In 2026, the minimum income requirement for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa is €2,849 gross per month (approximately €34,188 per year) for a single applicant. This equals 200% of Spain's 2026 minimum wage (SMI), which was raised to €1,221 per month in 14 payments. The threshold increases with each family member: roughly €1,069 extra for the first dependent and €357 for each additional one. Income must be gross (before tax) and come primarily from clients or employers based outside Spain.
2026 income thresholds at a glance
| Household | Monthly minimum (gross) | Annual equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Single applicant | €2,849 | ≈ €34,188 |
| Applicant + 1 dependent | ≈ €3,918 | ≈ €47,016 |
| Applicant + 2 dependents | ≈ €4,275 | ≈ €51,300 |
| Each additional dependent | + ≈ €357 | + ≈ €4,284 |
Formula: main applicant 200% of SMI; first dependent +75%; each additional dependent +25%. