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Head to head

Cape Verde vs Spain: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Cape Verde has the lower entry bar: €1,500 per month versus €2,442 for Spain.
  • Spain grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Only Spain offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Cape Verde — foreign income exempt; Spain — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Cape Verde Remote Working Program and the Spain DNV.
Criteria Cape Verde Remote Working Program Spain DNV
Minimum income / month €1,500 (better) €2,442
Income basis Savings accepted Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 6 months 3 years (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 1 year No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Yes
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Limited
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt (Remote Working Program tax exemption (foreign-source income)) Special tax regime (Régimen especial para trabajadores desplazados a territorio español (art. 93 LIRPF, 'Beckham regime') – optional)
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €20 (better) ≈ €73.26
Where to apply Online Embassy / consulate, In country, Online
Processing time 2 weeks 2–4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Cape Verde Remote Working Program →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Spain DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Sources