Spain vs Portugal Golden Visa: 9 Key Differences to Help You Decide

When it comes to securing residency in Europe through investment, two of the most popular programs are the Spain Golden Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa. Both offer non-EU nationals a gateway to residency and the benefits that come with it, such as access to the Schengen Zone, high-quality healthcare, and a favorable climate for retirees and investors alike. However, there are important distinctions between the two programs that could make one more appealing than the other depending on your personal and financial goals.

This article will explore the Spain vs Portugal Golden Visa in detail, highlighting 9 key differences that will help you make an informed decision on which country is the best fit for your residency-by-investment journey.

1. Minimum Investment Requirement

One of the biggest Spain vs Portugal Golden Visa differences is the minimum investment requirement.

• Spain Golden Visa: The most common path to a Spanish Golden Visa is through real estate investment, and Spain requires a minimum of €500,000 in property purchases.
• Portugal Golden Visa: Portugal offers several investment routes, but the minimum required for real estate is typically €500,000, similar to Spain. However, if you invest in a property located in a low-density area, the required minimum drops to €400,000.

Additionally, Portugal offers a lower threshold of €280,000 for purchasing real estate in rehabilitation zones (usually older properties that need renovation). This makes Portugal’s Golden Visa more flexible for those who want to spend less or are interested in redevelopment projects.

Key Takeaway:

While both countries have similar minimum investment thresholds, Portugal offers lower-cost options, particularly for those interested in rehabilitation or properties in lower-density areas.

2. Investment Options Beyond Real Estate

Both Spain and Portugal offer options beyond real estate for securing a Golden Visa, but the choices and flexibility differ.

• Spain Golden Visa: In addition to real estate, Spain allows applicants to invest €1 million in Spanish businesses or deposit €1 million into a Spanish bank account. Alternatively, an investment of €2 million in Spanish government bonds is also eligible.
• Portugal Golden Visa: Portugal offers a more diverse range of investment options. In addition to real estate, you can:
  • Transfer €1.5 million into a Portuguese bank account.
  • Invest €500,000 in Portuguese companies or venture capital funds.
  • Invest €500,000 in research and development projects.
  • Make a donation of €250,000 to support cultural or heritage preservation.

Key Takeaway:

Portugal provides more varied and lower-cost options compared to Spain, giving applicants a broader range of choices, including donations to cultural causes and business investments with lower thresholds.

3. Residency Requirements

Another significant distinction in the Spain vs Portugal Golden Visa comparison is the residency requirement.

• Spain Golden Visa: One of the most attractive features of Spain’s Golden Visa is the minimal residency requirement. Golden Visa holders only need to visit Spain once per year to maintain their residency permit. This makes it an ideal option for those who want to maintain residency without committing to living in the country for extended periods.
• Portugal Golden Visa: Portugal’s residency requirement is slightly more demanding. Applicants must spend a minimum of seven days per year in Portugal during the first year and 14 days every two years thereafter. While still relatively flexible, Portugal’s requirements are a bit stricter than Spain’s.

Key Takeaway:

If you’re looking for maximum flexibility and minimal time commitment, the Spain Golden Visa offers more lenient residency requirements. However, Portugal’s requirements are still manageable and won’t require a full-time move.

4. Path to Citizenship

For many investors, the ultimate goal of a Golden Visa is to eventually gain citizenship. The process for obtaining citizenship differs considerably in the Spain vs Portugal Golden Visa debate.

• Spain Golden Visa: To apply for Spanish citizenship, Golden Visa holders must first reside in Spain for ten years and must live in the country full-time to qualify for citizenship. Additionally, Spain does not allow dual citizenship in most cases, meaning you may need to renounce your original nationality.
• Portugal Golden Visa: Portugal has a much faster path to citizenship. After holding a Golden Visa for five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. During this time, you do not need to live in the country full-time—just meet the minimum stay requirements mentioned earlier. Portugal also allows dual citizenship, making it a more attractive option for those who want to retain their original nationality.

Key Takeaway:

Portugal offers a faster and more flexible path to citizenship compared to Spain, making it the better option if gaining EU citizenship is a top priority.

5. Tax Considerations

Taxation is an essential factor in deciding between the Spain vs Portugal Golden Visa, as both countries have different tax regimes that could significantly impact your financial planning.

