If you’re a non-EU citizen dreaming of living in Europe, two of the most popular residency options are the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) and the Portugal D7 Visa. Both programs offer a gateway to enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent healthcare, and visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone — but which one is right for you?
In this article, we compare the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa vs. Portugal D7 Visa in detail to help you decide which residency program is best suited to your lifestyle, financial situation, and long-term goals.
Comparison Table: Spain NLV vs. Portugal D7
| Feature | Spain Non-Lucrative Visa | Portugal D7 Visa |
| Remote Work Allowed? | Technically not allowed | Permitted (remote income accepted) |
| Minimum Annual Income | ~€30,000 (single applicant) | ~€10,000–€12,000 (single applicant) |
| Application Processing Time | 1-3 months | 2-4 months |
| Family Reunification | Allowed (with increased financial threshold) | Allowed (with increased financial threshold) |
| Path to Permanent Residency | 5 years | 5 years |
| Path to Citizenship | 10 years | 5 years |
| Required Stay in Country | At least 183 days per year | At least 183 days per year |
| Healthcare Access | Private insurance required | Access to public healthcare |
| Tax Benefits | Standard tax regime | Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax incentives |
Key Differences Explained
Remote Work
- Spain NLV: Officially, the visa does not allow you to work while living in Spain. Even remote work for non-Spanish companies is a legal grey area.
- Portugal D7: Portugal openly accepts remote workers and digital nomads with passive or foreign-based income.
Verdict: If you plan to work remotely, Portugal is the safer option.
Financial Requirements
- Spain NLV: Requires proof of stable annual income of approx. €30,000 for the main applicant, plus ~€7,500 per dependent.
- Portugal D7: Requires passive income or savings of around €10,000–€12,000 per year for the main applicant, with lower thresholds for dependents.
Verdict: Portugal has a much lower financial entry barrier.
Tax Advantages
- Spain: Standard tax rates apply, with no special regimes for new residents.
- Portugal: Eligible for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime, offering significant tax reductions for the first 10 years, especially for pensions, dividends, royalties, and some foreign income.
Verdict: Portugal is more attractive for tax optimization.
Citizenship Timeline
- Spain: Requires 10 years of legal residency before applying for citizenship (exceptions apply for some Latin American citizens).
- Portugal: Only 5 years of residency required to apply for citizenship.
Verdict: Portugal offers a much faster route to an EU passport.
Healthcare
- Spain: Applicants must secure private health insurance with full coverage and no copayments.
- Portugal: Residents can access the national healthcare system, though private insurance is still recommended for faster service.
Verdict: Portugal provides more affordable healthcare options.
When to choose Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
You may prefer the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa if:
- You are retired or have stable passive income and do not intend to work (even remotely).
- You have strong personal or cultural ties to Spain.
- You are attracted to Spain’s lifestyle, language, food, and international cities like Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia.
- You have sufficient financial means to meet the higher income requirements.
- You are from a country (like many Latin American nations) that may benefit from reduced naturalization periods in Spain.
When to choose Portugal D7 Visa
The Portugal D7 Visa may be your best option if:
- You work remotely or earn income from abroad.
- You are looking for lower financial entry requirements.
- You want to benefit from Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident tax program.
- You want faster access to EU citizenship (5 years vs. 10 years in Spain).
- You appreciate Portugal’s expat-friendly policies, lower cost of living, and a vibrant international community.
Conclusion: which EU residency program is better?
Both Spain and Portugal offer excellent residency options with access to the Schengen Zone, Mediterranean lifestyle, and European benefits. The choice ultimately depends on your income structure, lifestyle preferences, tax planning goals, and timeline for citizenship.
If you prioritize:
- Remote work, lower income thresholds, tax breaks, and quick citizenship → Portugal D7 Visa
- Mediterranean lifestyle, cultural ties, high-end cities, and strong retirement income → Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
Ready to start your residency journey?
Our team of immigration experts can guide you through both the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa and the Portugal D7 Visa processes, helping you choose the path that best fits your personal and financial goals.