Travel topic · Money
Moving to Spain or Portugal: visas and best towns
Apply for a residence visa (Spain type D or Portugal D7) if you plan to stay more than 90 days; check the exact fee and processing time on the official consulate website, then consider Valencia or Porto as affordable bases with good transport links.
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Clear answers on who can move, which visa to apply for, cost and processing time, plus top towns for expats in Spain and Portugal. Updated for 2026.
Key facts
- Non‑EU residence visa fee
- €80–€120 (check)
- Processing time
- 2–4 months (check)
- Minimum stay to keep visa
- ≥ 183 days per year (check)
- Portugal D7 income requirement
- €7 200 annual net (check)
- Spain non‑EU residence requirement
- Proof of income ≥ €2 300/month (check)
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Visa options for non‑EU citizens
Spain offers a non‑EU long‑stay residence visa (type D) that can be converted to a residence permit after arrival. It generally requires proof of sufficient income, health insurance and a clean criminal record, but exact thresholds depend on the consulate and purpose of stay.
Portugal offers several residence visas; the D7 (Passive Income) visa is popular with retirees and remote workers. Applicants must show regular income above the minimum threshold, have private health insurance and meet other criteria that vary by consulate.
| Country | Visa name | Main requirement | Typical fee | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | Residence visa (type D) | Income proof (threshold varies) | €80–€120 (check) | 2–4 months (check) |
| Portugal | D7 (Passive Income) | Income proof (threshold varies) | €90–€110 (check) | 2–4 months (check) |
Fees and processing times are 2026 estimates; exact amounts depend on the consulate.
Do
- Start the application at the consulate of the country where you will first reside; you cannot apply from a third country.
- Gather translated, notarised documents (bank statements, employment contracts, pension slips) before the appointment.
Step‑by‑step application process
1. Check eligibility on the official consulate website (Spain: https://www.exteriores.gob.es, Portugal: https://www.sef.pt or the relevant Portuguese consulate site).
2. Book an appointment and pay the visa fee (receipt required).
3. Submit the application with original documents, translations and a recent photo.
4. Attend the interview; answer questions about your stay purpose and finances.
5. Wait for the decision; once approved, you receive a visa sticker valid for 90 days to enter the country.
6. After arrival, apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office (Spain) or the Portuguese immigration service (SEF) within the timeframe specified by the consulate.
Do
- Bring a copy of your travel itinerary; authorities may ask for proof of accommodation for the first month.
- If you have a partner who is an EU citizen, you may qualify for a family reunification visa, which has lower income thresholds.
Watch out
- Do not travel on a tourist visa if you intend to work; it is illegal and can lead to fines or deportation.
Show 3 sectionsHideBest towns for expats in Spain and Portugal, Questions people ask, Related
Best towns for expats in Spain and Portugal
Spain: Valencia has a large international community, good public transport and lower rent than Madrid or Barcelona. Average one‑bedroom rent in the city centre is around €800/month (2026 estimate, check).
Portugal: Porto combines historic charm with a growing tech scene. One‑bedroom city‑centre rent averages about €750/month (2026 estimate, check). Both cities have airports with cheap connections to the rest of Europe.
| Country | Town | Avg rent 1‑br (city centre) | Key appeal | Approx. lat/lon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | Valencia | €800 (check) | Large expat community, sea, universities | 39.4699, -0.3763 |
| Spain | Nerja | €650 (check) | Beach town, retirees, low traffic | 36.7495, -3.8775 |
| Portugal | Porto | €750 (check) | Tech hub, historic centre, riverfront | 41.1496, -8.6109 |
| Portugal | Cascais | €700 (check) | Coastal, near Lisbon, expat friendly | 38.6970, -9.4215 |
Rent figures are 2026 estimates from local listings; check current market before signing.
Do
- Consider smaller coastal towns like Nerja (Spain) or Cascais (Portugal) if you prefer a slower pace; rent can be €600–€700/month (check) but public transport is less frequent.
Questions people ask
Moving to Spain or Portugal: what is the short answer?
Apply for a non‑EU residence visa (Spain D or Portugal D7), budget €80–€120, allow 2–4 months for approval, and settle first in an affordable city like Valencia or Porto.
Who does it apply to?
Non‑EU nationals who plan to stay longer than 90 days, have proof of sufficient income or remote‑work earnings, and meet health‑insurance and clean‑record requirements.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees range €80–€120; processing typically 2–4 months. After entry, you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days.
Can I work on a tourist visa while waiting for the residence permit?
No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal in both Spain and Portugal and can result in fines or deportation.
What income level is needed for Portugal’s D7 visa?
At least €7 200 net annual income (about €600 per month) from pensions, rentals, remote work or other passive sources.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check and were last checked Sep 2026
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialU.S. Department of State – Spain visa information
- officialU.S. Department of State – Portugal visa information
- officialPortuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF)
- officialSpanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – consular services
- secondaryNumbeo – Cost of living in Valencia 2026
- secondaryNumbeo – Cost of living in Porto 2026
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