For high-net-worth individuals and families across the world, building a life in Spain or Portugal is no longer just a dream — it’s a strategic decision.

Whether driven by lifestyle, legacy, global mobility, or the desire for a more meaningful pace of life, the search for a European base has grown. But with that search comes complexity: navigating foreign real estate markets, understanding legal and tax implications, and — perhaps most critically — trusting the right people to guide the way.

At Beyond, we’ve met countless global families who came to us after feeling overwhelmed or misled by fragmented local advice. That’s why we created a discreet, client-first model: one that replaces uncertainty with clarity and protects your interests at every step — from property discovery to legal residency.

If you’re considering a base in Spain or Portugal, this article outlines what truly matters — and what most buyers overlook.

🌍 Why Spain and Portugal Are Attracting Global Individuals and Families

Whether you’re seeking cultural depth, safety, asset protection, or EU access, Spain and Portugal offer a unique combination:

• Strong legal systems and residency frameworks
• Beautiful climate and geographic accessibility
• Political and economic stability
• Globally ranked healthcare and education
• Access to Schengen travel
• Favorable property prices and tax options
• A slower, more intentional pace of life

¨For many global citizens, this isn’t just a move — it’s a recalibration of what a good life feels like.¨

💼 Smart Luxury: What It Really Costs to Live Well Across the US, UK, Canada, and Southern Europe

For global individuals designing a life of freedom and purpose, lifestyle is about more than prestige — it’s about efficiency, privacy, and long-term value.

That’s why Spain and Portugal are seen as smart luxury: the same standards, at a lower financial footprint.

Lifestyle Category	🇺🇸 USA	🇨🇦 Canada	🇬🇧 UK	🇪🇸 Spain	🇵🇹 Portugal
Luxury 3–4BR Property (owned)	$3.5M+	$2.2M+	$3M–$5M	$900K–$1.5M	$750K–$1.3M
Full-Time Private Staff (monthly)	$6,000	$5,000	$4,500–$6,000	$2,500–$3,500	$2,000–$3,000
Top International School (annual/child)	$45,000	$35,000	$30,000–$50,000	$18,000–$25,000	$16,000–$22,000
Fine Dining (tasting menu for 2 w/ wine)	$600	$500	$400–$600	$250–$350	$200–$300
Premium Health Insurance (annual)	$12,000	$10,000	$8,000–$12,000	$4,000–$6,000	$3,000–$5,000
Private Medical Check-Up (Full)	$4,000	$3,500	$3,000–$4,500	$800–$1,200	$700–$1,000

Sources: Knight Frank, Bupa Global, Forbes Global Properties, International Schools Database (2024)

Compared to the US, Canada, or the UK, establishing a base in Spain or Portugal offers a lifestyle of equal or greater sophistication — at a fraction of the cost.

This isn’t just a lifestyle shift. It’s a smarter way to live well, protect capital, and expand legacy — without sacrificing comfort, access, or discretion.

Bottom line: You get the same — or better — quality of life, at up to 50–70% lower cost.

🛂 Pathways to Residency in Spain and Portugal: What High-Net-Worth Individuals Need to Know

For global individuals and families looking to set up a legal base in Europe, both Spain and Portugal offer attractive, well-structured residency options — including investor visas, passive income visas, and relocation pathways aligned with tax planning.

Here are the most relevant visa types for high-net-worth clients:

🇪🇸 Spain Residency Options

1. Spain Golden Visa

Still allows real estate investment starting at €500,000 — making it a key entry point.

Other qualifying options include:

• Investment in Spanish companies
• Government bonds
• Bank deposits

✅ Fast-track residency, family included

✅ No minimum stay requirement for residency retention

2. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

Perfect for retirees or individuals not seeking local employment.

Requires proof of income (~€30,000+/year for main applicant).

Renewable, and leads to permanent residency with time.

🇵🇹 Portugal Residency Options

1. Portugal Golden Visa (ARI)

One of Europe’s most popular residency-by-investment programs.

Although real estate investment is now limited, eligible pathways still include:

• Venture capital/private equity funds (€500,000+)
• Donations to cultural heritage or research
• Job creation and business incorporation

✅ Minimum stay: 7 days/year

✅ Leads to permanent residency and EU citizenship

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2. D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)

Ideal for retirees or individuals with passive income (dividends, rents, pensions).

Requires proof of stable income (~€9,800/year for the main applicant + family add-ons).

