Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
We are torn between a D7 Portuguese visa or a Spain Non Lucrative visa. We have been told that the Portuguese visa is best for retired people and tax. Has anyone gone through the same dilemma and worked out which one we should go for?
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
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“You need to think about the two countries. Portugal is very small and has no high-speed rail. It’s overall much colder than Spain. The language is pretty difficult (and spoken in far fewer countries than Spanish). They are very different places. We’ve had friends choose Portugal and are happy. We chose Spain and are happy.”
“Go where you are excited to live, where assimilating into the culture seems perfect.”
“It really depends on which country you’d actually prefer to live in.”
Tax Considerations
“Not answering your question directly, but it really does come down to your personal circumstances and what assets you have. One suggestion would be to talk to a tax specialist in both countries and discuss your assets, then weigh up the options.
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“In 2024, Portugal took away some of the tax benefits to newcomers. You should read up on the current taxation rules and compare them to Spain’s before you decide.”
Legal and Bureaucratic Aspects
“With the D7, after five years, you can apply for Portuguese nationality and a passport, then you could come to Spain on your EU passport with no restrictions.”
“I think you need to pass the language test to get Portuguese citizenship.”
“They switched from SEF to AIMA to process visas. Just be aware Portugal estimates it will take five years to clear the backlog of visa applications when they transferred from the old contractor to a new one.”
“Portugal will also swap your driver’s license, while Spain wouldn’t.”
Practical Considerations
“Same situation here. Have visited both countries, and each has strengths. In my situation, Portugal has the slight tax advantage. Lots to consider if you have things like a 401K, crypto, or inheritance coming.
However, housing in Spain is a little cheaper. I think Spain is cleaner and, dare I say, happier. I prefer the food in Portugal, to be honest. Portuguese language, as others have mentioned, is a major hurdle, unless you’re in large cities like Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve. I have options with my U.S. government pension.”
“We had Ibero-American roots, so we were able to get Spanish citizenship in two years versus Portuguese citizenship in five years. That was the deciding factor for us.”
“Spanish is easier to learn than Portuguese.”
Conclusion
According to Spainguru’s Facebook group members, the decision between Spain Non Lucrative Visa (NLV) and Portugal D7 visa depends on personal circumstances, including assets, tax considerations, and lifestyle preferences.
While Spain offers warmer weather, better transport, and easier language learning, Portugal provides a faster path to EU citizenship through its D7 visa.
Seeking tax advice from specialists in both countries can help make an informed decision.
Consider factors such as housing, bureaucracy, and language challenges before choosing your ideal retirement destination.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the contributions and experiences of Spainguru community members and is not legal advice. Consider consulting a legal expert for personalized guidance.
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