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Head to head

Kenya vs Spain: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Kenya has the lower entry bar: €1,850 per month versus €2,442 for Spain.
  • Spain grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 24), and it is renewable.
  • Only Spain offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Kenya — standard resident taxation; Spain — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Kenya Class N Permit and the Spain DNV.
Criteria Kenya Class N Permit Spain DNV
Minimum income / month €1,850 (better) €2,442
Income basis Salary / employment contract Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 2 years 3 years (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence Indirect (switch required) Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Yes
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Limited
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Special tax regime (Régimen especial para trabajadores desplazados a territorio español (art. 93 LIRPF, 'Beckham regime') – optional)
Health insurance Required in practice Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €185 ≈ €73.26 (better)
Where to apply Online, In country Embassy / consulate, In country, Online
Processing time — 2–4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Kenya Class N Permit →

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.

Insurance for Kenya → Insurance for Spain →

Sources