TL;DR
In 2026 the main applicant must earn at least €2,849 gross per month (about US$3,170; €34,188 a year), which is 200% of Spain’s minimum wage. Add €1,068/month for the first family member and €356/month for each additional one. Some consulates still publish lower figures (€2,442 / €916 / €306) because they use a different calculation, so plan with the higher amount. No more than 20% of your work can be for Spanish clients or companies.
Figures checked on 30 October 2026. The dollar amount uses the ECB reference rate of 29 October 2026 (US$1.113 per euro); the requirement itself is set in euros.
Ready to apply? Our English-speaking lawyers handle your whole Digital Nomad Visa application, from Spain or from your consulate, 100% online. See our Digital Nomad Visa service.
How much income do you need in 2026?
The Digital Nomad Visa (officially, residence for international remote work) requires you to prove income equal to 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI). Each family member who comes with you raises the threshold.
| Who is applying | Monthly income (gross) | Annual income (gross) |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant only | €2,849 | €34,188 |
| Applicant + partner | €3,917 | €47,004 |
| Applicant + partner + 1 child | €4,273 | €51,276 |
| Applicant + partner + 2 children | €4,629 | €55,548 |
Rule of thumb: €2,849 for you, +€1,068 for the first family member (75% of the SMI) and +€356 for each additional member (25% of the SMI). For how to include your partner and children, see our guide on adding your partner to your application.
Why you see different figures online (€2,849, €2,442, €2,850…)
The 2026 minimum wage is €1,221 per month paid in 14 instalments (Royal Decree 126/2026). That is €17,094 a year, or about €1,424.50 per month if you spread it over 12 months.
- 12-month basis (the figure we use): 200% × €1,424.50 = €2,849/month. This is the amount that is consistent with an annual income of €34,188.
- 14-payment basis: 200% × €1,221 = €2,442/month (+€916 and +€306 for family members). Some consulates, such as Washington, publish these numbers.
Because the authority that decides can apply the stricter reading, we recommend showing at least €2,849 per month. If your income is close to the limit, get your case reviewed before applying.
What counts as income
- Gross income from remote work: salary from a non-Spanish employer, or invoices to clients if you are self-employed.
- Remote employees: you must have worked for the company for at least 3 months before applying, and the company must have been operating for at least 1 year. The employer must authorise you to work remotely from Spain.
- Freelancers: you must show a relationship of at least 3 months with your main clients, and no more than 20% of your professional activity can be for Spanish clients or companies.
- Savings and passive income are not accepted: the threshold must be met with income from your remote work, not with savings, rents or investments.
If your income comes from savings or pensions and you will not work, the Non-Lucrative Visa is usually the right route instead.
How to prove your income
- Employees: employment contract and a company certificate confirming your role, salary, length of employment and authorisation to work remotely from Spain; recent payslips.
- Self-employed: contracts with your main clients, invoices and proof of your business registration.
- Both: recent bank statements in which the deposits match the income you declare. See our guide on how to use bank statements to prove income.
Foreign documents usually need an apostille (or legalisation) and a sworn translation into Spanish.
NIM tip for 2026 applications: a salary written in a contract is not enough on its own. Your bank statements must show the same income actually arriving in your account, month after month. Gaps or mismatches between the contract, payslips and bank statements are a common reason for requests for more documents.
Applying from Spain or from a consulate
- From Spain (if you are here legally, e.g. as a tourist): the residence permit is processed by the Large Companies Unit (UGE). The legal deadline to decide is 20 business days. See can I apply from within Spain?
- From your home country: you apply for the visa at the Spanish consulate for your place of residence. Each consulate publishes its own checklist and may use the lower 14-payment figures.
We can handle either route for you: see our Digital Nomad Visa service.
Why applications are refused because of income
The most common income-related problems we see:
- Not reaching the minimum once family members are included.
- Incorrect apostilles or legalisations on the supporting documents.
- Poorly drafted employment contracts (for example, no clear remote-work clause or salary that does not match payslips).
If your application has already been delayed or refused, read delays and rejections: how to fix them.
Other requirements (summary)
Besides income you need a university degree or at least 3 years of professional experience in your field, a clean criminal record, private health insurance valid in Spain, and, if applying at a consulate, the visa fee. The full checklist is on our Digital Nomad Visa service page, with country guides for US, UK, Canadian and Australian applicants. Bringing your family? See DNV for family members. For taxes, see Digital Nomad Visa and tax in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum income for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa in 2026?
€2,849 gross per month (€34,188 a year) for the main applicant, which is 200% of the 2026 minimum wage calculated over 12 months.
How much more do I need for my partner and children?
€1,068 per month for the first family member and €356 per month for each additional one. A couple with two children needs about €4,629 per month.
Is the requirement gross or net income?
Gross income, before taxes and social security contributions.
Why does my consulate show €2,442 instead of €2,849?
Some consulates divide the annual minimum wage into 14 payments instead of 12. To be safe, plan to show €2,849 per month.
Can I use savings to meet the income requirement?
No. The Digital Nomad Visa requires income from remote work. If you plan to live on savings or passive income without working, look at the Non-Lucrative Visa instead.
Can I work for Spanish clients?
Yes, but Spanish clients or companies cannot exceed 20% of your total professional activity.
How long must I have worked with my employer or clients?
At least 3 months before applying, and the employer company must have been operating for at least 1 year.
How long does the decision take?
If you apply from Spain, the legal deadline is 20 business days. At a consulate, timing depends on each consulate.
Get help with your application
If you are not sure your income or documents meet the requirements, our English-speaking lawyers can check them and handle your whole application, from Spain or from your consulate. See our Digital Nomad Visa service.
Sources: Law 14/2013 (articles 74 bis and following, international remote work); Royal Decree 126/2026 (2026 minimum wage); information published by Spanish consulates. Last updated: October 2026. Reviewed by Irene Martí Gispert, lawyer, October 2026.
