Spain vs Portugal for expats

Moderate — The difficulty of relocating to Spain hinges on your nationality: EU/EEA citizens enjoy a straightforward registration process, while non-EU nationals face a more involved visa application, with options like work, student, non-lucrative, or golden visas. Housing typically requires a one-month security deposit (fianza) plus an additional one to two months' guarantee, and you may need temporary accommodation upon arrival. Official consular sources should be consulted for current visa requirements.

Moderate — Visa requirements depend heavily on nationality: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can move freely and simply register after three months, while non-EU nationals must navigate a visa and residence permit process (e.g., work, D7 passive income, or investor visas). Housing involves a standard rental contract, a security deposit of one to two months’ rent, and the first month’s rent upfront. Overall, the process is manageable but requires careful planning, especially for non-EU movers.