Understanding Spain’s Income Requirements for Digital Nomads
Spain has raised the minimum monthly income threshold for digital nomad visa applicants to €2,849 for individuals and €3,918 for those with one dependent. The update also introduces stricter scrutiny for business owners and tighter deadlines for social security registration after approval.
Understanding Spain’s Income Requirements for Digital Nomads
Spain has updated the financial thresholds for its popular Digital Nomad Visa, reflecting the recent increase in the national minimum wage. Because the visa's income requirements are tied directly to the Salario Mínimo Interprofesional (SMI), applicants must now demonstrate higher earnings to qualify for residency.
The new minimum monthly income for an individual is €2,849 gross, which represents 200% of the current SMI. If you are bringing family members, the costs climb; you must add €1,069 per month for the first dependent and €357 for each additional person. For a couple, the total monthly requirement is now €3,918. These figures apply to non-EU remote workers who are either employed by a foreign company or work as freelancers with a limited Spanish client base.
Who is affected
This change impacts all non-EU/EEA citizens applying for the first time or renewing their existing permits. Families are particularly affected, as the cumulative income requirements for spouses and children are now significantly higher than in previous years.
Existing visa holders should prepare for these higher benchmarks during their next renewal cycle. Short-term travelers and tourists remain unaffected, as their stay is governed by standard Schengen rules rather than work-residence permits.
Requirements and application steps
To qualify, you must prove you have worked for your current foreign employer for at least three months and possess either a university degree or three years of relevant professional experience. You will also need a clean criminal record from the last five years and private health insurance that covers the same risks as the Spanish public system.
- Gather your employment contract, payslips, and bank statements to prove your income matches exactly across all documents.
- Obtain your NIE number and ensure your social security status is cleared via an A1 form or Spanish RETA registration.
- Apply through a Spanish consulate for a one-year visa or, if already in Spain legally, apply for a three-year permit through the UGECE.
Expect to pay between €80 and €190 in application fees depending on your nationality. For more visa updates and the latest on living abroad, stay tuned to our regular briefings.
Read our full Spain guide for the complete picture.