✅ Low cost and high flexibility

✅ Path to permanent residency and citizenship

🧭 Which Path Is Right for You?

Choosing the ideal residency path depends on:

• Your income structure (active, passive, remote)
• Tax residency goals
• Family composition
• Long-term plans for citizenship, asset protection, and mobility

At Beyond, we work hand-in-hand with Europe’s most trusted legal partners to design your pathway with clarity, compliance, and confidence.

✅ Residency does not mean tax residency — unless you stay 183+ days/year or shift your economic center.

💼 Global Life, Local Clarity: What HNW Clients Need to Know About Taxes in Spain and Portugal

For high-net-worth individuals, acquiring a residence or property in Europe often triggers one critical question:

“Will I be taxed?”

The short answer: Not necessarily.

Both Spain and Portugal offer well-established legal frameworks that allow global citizens to acquire property, gain residency, and enjoy European access — without automatically becoming tax residents.

Here’s how it works:

⚖️ Residency ≠ Tax Residency

Owning property or holding a residence permit does not mean you are automatically a tax resident.

In both Spain and Portugal, you are generally considered a tax resident only if you meet at least one of these criteria:

• Spend more than 183 days per year in the country; or
• Have your primary economic center or family base located there.

✅ So, if you spend time across multiple countries or maintain your core business and assets abroad, you can hold European residency while remaining a non-tax resident — with proper planning.

🇵🇹 Portugal: The NHR Advantage

Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime (phasing out for new applications in 2025*) has historically offered:

• Flat 20% income tax on Portuguese-sourced income
• 0% tax on most foreign income (pensions, dividends, capital gains, etc.)
• 10-year duration with possible extensions for qualifying professionals or retirees

👉 Even post-NHR, new expat regimes are expected to maintain Portugal’s competitive fiscal appeal — especially for HNW individuals investing or relocating.

🇪🇸 Spain: Tax Protection Through Structure

While Spain doesn’t have an NHR-like regime, proper structuring allows HNW individuals to:

• Hold property via non-resident entities
• Avoid local income tax if they reside fewer than 183 days/year
• Apply for “Beckham Law” tax regime, in specific employment-transfer cases (flat 24% on Spanish income for 6 years)

Also:

✅ Spain offers treaties to avoid double taxation, and

✅ No wealth tax on non-residents for non-Spanish assets

🛡️ How We Help: Tax Strategy

At Beyond, we’re not tax advisors — but we work with Europe’s most trusted legal and fiduciary partners to ensure every client:

• Structures their acquisition correctly
• Avoids unwanted tax exposure
• Remains compliant across jurisdictions
• Protects global assets and mobility

In the global world, peace of mind isn’t about hiding wealth — it’s about structuring it with precision.

🤝 The Beyond Difference

We’re not brokers. We’re discreet advisors acting 100% in your interest — curating properties, navigating legal landscapes, and aligning every step of your move with the life you want to lead.

You receive:

• Weekly curated dossiers with insight, not just listings
• Full alignment with legal, tax, and banking partners
• Support from kickoff to contract signing (and beyond)

⚠️ When Buying a Home, What Most Buyers Get Wrong — and How We Help You Avoid It

Relocating or acquiring property in a new country isn’t just about transactions — it’s about trust, timing, and nuance.

Even experienced buyers fall into traps like:

❌ Assuming local agents have your best interests at heart

Many agents in Spain and Portugal are aligned with sellers — not buyers. This misalignment often leads to overpaying, poor property fit, or rushed decisions.

❌ Underestimating legal and tax complexity

From structuring ownership to qualifying for residency, local systems can be intricate. Poor advice can lead to unexpected tax exposure or complications down the road.

❌ Believing public listings show the best options

The most desirable properties — especially those fitting international expectations — rarely reach public portals. Access requires relationships, discretion, and timing.

❌ Expecting standard service to match elevated needs

High-net-worth clients need more than listings — they need context, protection, and curation. And they need someone who understands the full picture: not just the house, but the life.

✨ Redesigning Life Starts with a Conversation

The right home is never defined by square meters alone.

It’s defined by what it enables — purpose, structure, and the freedom to live on your terms.

If you’re considering building a base in the Iberian Peninsula, let’s begin with a private, personal conversation — grounded in trust and designed around your future.

Schedule a 15 min call with us

Because when the move matters, so does how you make it.