Which European country has the easiest digital nomad visa?

Among these three, Spain is often the most practical for remote employees thanks to in-country filing; it depends on your case.

Which digital nomad visa has the lowest income requirement in Europe?

Of Spain, Portugal and Italy, Spain's single-applicant bar is the lowest monthly figure. Other European countries have their own rules.

Is the Italy digital nomad visa better than Spain's?

Not generally easier: Italy requires highly qualified work, an accommodation contract and consulate filing.

Which is easier, Spain or Portugal?

Spain, for most applicants: lower income bar and in-country filing.

Spain vs Portugal vs Italy digital nomad visa: which is easiest?

Updated 2026-11-12 · Spain nomad visa guide · Not legal advice

Spain has the lowest monthly income bar of the three for a single applicant (about €2,849/month in 2026) and lets you apply from inside Spain; Portugal's D8 asks for 4x the Portuguese minimum wage (€3,680/month in 2026); Italy asks for roughly €28,000 a year plus highly qualified work. 'Easiest' depends on your income, job type and whether you want to file from inside the country.

Three Southern European nomad visas compared (check each official source before applying)
Item	Spain	Portugal (D8)	Italy
Income (single)	~€2,849/month	€3,680/month	~€28,000/year
Apply from inside the country	Yes (UGE)	Generally no: consulate	No: consulate
Initial permit	Visa 1 yr / permit up to 3 yrs	Temporary stay or residence visa	Visa then residence permit
Freelancers	Yes (Spanish clients ≤ 20%)	Yes	Yes, highly qualified work
Special tax regime	Beckham law option	Ask a tax advisor	Ask a tax advisor

Our take for most American remote workers

Steady salary from a US employer, no family: Spain is usually the simplest because of the UGE route and the lower threshold.
Income just under Spain's bar: Portugal's threshold is higher, so it rarely helps; look at the Spain income page first.
Want Italy specifically: plan for accommodation and appointment logistics; see Italy requirements.

Quick answers

Which European country has the easiest digital nomad visa?: Among these three, Spain is often the most practical for remote employees thanks to in-country filing; it depends on your case.
Which digital nomad visa has the lowest income requirement in Europe?: Of Spain, Portugal and Italy, Spain's single-applicant bar is the lowest monthly figure. Other European countries have their own rules.
Is the Italy digital nomad visa better than Spain's?: Not generally easier: Italy requires highly qualified work, an accommodation contract and consulate filing.
Which is easier, Spain or Portugal?: Spain, for most applicants: lower income bar and in-country filing.

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Sources

Checked: 2026-11-12. Rules change; confirm current values on the official pages above before you file.