Spain vs Portugal: Which country is better to move to?

Spain and Portugal are neighboring countries that almost simultaneously introduced visas for digital nomads. Both countries aim to attract a solvent audience with stable remote jobs. Both countries have visas for highly skilled people and people with a passive income (renting a flat, dividends, pensions, etc.). The climate is warm, the sun shines almost all year round, the beaches are beautiful, and the cities are livable. The countries share a common border; you can be in another country in a few hours. So what country to choose to get a residence permit?
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There are subjective and objective criteria. The first is the mentality of the locals and their attitude to expats. But still, a person's impression of people is based mainly on their experience. 
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It is better to focus on objective criteria. It is essential to assess the cost of living and opportunities for legalization. 

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Cost of Living in Portugal vs Spain

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Let's look at how Numbeo estimates the cost of living in both countries. 
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Family of four estimated monthly costs:

• in Spain – €2,329.7 without rent

• in Portugal – €2,059.7 without rent

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A single-person estimated monthly costs:

• in Spain – €666.6 without rent

• in Portugal – €592.1 without rent

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The minimum wage:

• in Spain – €1,080 without rent

• in Portugal – €760 without rent

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Rent in Spain is, on average, 2.7% lower than in Portugal.

Visas

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There are many visas available for residency. We will consider the most popular among our clients. We will write recommendations based on our clients' official requirements and successful cases.

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Digital Nomad visa

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Portugal and Spain finally got Digital Nomad visas. Although it is called for digital nomads, if you are, for example, a sales manager or a producer of an online school, and this income is legal and permanent, this visa might work for you. So let's check Portugal or Spain digital nomad visa, which is better.

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Portugal Digital Nomad visa

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Main requirements

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👉 You must apply in your country or your residence permit country.
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👉 You must show Proof of an average monthly income for the last three months that is at least four times the minimum wage in Portugal (for 2023, the minimum wage is €760, so you must show a monthly income of €3,040).
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👉 You do not need a Portuguese bank account, and the official requirements for the Digital Nomad visa do not mention mandatory savings for the principal applicant. However, based on experience, showing at least €9,120 per person is recommended. (If you are an Indian citizen, check out the features here).‍‍
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👉 Proof of income must be provided, including contracts, tax declarations, and bank statements.
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👉 Proof of accommodation: at least four months, ‍but it has a 1-2 year lease is better.
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👉 If you apply for a DN visa, your family can apply simultaneously for accompanying visas. These visas will have the same duration as the primary holder's Digital Nomad visa - either long-term and converted to a residence permit by SEF or short-term.
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👉 Waiting time to get a residence: usually up to two months

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Read more in the guide.

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Spain Digital Nomad visa

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Main requirements

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👉 Work remotely for a foreign company that has existed for at least one year or be self-employed, operating for three months.
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👉 Required income is 200% of the minimum wage (SMI) per month = €1100per month.
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👉 Have a contract valid for at least three months (until you apply).
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👉 In Spain, you can work for a company located outside of Spain, where you work remotely. At the same time, you can work in a Spanish company as long as you have a work contract with this company and the percentage of income from this activity does not exceed 20% of the total professional training.
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👉 You can be out of Spain for at least six months in a calendar year.
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👉 Family members can request a freelance residence permit (at the same time or later than the principal applicant) by providing financial means.

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👉 Waiting time to get a residence: usually up to one months

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If you have a passive income

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What kind of passive income is suitable? If you earn income from renting an apartment, dividends, interest from a bank deposit, and more.

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Portugal D7 visa 

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Main requirements

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👉 You must apply in your country or a country with a residence permit.
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👉 Passive income is the only type that can be used to apply for the D7 visa – a legal and predictable income of at least €760 per month.
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👉 You must open a Portuguese bank account and deposit at least €9,120, but we recommend more (If you are an Indian citizen, check out the features here).
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👉 You must provide Proof of income through contracts, tax declarations, bank statements, etc.

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Read more in the guide.

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Spain visa for people who have a passive income

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Main requirements

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👉 Only passive income.

👉 You'll have to deposit more than €28,000 (IPREM x 400%) for one-year stay.
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👉 For each dependent (spouse or child), you must show that you have an additional €7,000  (IPREM x 100%) for a one-year stay.
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👉 You are not allowed to search for a job in Spain.
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👉 You can apply with a family but must show more income and a deposit.
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Read more in the guide.

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Startup Visa

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Portugal 

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Main requirements

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👉 Business plan: need an idea for a startup in any business area (read more in the guide).
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👉 You have to show growth capacity for five years.
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👉 Deposit: minimum €5,147 in an account per applicant.
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👉 You should be supported by one of the local business incubators

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Read more in the guide.
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Spain

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Main requirements

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👉  Business plan for an innovation project.
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👉 Professional experience combined with a start-up business plan.
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👉 Deposit: minimum €8,400 on your account.
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👉 No initial investment.
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Photo:

• Jorge Salvador
• ‍Brooke Cagle
• Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
• Ronni Kurtz