Since both countries closed their real-estate Golden Visa routes, residency now runs mainly through passive income, qualifying investment, or remote work. We cover all three: Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa, Portugal's D7 and Golden Visa, and Spain's Digital Nomad Visa.
The realistic route for retirees and financially independent applicants since the investor Golden Visa closed. You live in Spain on passive income — pensions, dividends, rental income, or savings — without taking up Spanish employment.
| Main applicant income | ~€28,800 / year (400% IPREM) |
| Each dependent | +~€7,200 / year |
| Work in Spain | Not permitted |
| Structure | 1-year initial permit, then 2-year renewals |
| Residency requirement | 183+ days/year to renew and count toward permanence |
| Path to permanent residency | After 5 years of continuous legal residence |
Income and savings documentation strategy, private health insurance selection that meets consular requirements, apostille and sworn-translation coordination, and consular filing support.
Spain's International Telework Visa lets non-EU remote employees and freelancers relocate while keeping their existing employer or client base — with access to a reduced flat tax rate for qualifying applicants.
| Main applicant income | ~€2,849 / month (2026) |
| First dependent | +~€1,068 / month |
| Each additional dependent | +~€356 / month |
| Spanish-source income cap | No more than 20% of total income |
| Duration | Up to 3 years in-country, renewable |
| Reduced tax rate | 24% flat, up to €600,000 (Beckham Law, up to 6 years) |
Eligibility review against the 80/20 foreign-income rule, employer/client and income evidence, social security coverage, and — where advantageous — introduction to a qualified tax advisor for the special tax election.
Portugal offers two main paths: the D7 for passive-income holders who want to live in Portugal full time, and a narrowed Golden Visa for those who prefer a lighter physical presence requirement through qualifying investment.
| D7 — main applicant income | ~€870–€920 / month |
| D7 — savings requirement | ~12 months' income held in reserve |
| D7 — residence requirement | Portugal as primary residence |
| Golden Visa — investment | €250,000 (cultural) to €500,000 (fund/business + jobs) |
| Golden Visa — real estate | No longer a qualifying route |
| Golden Visa — stay requirement | ~7 days in year one, 14 days per 2-year period after |
Route selection between D7 and Golden Visa, passive-income and savings documentation, qualifying fund or business-creation introductions for Golden Visa applicants, and AIMA registration support after arrival.
| Best for passive income + full-time residence | Spain NLV or Portugal D7 |
| Best for remote employees & freelancers | Spain Digital Nomad Visa |
| Best for minimal physical presence | Portugal Golden Visa |
| Real estate purchase required? | No, in either country, for any current route |
| Family inclusion | Spouse and minor children generally includable across all routes |
| Path to citizenship | Available after each country's qualifying residency period |
We review your income structure, work situation, and timeline to recommend Spain NLV, Spain Nomad Visa, Portugal D7, or Portugal Golden Visa.
Income evidence, apostilles, sworn translations, criminal record checks, and qualifying insurance.
Consular filing, or Spain's Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE) for in-country nomad visa applications, with interview preparation where required.
Post-arrival registration (TIE in Spain, AIMA in Portugal) and guidance on renewal timing.
Spain's real-estate Golden Visa closed in April 2025 and is no longer available. Portugal's Golden Visa remains open but no longer accepts direct real-estate investment — qualifying funds, business creation, or cultural/scientific donations are the current routes.
Both are designed around passive, non-work income. Spain's NLV does not permit work, including remote work for a foreign employer — that's what the Digital Nomad Visa is for. Portugal's D7 is for passive income; active remote employment income is generally better suited to Portugal's D8 digital nomad route.
A limited amount — Spanish-source income cannot exceed 20% of your total professional income under the current rule.
No — it requires a separate election and eligibility review. Not everyone benefits from it; we discuss whether it makes sense for your income structure alongside a qualified tax advisor.
Timelines depend on your nationality and current legislation, which has been under review in both countries recently. We provide the current position applicable to your case at the time of filing — this is general information, not a guarantee of any outcome or timeline.
30-minute consultation to identify the right Spain or Portugal residency route for your income profile and goals.
Book Your Consultation