Spain NLV vs Portugal D7: Which Is Right for You? (2026)
This is the single most-asked question among Americans retiring or living passively in Iberia. Both give you a path to an EU passport. The real differences: Portugal's D7 needs far less income and lets you work, while Spain's NLV forbids all local work but offers a more established expat infrastructure. Here's the honest side-by-side.
Side by side
| Visa | Income bar | Work allowed | Processing | Path to PR | Citizenship | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇸 Spain NLV | ~€2,400/mo passive (4× IPREM, +25% per dependent) | Not in Spain | Up to 3 months (legal max) | 5 years | 10y (2y Latin Am/Sephardic) | $153 consular fee (US) + lawyer optional |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal D7 | ~€920/mo (€11,040/yr) passive | Yes (including local employment) | 4-6 months | 5 years | 10 years (7 for CPLP/EU) | €110 visa + lawyer ~€1,500 |
The details
🇪🇸 Non-Lucrative Visa — Spain
Income: ~€2,400/mo passive (4× IPREM, +25% per dependent) · Processing: Up to 3 months (legal max) · Cost: $153 consular fee (US) + lawyer optional
Path to PR: 5 years · Citizenship: 10y (2y Latin Am/Sephardic)
Pros
- No employer needed
- Family included (+25% IPREM per dependent)
- Path to EU passport
Trade-offs
- No work in Spain at all
- Renewal scrutinizes time outside Spain
- Costly health insurance required
Full Spain guide · City guides · Official source
✓ Verified 2026-10-26 against official sources. Every figure with its source
🇵🇹 D7 Passive Income Visa — Portugal
Income: ~€920/mo (€11,040/yr) passive · Processing: 4-6 months · Cost: €110 visa + lawyer ~€1,500
Path to PR: 5 years · Citizenship: 10 years (7 for CPLP/EU)
Pros
- Lowest income bar in Europe
- Permanent residence after 5 years
- Work allowed in Portugal
Trade-offs
- Slow AIMA processing
- 183-day/yr presence required
- NHR tax regime ended Mar 2024
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