Two of Europe's Most Popular Long-Stay Visas for Remote Workers
Portugal's D7 (Passive Income Visa) and Spain's Non-Lucrative Residence Visa are two of the most discussed long-stay options for non-EU citizens who work remotely or live off passive income. Both allow holders to live in Southern Europe legally for 1–2 years, with renewal options and eventual pathways to permanent residence.
But they have different income requirements, different tax implications, and a very different experience in the application process.
Portugal D7 Visa
Who it is for: Non-EU citizens who earn a passive income (pension, rental income, dividends, investments) or have verifiable remote income from work performed outside Portugal.
Minimum income: Approximately €760/month (the Portuguese minimum wage) for the main applicant, plus 50% per additional adult and 30% per child.
Application process: Apply at the Portuguese consulate in your home country, then complete your visa by registering with AIMA (Portugal's migration authority) in Portugal within 4 months.
Duration: Initial visa is valid for 4 months (entry visa), then you get a 2-year residence permit renewable for subsequent 3-year periods.
Path to permanent residence/citizenship: After 5 years of residence, you can apply for permanent residence. Portugal's language requirements for citizenship are B2 Portuguese (after 5 years of residence).
Tax: The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime previously offered 10-year flat-rate tax benefits; Portugal revised this to a new IFICI regime in 2024. Verify current rules at autoridade tributária e aduaneira (AT) Portugal.
Spain Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
Who it is for: Non-EU citizens with sufficient passive income to support themselves without working in Spain. Note: the Non-Lucrative visa technically prohibits working for Spanish entities, though the rules on remote work for foreign clients have been debated.
Minimum income: Approximately €28,800/year for the main applicant (roughly €2,400/month), plus additional amounts per dependant — significantly higher than Portugal.
Application process: Apply at the Spanish consulate in your home country. Once in Spain, register at the local Extranjería office.
Duration: Initial 1-year permit, renewable for 2-year periods.
Path to permanent residence: After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for long-term EU residence.
Tax: Spain has a flat-rate non-resident tax option (Beckham Law) for certain applicants, and the standard Spanish income tax applies otherwise. Verify current rules with the Agencia Tributaria.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Portugal D7 | Spain Non-Lucrative | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum income | ~€760/month | ~€2,400/month |
| Processing time | 2–4 months | 2–4 months |
| Permit duration | 2 years (initial) | 1 year (initial) |
| Work allowed | Remote/passive income | Passive income only (rule ambiguity for remote work) |
| Path to PR | 5 years | 5 years |
| Language needed | Portuguese (for citizenship) | Spanish (for citizenship) |
| Lifestyle | Lisbon, Porto, Algarve | Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville |
Which Is Better for Remote Workers?
Portugal D7 is generally considered more accessible for remote workers because:
Spain Non-Lucrative may suit you if:
Note: Spain has a separate Digital Nomad Visa (as of 2023) that may be a better fit for remote workers — check at exteriores.gob.es.
Official Sources
About This Guide
This guide was researched from official government immigration sources and reviewed by our editorial team. Immigration policies and requirements change frequently — always verify current requirements directly with official government portals before submitting any application. This guide does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
Canada vs Australia: Which Country Is Easier to Immigrate To?
A detailed comparison of Canada and Australia's permanent residency pathways — points systems, processing times, cost of living, and which suits you better.
Visa ComparisonUK Skilled Worker Visa vs Germany Opportunity Card: Which Is Right for You?
A head-to-head comparison of the UK Skilled Worker Visa and Germany's new Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) — eligibility, salary thresholds, and which suits your profile.
Visa ComparisonNew Zealand vs Australia: Which Has Better Immigration Options?
Comparing New Zealand and Australia immigration pathways — skilled migration, processing times, cost of living, and which suits your professional profile better.