Digital nomad in Thailand or Spain? Compare visas, costs, and benefits
Dreaming of the life of a digital nomad means choosing the ideal destination for your journey. Among the most sought after options in 2025, Thailand and Spain stand out for offering specific visas for remote workers, but with very different conditions. Understanding the differences between these two paradises for digital nomads is critical to making the best decision considering your lifestyle, budget, and goals.
Visa processes: different paths for your digital journey
The visa process is the first step for those who want to start a life as a digital nomad, and both Thailand and Spain offer specific options for remote workers. O DTV Visa in Thailand for Digital Nomad (Destination Thailand Visa) is valid for an impressive 5 years and allows multiple entries, with the possibility of staying up to 180 days with each entry, renewable for an additional 180 days once a year. This provides exceptional flexibility, allowing you to plan long stays without the constant red tape of renovations.
On the other hand, Spain offers a digital nomad visa with an initial validity of 3 years, renewable for another 2 additional years. Although the total period is similar (5 years), the great advantage of the Spanish visa is that it allows continuous stays without the need for temporary departure from the country. This feature makes the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain more suitable for those seeking greater stability and who prefer to establish a permanent base, without having to plan periodic trips to maintain legal status in the country.
Financial proof: very different requirements
When it comes to financial requirements, the differences between the two countries are significant and could be decisive for your choice. Clearly understanding these requirements will help you properly plan your finances:
- Thailand: Requires proof of savings of 500,000 THB (approximately US$ 14,500) in a bank account. This is a fixed amount that doesn't increase even if you bring family.
- Spain: Requires proof of minimum monthly income of €2,763 (about R$ 15,000) for an individual. For families, this amount increases significantly — a couple with a child must prove around €4,143 per month (approximately R$ 22,500).
- Documentation: Thailand accepts simple bank statements showing the balance, while Spain requires proof of continuous income through remote work contracts or multi-month bank statements.
- Flexibility: In Thailand, you only need to prove savings at the time of applying for a visa, while in Spain proof of income must be kept throughout your stay.
Cost of living: save in Thailand, invest in Spanish quality
The cost of living is a crucial factor for digital nomads seeking to balance quality and economy. Thailand stands out as a paradise for those seeking to maximize their financial resources, with an average monthly cost of US$ 832 (approximately R$ 4,500). This amount allows you to live comfortably in cities such as Chiang Mai or even in tourist areas such as Phuket, including renting a modern apartment, quality food and regular leisure.
Spain, although more expensive, is still considered affordable in the European context, with an average monthly cost of US$ 1,402 (about R$ 7,600). The 29% difference in the cost of living may seem significant, but many digital nomads consider that the additional value is offset by first-world infrastructure, efficient public services, and proximity to other European countries. Cities like Valencia and Malaga offer the best balance between cost and quality, being cheaper alternatives when compared to Barcelona and Madrid.
Cultural Adaptation and Climate: Consider Your Lifestyle
The choice between Thailand and Spain also depends a lot on your cultural adaptability and climate preferences. Consider these important aspects for your quality of life:
- Bahasa: In Spain, the similarity between Portuguese and Spanish facilitates communication for Brazilians, while in Thailand the local language represents a significant challenge, with most interactions taking place in basic English in tourist areas.
- Clima: Thailand maintains temperatures between 25-35°C year-round, with a well-defined rainy season. Spain, on the other hand, offers all four seasons, with warm summers, pleasant springs and mild winters in the south (such as Malaga) or cooler in the north.
- Food: Thai cuisine, while delicious, can be very spicy and different from the Brazilian palate. Spanish, on the other hand, has similarities with the Brazilian Mediterranean, making it easier to adapt.
- Infrastructure: Spain offers efficient public transportation, high-quality health care, and great internet throughout the country. Thailand has excellent internet coverage in major cities and tourist areas, but the overall infrastructure is more limited.
- Nomadic community: Both countries have vibrant digital nomad communities, with Thailand offering consolidated hubs in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, while Spain has strong communities in Barcelona, Valencia, and the Canary Islands.
Possibility to bring a family: think about the long term
The decision to take a family as a digital nomad requires careful planning. Thailand has a significant advantage in financial requirements, as the fixed amount of 500,000 THB (US$ 14,500) does not increase regardless of the number of family members. In addition, spouses and children receive visas with the same privileges as the holder, allowing for long stays without additional bureaucratic complications.
Quality of education and health: priorities for families
When we consider life as a digital nomad with a family, aspects such as education and health gain even greater relevance. Consider these important differences:
- Education in Thailand: Quality international schools are available in major cities, with tuition fees between US$ 500-1,500. The traditional Thai education system has different standards than the Western one, making international schools the preferred option for expatriates.
- Education in Spain: The Spanish public system is of excellent quality and free, even for temporary residents with a digital nomad visa. International schools are also available starting at €500 monthly.
- Thai healthcare system: Private hospitals with international standards at affordable prices, but require private health insurance (approximately US$ 100-200 monthly per person).
- Spanish health system: Ranked among the 10 best in the world, the public system is accessible to residents with a digital nomad visa after red tape. Optional private insurance costs between €50-150 per month.
- Activities for kids: Spain offers extensive infrastructure of parks, libraries, and public recreational centers. Thailand compensates with abundant nature and year-round outdoor activities.
Best for those who...
Thailand is ideal for:
- Search for lower living costs and affordable financial requirements
- Prefers tropical climate all year round
- It values different and exotic cultural experiences
- Solo nomads or couples without children
- Work with a more limited budget
Spain is ideal for:
- Prioritizes infrastructure and service quality
- Do you prefer easier cultural adaptation for Brazilians
- Families with school-age children
- Do you want easy access to other European countries?
- Values long-term security and stability
Be Easy
A Be Easy is prepared to guide your journey as a digital nomad, whether in sunny Thailand or vibrant Spain. Our specialized team offers personalized advice to assess which destination best meets your needs, as well as full support with visa documentation and preparation for your new life. Get in touch today and discover how to turn your dream of international remote work into reality, with the tranquility and professionalism that only Be Easy provides.
