Spain DNV vs Portugal D8: Digital Nomad Visa Comparison (2026)
Both let a remote worker or freelancer live in Iberia on foreign income, and both lead to an EU passport. The decision usually comes down to tax: Spain's Beckham Law offers a flat 24% for new arrivals, while Portugal's post-NHR IFICI is narrower. Income bars and client rules differ too. Here's how they stack up.
Side by side
| Visa | Income bar | Work allowed | Duration | Path to PR | Citizenship | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇸 Spain DNV | ~€2,442/mo from non-Spanish employer (consulate); ~€2,849 often asked in Spain. +75% first family member, +25% each extra | Foreign employer only | 1-3yr renewable to 5y | 5 years | 10y (2y Latin Am/Sephardic) | $190 consular fee (US) + lawyer optional |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal D8 | ~€3,680/mo (4× Portuguese minimum wage) | Foreign employer only | 4mo → 2yr → 3yr | 5 years | 10 years (7 for CPLP/EU) | €110 visa + lawyer ~€1,500 |
The details
🇪🇸 Digital Nomad Visa — Spain
Income: ~€2,442/mo from non-Spanish employer (consulate); ~€2,849 often asked in Spain. +75% first family member, +25% each extra · Processing: 10 business days (consulate) / 20 days (in Spain) · Cost: $190 consular fee (US) + lawyer optional
Path to PR: 5 years · Citizenship: 10y (2y Latin Am/Sephardic)
Pros
- Beckham Law tax regime 24% flat
- Apply in-country as tourist
- Family included (+75% first member, +25% each extra)
Trade-offs
- Must prove 3yr employment history
- Cannot have >20% Spanish clients
- Hacienda audit risk
Full Spain guide · City guides · Official source
✓ Verified 2026-10-26 against official sources. Every figure with its source
🇵🇹 D8 Digital Nomad Visa — Portugal
Income: ~€3,680/mo (4× Portuguese minimum wage) · Processing: 4-6 months · Cost: €110 visa + lawyer ~€1,500
Path to PR: 5 years · Citizenship: 10 years (7 for CPLP/EU)
Pros
- Permanent residence in 5yr
- Family included
- EU residency rights
Trade-offs
- 4× higher income bar than D7
- AIMA backlog 9-18mo
- No NHR tax benefit anymore
Full Portugal guide · City guides · Official source
✓ Verified 2026-10-26 against official sources. Every figure with its source
Model both against your own numbers
GoThere runs your real income and family size against every visa's threshold, then tracks the document checklist for the one you choose.
Related
All passive-income visas · All digital nomad visas · Moving to Spain · Moving to Portugal