenery is breathtaking. I spent a lot of time in Lisbon and Porto, but I also explored the Algarve and the Douro Valley. Internet speed is fast, coffee taste is awesome and cost of living is low compared to much of the Europe.

One thing I love about Portugal is the sense of community. There are tons of co-working spaces, meetups, and events for digital nomads. It’s easy to make friends and find your tribe. And if you need a break from work, the beaches and mountains are not that far away.

Spain: Vibrant Culture and Endless Sunshine

Spain is more energetic, at least in the cities. Barcelona and Valencia are buzzing with life, and there’s always something happening. The food is incredible, nightlife is worth experiencing and the weather seems to be perfect always.

The digital nomad life is worth living, with lots of co-working spaces and networking events. The cost of living is a bit higher than Portugal, but still reasonable compared to other Western European countries and the reduced tax rate is a real bonus if you’re earning a good income.

Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)

Let’s be real—I messed up a few times. Here are some lessons learned the hard way:

Not checking visa requirements early enough. I almost missed a deadline because I didn’t realize how long some documents would take to get.
Underestimating the language barrier. While many people speak English, not everyone does. Learning a bit of Portuguese or Spanish goes a long way.
Not budgeting for unexpected costs. Things like translation fees, notary services, and extra paperwork can add up.
Assuming everything would be easy. Bureaucracy is bureaucracy, no matter where you are. Patience is key.

The Verdict: Which Visa Is Better?

This is the million-dollar question. Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for.

Choose Portugal if: You want a lower cost of living, a strong digital nomad community, and a more relaxed pace of life. The visa process is straightforward, and the country is incredibly welcoming1 2 7.
Choose Spain if: You want a vibrant city life, a slightly lower income requirement, and a reduced tax rate. The application process is a bit more involved, but the rewards are great4 5 7.

For me, Portugal was the perfect place to start—it felt like a soft landing. Spain was more exciting, but also a bit more challenging. Both are fantastic options, and you really can’t go wrong.

FAQ: Portugal vs Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Q: Which visa is easier to get?

A: Portugal’s process is generally simpler, but Spain’s income requirement is a bit lower. Both require organization and patience.

Q: Can I bring my family?

A: Yes! Portugal allows you to bring your spouse, kids, and even dependent parents. Spain allows your spouse and kids1 4 7.

Q: Where is it more affordable to set up residence there?

A: Portugal is less expensive and only if you are not in Lisbon or Porto. Although affordable, cities in Spain like Barcelona and Madrid are more expensive than others.

Q: Do I have to know either Portuguese or Spanish?

A: Not Necessarily, but you should if you can. In cities and at co-working spaces, although you will find many people speaking English.

Q: How much time is for the visa process?

A: Portugal: up to one year, renewable. Spain: up to five years if applied from within Spain, or one year from outside, renewable1 5 6.

Q: What about taxe rates in both Portugal and Spain?
A: Portugal doesn’t offer a special tax rate for digital nomads. Spain offers a reduced 15% tax rate for four years5 7.

Q: Can I travel around Europe with these visas?
A: Yes! Both visas allow you to travel freely within the Schengen zone for up to 90 days every 180 days2 5 7.

Final Thoughts

Opting for Portugal or Spain as a digital nomad is a good decision: each is like a wonderful dessert! You can enjoy a great lifestyle, meet digital nomads and live in these countries for a long time.

Portugal is a great place to begin remote work because it’s welcoming, affordable and you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. If having a bit more excitement, being able to get by on less and paying less taxes is what you’re after, Spain is the country for you.

The efforts of filling out the right forms will always pay off. All the adventures, new people and memories in a new place are priceless.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want more details on living as a digital nomad in Portugal or Spain, check out my other posts on [digital nomad visas] and [remote work abroad]. And if you’ve got your own stories or questions, drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

Final FAQ’s

Q: Can I work for a local company with these visas?
A: No, both visas are for remote work with non-local companies. In Spain, you can earn up to 20% of your income from Spanish clients, but the main income must come from outside Spain4 5.

Q: What happens if my visa expires?
A: You’ll need to renew it or apply for a different type of visa. Both countries offer paths to residency if you stay long enough1 5 7.

Q: Is it easy to make friends as a digital nomad?
A: Absolutely! Both countries have large, welcoming digital nomad communities. There are always meetups, events, and online groups to join.

Q: What’s the weather like?
A: Both have mild winters and warm summers. Portugal is a bit more humid, especially in the north. Spain is generally drier and sunnier, especially in the south.

Q: Can I travel to other European countries?
A: Yes, both visas allow you to travel freely within the Schengen zone for up to 90 days every 180 days2 5 7.