For high-net-worth individuals and remote professionals seeking both immediate access to Europe and a long-term path to citizenship, combining two strategic visa routes—the Spain Digital Nomad Visa (SDNV) and the Portugal Golden Visa (PGV)—offers the best of both worlds.
This article explains why applying for both programs in parallel is the smartest move in 2025, especially for families and entrepreneurs. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa gives you fast legal entry into the EU, while the Portugal Golden Visa puts you on a five-year path to EU citizenship—with no obligation to live there full time.
Why This Combination Works
The key lies in understanding the strengths of each program and how they fill each other’s gaps:
- Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa gives you residency in around 20 working days, with legal Schengen access and the ability to live in Spain.
- Portugal’s Golden Visa takes 12–16 months to process but grants the right to apply for Portuguese (and EU) citizenship in just 5 years, without requiring full-time residence.
In short: Spain = speed. Portugal = citizenship. Together = complete EU strategy.
Part 1: Spain Digital Nomad Visa – Your Fast Entry to Europe
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is tailored to non-EU professionals who work remotely for companies outside Spain. It gives you legal residency and Schengen travel rights quickly—perfect for moving your family to Europe while your long-term plans (like PGV) are in motion.
Key Requirements (2025):
- Remote income: Minimum €2,600/month for the primary applicant.
- Dependents: Add €3,000/month per dependent.
- Savings: Minimum of €9,840 in your bank account.
- Employer: Must be foreign (non-Spanish) and operating for at least 1 year.
- Contract: Valid 12-month employment contract or long-term freelance proof.
- Health Insurance: Full coverage policy required.
- Background Check: Clean criminal record from the last 5 years.
Applications are reviewed within 20 working days, making this one of the fastest legal pathways into the European Union.
Benefits:
- 3-year residence permit, renewable for 2 more.
- Schengen access: Travel freely within all 27 member states.
- Tax benefits: 15% income tax on foreign earnings for 4 years.
- Family inclusion: Spouse and dependent children eligible.
- Total estimated starting budget: approximately €15,500+.
Part 2: Portugal Golden Visa – Your Citizenship Track
The Portugal Golden Visa is an EU residency-by-investment program offering one of the most direct paths to citizenship in 5 years, with minimal stay requirements and strong family benefits.
Key Investment Options (2025):
- €200,000 donation to a cultural heritage fund (if located in a low-density region).
- €250,000 donation to cultural/artistic preservation in higher-density regions.
- €500,000 investment in approved Portuguese investment funds (regulated by the CMVM).
Program Highlights:
- Processing time: 12–16 months.
- Minimal stay requirement: 14 days every 2 years.
- Citizenship eligibility after 5 years.
- Visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone.
- Family inclusion: Spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents.
Important: As of the latest regulations, real estate investment is no longer eligible for Portugal’s Golden Visa.
How to Combine the Two Programs
Phase 1: Apply for Spain Digital Nomad Visa First
Get fast legal residency in the EU. Move your family, open local accounts, and settle into life in Spain.
Phase 2: Begin Portugal Golden Visa Application
While living in Spain, submit your PGV investment (fund or donation) and prepare your documents. Travel to Portugal for biometrics as needed.
Phase 3: Continue Living in Spain During PGV Processing
You are legally residing in the EU and traveling throughout the Schengen Zone, while your Portuguese application is underway.
Phase 4: Maintain Portugal’s Stay Requirement
Once approved, meet Portugal’s stay rule: only 14 days every 2 years. The rest of the time, remain in Spain if you wish.
Phase 5: Apply for Citizenship
After 5 years as a Portugal Golden Visa holder, you’re eligible to apply for citizenship. Once granted, you become an EU citizen.
Case Study: Real Family Strategy
Ana and Miguel, a couple from Argentina, decide to relocate to Europe. Ana is a UX designer working remotely for a US company earning €3,200/month. Miguel wants to invest €500,000 into Europe for long-term family stability.
- Ana applies for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa and moves the family to Barcelona within 2 months.
- Miguel submits a €200,000 donation to a Portuguese cultural fund.
- They spend a couple of weeks in Portugal every other year to meet the stay requirement.
- After 5 years, they apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Result: The family is in the EU within 8 weeks and becomes EU citizens within 5 years.
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | Spain Digital Nomad Visa | Portugal Golden Visa |
| Who it’s for | Remote workers with foreign employers | Investors outside EU |
| Processing Time | ~20 working days | 12–16 months |
| Monthly Income Requirement | €2,600 (plus €900 per dependent) | None (investment-based) |
| Investment Requirement | None | €200,000+ (donation or fund) |
| Residency Duration | 3 years (renewable for 2 more) | 2 years (renewable every 2 years) |
| Path to Citizenship | 10 years residency required | 5 years (only 14 days every 2 years needed) |
| Tax Incentives | 15% on foreign income for 4 years | Favorable for fund-based investors |
| Schengen Access | Yes | Yes |
| Family Members Included | Yes | Yes |
| Physical Stay Requirement | Must reside 183+ days/year | Only 7 days/year on average |
| Best For | Fast relocation, digital professionals | Long-term residency and citizenship |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for both at once?
Yes. Many applicants do so. Spain gets you in quickly, while Portugal sets you up for EU citizenship.
Can I live in Spain while Portugal processes my Golden Visa?
Yes. As long as you maintain legal residence in Spain and meet Portugal’s 14-day stay rule, you can live in Spain during the entire Golden Visa process.
Do I need to learn Portuguese?
Yes. To apply for citizenship in Portugal, you’ll need to pass the A2-level language test (basic conversational proficiency).
What happens after I get Portuguese citizenship?
You can live and work anywhere in the EU, including Spain. You’re no longer bound by any visa rules.
Conclusion: Your Fastest, Smartest Path to the EU
Combining the Spain Digital Nomad Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa gives you the best of both:
- Immediate legal residency and mobility in the EU
- Minimal investment to get started
- Long-term plan for citizenship through Portugal
With rising visa restrictions and geopolitical shifts, this two-track strategy delivers freedom, flexibility, and future-proof residency for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and global families.
