Retire in Spain or Portugal? Compare Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa vs. Portugal's D7 Visa
- Felipe Jorquera
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
Many retirees dream of moving abroad, and the two most popular destinations in the world are Spain and Portugal. While these neighboring countries share many similarities, the retirement visas have different requirements and benefits. Before deciding whether to retire in Spain or Portugal, you'll first need to compare the crucial differences between Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) and Portugal’s D7 Passive Income Visa. Both programs are aimed at people with passive income who want to live in Europe without the need for a work contract or a large investment.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you choose the best option for your retirement abroad.
1. Purpose and Target Audience
Similarities
Both visas are designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with sufficient passive income to support themselves and their dependents.
Ideal for retirees, investors, and people with independent financial means who want to enjoy life in Spain or Portugal without a work permit.
Key Differences
Spain NLV: Strictly non-lucrative. You’re not allowed to work or run a business while holding this visa/residency permit.
Portugal D7 Visa: More flexible. You and your dependents may perform economic activities while under this visa/residency permit (but that income doesn’t count toward meeting the minimum passive income requirement).
2. Financial Requirements
Spain (NLV)
Minimum annual income: €2,400/month (€28,800/year for a single applicant),
Higher amounts apply for additional dependents.
Portugal (D7)
Minimum monthly income: €870/month (€10,440/year for a single applicant).
Higher amounts apply for additional dependents.
Savings are often expected to be held in a Portuguese bank account throughout the process.
Takeaway: Spain’s NLV requires a significantly higher income threshold than Portugal’s D7 Visa.
3. Source of Income
Spain (NLV)
Passive income (pensions, investments, rental income).
Savings only is accepted — you can qualify even without ongoing income.
Portugal (D7)
Passive income (pensions, investments, rental income).
Must show passive income plus savings. You cannot apply with savings alone.
Takeaway: NLV Spain lets you apply using only savings; Portugal’s D7 requires an actual source of passive income.
Need help applying? Our visa experts are here to help!
4. Validity and Path to Citizenship
Spain (NLV)
Initial residence permit: 1 year, renewable for two-year periods.
Permanent residency after 5 years (if requirements met).
Citizenship after 10 years (or 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries).
Portugal (D7)
Initial residence permit: 2 years, renewable for three-year periods.
Permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years (if requirements met).
Takeaway: Portugal offers a faster path to citizenship (5 years) compared to Spain’s standard 10 years (unless you’re from an Ibero-American country).
5. Housing / Accommodation Requirements
Spain NLV:
Generally (depending on the consulate) you’re not required to provide proof accommodation for the visa application.
Portugal D7 Visa:
You must provide proof of accommodation, typically a one-year lease, although other options exist.
6. Quick Comparison Table
Feature | Spain NLV | Portugal D7 Visa |
Work Allowed? | No | Yes |
Minimum Income (Single) | €28,800/year (€2,400/ month) | €10,440/year (€870/month) |
Source of Income | Passive or savings or mix | Passive + savings (not only savings) |
Initial Residency | 1 year (renewable 2-year periods) | 2 years (renewable 3-year periods) |
Permanent Residency | After 5 years | After 5 years |
Citizenship | After 10 years (2 for Ibero-American) | After 5 years |
Accommodation Proof | Generally not mandatory (Some consulates require) | Yes |
Final Thoughts: Retire in Spain or Portugal?
Both Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa and Portugal’s D7 Visa open the door to living in Southern Europe with no need for a work contract or large investment.
If your priority is a lower income requirement and a faster route to citizenship, the Portugal D7 Visa may be your best fit.
If you’re drawn to Spain’s lifestyle and can meet the higher financial requirements — or if you only have savings but no ongoing passive income — the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa offers a clear path to residency and eventual citizenship.
Either way, these visas involve detailed paperwork, financial proof, and careful preparation. Consulting with a qualified immigration professional will make the process smoother and increase your chances of success.
Need help applying? Our visa experts are here to help!
Learn more about your options!
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