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Head to head

Mexico vs Spain: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Spain has the lower entry bar: €2,442 per month versus €3,955 for Mexico.
  • Spain grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Mexico — standard resident taxation; Spain — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Mexico RT · Spain DNV
Criteria Mexico RT Spain DNV
Minimum income / month €3,955 €2,442 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 1 year 3 years (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 4 years No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence Yes Yes
Path to citizenship Via permanent residence Yes
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Limited 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 Not required Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required — Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €48.50 (better) ≈ €73.26
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Embassy / consulate, In country, Online
Processing time 0.2–2 weeks 2–4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Mexico RT →

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 Mexico → Insurance for Spain →

Sources