Spain Residency Permits

Portugal Residency Permits

Spain Residency Permits

1. The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV): The Retiree’s Choice

Who Is It For?

Retirees receiving a pension.
Individuals taking a sabbatical or career break.
High-net-worth individuals who live off passive income (dividends, interest, rent).

You can not work

Financial Requirements

Main Applicant:
- Annual Total: €28,800.
First Family Member (Spouse): Add
- Annual Total: +€7,200.
Additional Children: Each adds
- Annual Total: +€7,200 each.

How to prove it

You must provide bank statements from the last 6 to 12 months. The consulate looks for liquidity and stability. A sudden deposit of €30,000 two days before your appointment will look suspicious (a practice known as “parking funds”) and may lead to rejection. They want to see that this is your normal financial reality.

2. The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

Who Is It For?

Remote employees of foreign companies.
Self-employed freelancers with clients outside of Spain.

Key Eligibility Rules

Remote Capable: You must prove your job can be done 100% remotely.
Company Age: The company you work for must have existed for at least 1 year.
Relationship Duration: You must have had a relationship (contract) with that company for at least 3 months prior to applying.
Estimated 2026 Requirement: Approximately €3,024 per month
Professional Qualifications: You need either a university degree/professional certificate from a recognized school OR 3 years of documented experience in your field.

Employee vs. Freelancer

Employees: Your foreign company must provide a letter authorizing your remote work from Spain. They must also prove they are compliant with Social Security (often requiring a certificate of coverage from your home country, which can be difficult for US/UK citizens due to lack of specific bilateral agreements for this visa class).
Freelancers: You can work for multiple clients. The rule is that at least 80% of your income must come from outside Spain. You are allowed to invoice Spanish companies for the remaining 20%.

Portugal Residency Permits

Work Residence Permit (Employment Visa D1/D2). For foreigners who have a job in Portugal or a work contract lined up. This includes highly skilled workers, general employment, or entrepreneurs starting a business. You typically need an approved job offer or proof of business activity. A special sub-category is the EU Blue Card (for highly skilled professionals with a high salary); it grants residency and also easier mobility in the EU. Work permits usually require a work visa first, then a residence permit that may be initially valid for 2 years and renewable.

Retirement or Passive Income (D7 Visa) Residence Permit. Nicknamed the “Passive Income Visa” or “Retiree Visa,” the D7 is for those who have their own independent income (like pensions, rentals, investments) and wish to live in Portugal without working. You must show a stable passive income above a certain threshold (11,040 Euro per month, plus extra per family member) to prove you can support yourself. Many retirees or digital nomads have used the D7 visa. It leads to a residence permit that is often issued for 2 years initially and then renewed for 3 years, or sometimes 1+2 year renewals, eventually totaling 5 years to eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship. Benefits: D7 holders can access Portugal’s public services like healthcare and enjoy visa-free travel in Schengen, just like other residents.

Digital Nomad Residence Permit (Remote Worker Visa D8). Introduced in October 2022, this is a new category for remote workers and freelancers. If you work remotely (for an employer abroad or for yourself online), you can apply for this visa by proving a high monthly income (about four times the minimum wage, roughly €3,040 net per month, now updated to around €3,480 in 2024). There are two formats: a 1-year temporary stay visa (which can be extended) or a standard residence permit renewable up to 5 years. This visa has become popular for digital nomads who want to enjoy Portugal’s lifestyle while working remotely. After 5 years, holders can also seek permanent residence or citizenship, similar to other permits.