Both Iberian neighbours run dedicated digital nomad visas. The differences are real.
The income bar
Spain asks for roughly 2,800 euros a month of remote income. Portugal’s D8 asks for about four times its minimum wage, a broadly similar level. Neither is hard for an established remote professional; both rise with dependants.
Where each wins
Portugal wins on English levels, a smaller-country simplicity, and islands like Madeira with a purpose-built remote-work scene. Spain wins on city depth (Valencia, Malaga, Barcelona), healthcare capacity and sheer choice of climates and coasts.
Cost of living and housing
Lisbon now prices like a Western European capital; Porto follows. Spain’s secondary cities (Valencia, Alicante, Sevilla) still undercut both for urban quality of life. Housing pressure is political in both countries; budget realistically for the first rental.
Taxes, in one line each
Spain offers some newcomers a flat-rate regime under conditions; Portugal replaced its old NHR with a narrower scheme. Both need a professional opinion for your specific case before you move, not after.
The honest answer: pick the country whose daily life you want, then make the visa work. Both work.