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Head to head

Philippines vs Spain: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Spain grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Only Spain offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Philippines — territorial taxation; Spain — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Philippines DNV and the Spain DNV.
Criteria Philippines DNV Spain DNV
Minimum income / month No fixed threshold €2,442
Income basis Savings accepted Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 1 year 3 years (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Yes
Family inclusion No Yes (better)
Working for local clients Not allowed Limited
Tax treatment Territorial taxation 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 — ≈ €73.26
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, Online Embassy / consulate, In country, Online
Processing time — 2–4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Philippines DNV →

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 Philippines → Insurance for Spain →

Sources