• Spain Golden Visa: If you live in Spain for more than 183 days per year, you will be considered a tax resident and subject to Spain’s relatively high income tax rates. Spain also has a wealth tax, which applies to your global assets, making it less tax-friendly for high-net-worth individuals.
• Portugal Golden Visa: Portugal offers the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which provides significant tax benefits for Golden Visa holders. Under this regime, certain foreign income (such as pensions or dividends) can be taxed at a flat rate of 10% or exempt from taxation for the first 10 years. Additionally, Portugal does not have a wealth tax, making it more favorable for those looking to minimize their tax liabilities.

Key Takeaway:

Portugal’s tax regime is much more favorable for Golden Visa holders, offering exemptions and lower rates, while Spain’s tax system can be more burdensome, particularly for those with significant global assets.

6. Real Estate Market Dynamics

Both Spain and Portugal have attractive real estate markets, but they offer different dynamics for investors seeking to enter through a Golden Visa.

• Spain Golden Visa: Spain’s real estate market is robust and offers a wide range of options, from luxury properties in Madrid and Barcelona to affordable homes in coastal areas like Valencia or Alicante. The real estate market in Spain is generally larger and more diverse than in Portugal, providing ample opportunities for investment.
• Portugal Golden Visa: Portugal’s real estate market has experienced rapid growth in recent years, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto. However, Portugal recently implemented restrictions on real estate purchases for Golden Visas in metropolitan areas and coastal regions. This means you can no longer buy property in Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve for Golden Visa purposes, unless it qualifies as a rehabilitation project.

Key Takeaway:

Spain offers more flexibility in real estate investment options, while Portugal’s restrictions may limit opportunities in prime areas. However, Portugal still presents good investment opportunities in lower-density regions and rehabilitation zones.

7. Healthcare and Education Benefits

One of the perks of obtaining a Golden Visa in either country is access to their world-class healthcare and education systems.

• Spain Golden Visa: Spain has a highly regarded public healthcare system and an extensive network of private hospitals. Golden Visa holders and their families can access these healthcare services once they become residents. Spain also boasts top-tier international schools, particularly in major cities, making it a great choice for families with children.
• Portugal Golden Visa: Portugal also offers excellent public healthcare, and its private healthcare system is known for high-quality service at lower costs compared to other European countries. Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in the world, and it also has a selection of international schools, particularly in Lisbon and the Algarve.

Key Takeaway:

Both countries offer excellent healthcare and education options, so these aspects may not be the deciding factor. However, Spain may have an edge due to its larger international school network in major cities.

8. Processing Time for Applications

The Spain vs Portugal Golden Visa programs also differ when it comes to processing times for applications.

• Spain Golden Visa: The processing time for a Spanish Golden Visa is relatively quick, with most applicants receiving their residency permits within two to three months of submitting their application.
• Portugal Golden Visa: Portugal has faced longer processing times due to the overwhelming popularity of the program. It can take six to nine months to receive your residency permit, and the wait time has been increasing due to high demand.

Key Takeaway:

Spain has a faster application process, so if you’re looking to move quickly, the Spain Golden Visa may be a better option.

9. Family Eligibility

Both countries allow applicants to include their families in their Golden Visa application, but the eligibility criteria and requirements differ slightly.

• Spain Golden Visa: Spain allows you to include your spouse, children under 18, and dependent children over 18 who are studying or financially reliant on the main applicant. Parents of the main applicant can also be included if they are dependent.
• Portugal Golden Visa: Portugal offers similar terms but is generally more flexible when it comes to dependent children over 18 and parents. As long as you can prove financial dependency, you can include older children or elderly parents more easily than in Spain.

Key Takeaway:

Portugal offers slightly more flexibility when it comes to including family members in the Golden Visa application.

Conclusion: Spain vs Portugal Golden Visa — Which One Should You Choose?

In the Spain vs Portugal Golden Visa comparison, both countries offer attractive pathways to residency and eventual citizenship, but the choice between the two depends on your personal circumstances, financial goals, and long-term plans.

• If you’re looking for a faster path to citizenship, more flexible investment options, and tax advantages, Portugal may be the better choice.
• If you prefer a quick application process, minimal residency requirements, and more real estate opportunities, Spain could be the ideal option for you.

Ultimately, both programs offer incredible benefits, so whichever you choose, you’ll be securing a valuable opportunity to live, work, and travel freely in Europe

Tourist Visa for Spain: 8 Essential Tips for a Smooth Application

Immigration to Spain | Everything you need to know about traveling to Spain 2025