The 2026 numbers side by side
| Spain | Portugal (D8) | |
|---|---|---|
| Income, single applicant | €2,849/mo | €3,680/mo |
| How it is set | 200% of minimum wage | 4 × minimum wage (€920) |
| Couple | about €3,917/mo | €5,520/mo |
| Each child | about €356/mo | €1,104/mo |
| Savings required | No fixed figure | €11,040 single, €16,560 couple |
| First permit | 1 year from a consulate, 3 years applying inside Spain | 2-year residence permit (residency option) |
| Renewal | 2 years at a time | 3 years |
Spain in detail
Income. Spain uses 200% of its minimum wage spread over 12 months: €1,221 × 14 ÷ 12 × 2 = €2,849. The first family member adds about €1,068, and each additional one about €356. All of it must be the main applicant's income.
Who qualifies. You need a university degree, a professional qualification or at least 3 years of relevant experience. Employees need written permission from their employer to work from Spain, and the employer must have operated for at least 12 months. Freelancers can earn up to 20% of income from Spanish clients.
Two ways to apply. From a Spanish consulate abroad you get a 1-year visa, then switch to a residence permit. If you are already in Spain legally, you apply directly for a 3-year permit, typically decided in about 20 working days. Renewals run 2 years at a time.
Tax. Qualifying employees can elect Spain's special regime and pay a flat 24% on Spanish employment income up to €600,000. The election window is 6 months from registering with Spanish social security. It usually does not apply to freelancers.
Portugal in detail
Income. 4 times the 2026 minimum wage of €920, so €3,680 a month. A spouse adds €1,840, each child €1,104 and each dependent parent €1,840.
Savings. On top of income, you hold 12 months of minimum wage, €11,040, in a Portuguese bank account. A spouse adds €5,520 and each child €3,312. EMI accounts such as Wise or Revolut are usually not accepted.
Two options. The 1-year temporary stay does not allow family and generally does not count towards permanent residence. The residency option converts into a 2-year permit after your appointment in Portugal, renews for 3 years, allows family and counts towards permanent residence and citizenship. For most people moving properly, the residency option is the one to file.
Before you apply you need a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and a bank account. See tax number and bank account.
Documents both countries ask for
- Passport valid well beyond your planned stay.
- Proof of income: 3 to 6 months of payslips or invoices, matching bank statements and your latest tax return.
- Employer letter allowing remote work from the country, or client contracts if you freelance.
- Criminal record certificates from your country of nationality and anywhere you lived for 1 year or more, apostilled and usually issued within the last 90 days.
- Health or travel insurance. Portugal asks for at least €30,000 of cover.
- Proof of accommodation, such as a 12-month lease for Portugal.
- Sworn translations of any document not in the local language.
The 4 reasons applications get refused
- Uneven income. One large payment followed by empty months reads as unstable. Show steady monthly deposits.
- Expired documents. Criminal record certificates older than 90 days at filing.
- Wrong account type. Portuguese savings held in an EMI instead of a bank.
- Missing employer permission. A contract that does not mention remote work from that country.
Which one to pick
- Earning €2,849 to €3,680 a month: Spain is the one you qualify for.
- Moving with a partner and children: Spain's add-ons are much lower. A couple with 2 children needs about €4,630 in Spain and €7,728 in Portugal.
- Earning above both bars: decide on city, tax and language. Compare Lisbon and Barcelona.
- Planning 5 years or more: both count towards long-term residence when you hold the residence permit, not a temporary stay.
More on our digital nomad visa page, or send your income evidence through the free evaluation and we will tell you which country it passes in.
Quick answers
How much do you need to earn for the Spain digital nomad visa in 2026?
€2,849 a month for a single applicant, about €3,917 for a couple, plus about €356 for each additional family member.
How much do you need to earn for the Portugal D8 visa in 2026?
€3,680 a month, which is 4 times Portugal's 2026 minimum wage of €920, plus €11,040 in savings held in a Portuguese bank.
Can I work for Spanish clients on the Spain digital nomad visa?
Yes, up to 20% of your total income can come from Spanish clients.
Does the Portugal D8 lead to citizenship?
The residency option does. The 1-year temporary stay option generally does not count towards permanent residence or citizenship.
Can freelancers apply for a digital nomad visa?
Yes. Both Spain and Portugal accept freelancers who show contracts with clients and steady income above the threshold.
Figures are those published for 2026 and change each year, usually in January. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Check with the relevant authority or ask an advisor before applying.
