🛂 Visa comparison
Spain vs Thailand digital nomad visa
Two of the nomad visas Americans compare most, side by side: what each asks for, how long it lasts, where it leads, and what life costs in each country.
The short version
- Thailand uses a savings test instead of a monthly income; Spain asks about $3,274 a month.
- Life is cheaper in Thailand: from $1,041 a month all-in in Chiang Mai, vs $1,712 in Seville.
- Lighter tax once resident in Thailand (friendly vs heavy).
Side by side
| Measure | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇹🇭 Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| 🛂 Visa | Digital Nomad Visa (Startup Act) | DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) |
| 💵 Income needed | €2,849/mo (200% SMI, 2026) | No income bar, 500,000 THB (~$14.5k) in savings held 3-6 months |
| ≈ In US dollars | $3,274/mo | savings test |
| 💳 Fees | ~€80 visa + permit fees | 10,000 THB (~$280); 1,900 THB per extension |
| ⏳ Length | 1 yr (consulate) or 3 yrs (in-country) | 5-year multiple entry; 180 days/entry + 180 extension (360/entry) |
| 🔁 Renewal | Yes, 2-yr renewals up to 5 yrs | Fresh 180 days every re-entry for 5 yrs |
| 🏠 Path to residency | PR at 5 yrs; citizenship at 10 (renounce-US rule applies, Ibero-American exceptions) | No, DTV is a long tourist visa, zero PR path |
| 🧾 Tax once resident | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide income, top 47% | 🟢 Friendly · Foreign income only if brought in, top 35% |
| 🗓️ Visa-free visit first | 90 days | 60 days |
| 💰 Cheapest city, all-in | $1,712 · Seville | $1,041 · Chiang Mai |
General reference, not immigration or tax advice. Income figures in US dollars are converted at current rates from each visa's own requirement; confirm with the consulate before applying.