More and more professionals are choosing the digital nomad lifestyle in Europe due to the stable income and freedom of movement. Find out what conditions Spain and Portugal offer for digital nomads in 2025: we compare income requirements, documents, taxes, visa processing times and the possibility of obtaining a permanent resident permit and citizenship

In 2025, digital nomads have a wide choice of countries to live and work in comfortably. Spain and Portugal remain among the most attractive destinations in Europe – thanks to their mild climate, convenient infrastructure and tax benefits. In this article, we compare the conditions for obtaining a digital nomad visa in both countries to help you choose the best option.

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Comparing the conditions for a digital nomad visa in Spain and Portugal?

Spain

1. Work for a foreign employer or freelance.

2. It is allowed to receive up to 20% of the income from Spanish clients.

3. Minimum monthly income: €2,650 for the main applicant, €993 for a partner/spouse, €331 for each family member.

4. Higher education or at least 3 years of professional experience.

5. Mandatory health insurance with full coverage.

6. Document confirming the availability of housing (rental or other).

We have previously discussed the procedure for obtaining a Spanish digital nomad visa and the requirements for applicants.

Portugal

1. Working for a foreign company or freelance.

2. Minimum income of €1,500 per month.

3. Having at least €10,000 in the account.

4. Work experience and relevant qualifications.

5. Health insurance covering the territory of Portugal.

6. A 24-month rental agreement or your own home.

The procedure for obtaining a Portuguese digital nomad visa and the requirements for applicants is in this article.

Visa validity and the possibility of extending the digital nomad visa

- Spain: the visa is issued for 1 year when applying from abroad or for 3 years if the application is submitted from Spain. Allows for further extension and residence permit after 5 years.

- Portugal: visa valid for 1 year with possibility of extension for another 2 years. Permanent residence – after 5 years.

Taxes and tax benefits of visas for digital nomads

- Spain: flat rate of 24% on income up to €600,000 per year.

- Portugal: special tax rate of 20% for skilled professionals and digital nomads.

Processing time for a D visa application in Spain and Portugal

Spain

- Application from abroad: 1 to 3 months.

- Application from Spain (on a tourist visa): up to 20 working days.

Portugal

- Approximately 2 months from the date of application.

Permanent Residency and Citizenship for Digital Nomads in Spain and Portugal

To extend your residence permit and maintain access to tax benefits, both countries require you to reside for at least 183 days per year.

- Spain: Permanent residence permit after 5 years, citizenship after 10 years.

- Portugal: Permanent residence permit after 5 years, citizenship after 6 years.

Who is a digital nomad visa suitable for?

These programs are an ideal opportunity to move to the EU legally with your whole family. These visas are most often used by:

- IT professionals and freelancers;

- People with passive income (e.g. from renting out real estate);

- Families with children where one parent works remotely;

- People aged 60+ who plan a comfortable retirement in a warm country.

Both Portugal and Spain offer favorable conditions for digital nomads. Portugal attracts with a lower income threshold and a faster path to citizenship, while Spain – with greater tax benefits and the ability to apply without leaving the country. Choose the country depending on your priorities – and open a new stage of life in Europe.

Planning to apply for a digital nomad visa? Contact our migration lawyers – we will help at every stage: from preparing documents to accompanying you during the move.

Reminder! In 2026, Nepal will launch a new digital visa (Digital Nomad Visa), which will allow remote workers to live and work in the country for up to 5 years. We have already talked about the conditions, benefits, taxes, safety and the best cities for digital nomads in Nepal.

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