Applying to Spain as a Portuguese D7 holder

@Perpetual_traveler

Spain doesn't care what other visas/residences you have. :-) So if you want an NLV, you can probably have one. (I think the income/savings amount is significantly higher for the NLV vs D7, but I doubt it's an issue for wealthy Americans.) And as you're a legal resident in Portugal I'd guess they're perfectly happy if you apply at the Spanish Embassy there.

I think the D7 probably has some tax advantages... and applying for an NLV (even without an attorney) will cost you a grand or two (for proof of address, proof of health insurance).

With all due respect to both, I don't think there's much to choose between them... they're both hot Mediterranean countries with nice beaches, good food, plenty of sunshine, and lots of expats. :-)

If you want to abandon Portugal, and swap for Spain, then you will need your NLV. But if you want to keep Portugal and your D7, then you might be happy using your 90 (in 180) visa-free allowance in Spain (and/or other Schengen countries). You should also bear in mind that the EU has a 5 year threshold for permanent residence, and this is an important milestone. If you've had your D7 for a couple of months, no big deal... but if you've been there for 2 or 3 years already, you might want to hold on and grab this before you abandon Portugal completely.

@gwynj

Thanks for taking the time to reply and the detailed answer!

Ok, it's pretty much as i thought from my own research. Just a caution though... It's probably a mistake to assume all Americans on these visas are wealthy 😀. For the Golden Visa programs, yes, much more likely, but D7 and NLV there are many average income people applying because the thresholds are not great (yes, i know the passive income requirement of NLV is muuuuch higher, but that is offset to a large extent by being able to apply based on a bank balance, with zero passive income, unlike the D7 needing passive income absolutely).

D7 definitely has huge tax advantage for existing holders. New applicants will have no advantage at all.

Your point regarding time spent already towards permanent residence is an excellent one.

I can see that the translations, authentications and proofs needed for NLV are definitely costly and a hassle. D7 requires no translations and no apostille.

All good food for thought. I am very happy in Portugal, but i really enjoy Spain as well. My feeling is that very few people change in mid stream 😂.

Regards!

@Perpetual_traveler

That was my little joke about all us foreigners thinking you (and all your compatriots) are rich gringos. :-)

I like both places too, they're great!

You can definitely hop over the border and spend time in Spain, no problem at all. If you want to stay more than 90 days the NLV comes in.

You can even buy a Spanish property if you want, there's no requirement to be a resident (just need your NIE, which isn't difficult to get).

Probably a lot depends on your property situation. If you've already purchased (or rented) a nice place in Portugal, then it might be a hassle to move.

DM'd reply. Rgds!

@gwynj can you provide a link where can I read about D7? Maybe, you have a contact of a person who can help?

Thanks

@Wacdis Software

I looking to you

@Wacdis Software

There's loads of info around on the D7, it's a very popular residence option for anyone with passive income (rents, pensions, dividends, etc.)

https://www.d7visa.com/portugal-d7-visa/

There's also a new Digital Nomad visa

https://www.d7visa.com/digital-nomad-visa-portugal/

@Perpetual_traveler No but applied to Spain from France for a NLV. Visa about 600€ Took about 3 months if you are English nationality. You have to have police check. Prove you have funds. An address , private health care, that was a eye opener shop around,huge differences I was quoted by AXA 3000€ for a year, ended up paying about 65€ a month for Spanish company health care.but that was 3 times as much as French assurance. Deal direct with the Portuguese consulate not the Embassy. They don't charge for advice. I did try the immigration lawyer route. Lawyer in Alicante wanted about 1000€ up front before even seeing my case, so continued with consulate. Had to go to Paris in person as I was living in France,the visa application in the morning and collected my passport with visa attached in the afternoon. Good luck

@compel thanks so much for replying and providing this information! While it may be from France it is in effect exactly what i was asking about.

This is extremely useful and provides a blueprint if i decide to go that route.

Wrestling over giving up NHR, free medical coverage, citizenship in only 5 years, and unrestricted right to work (in Portugal) though.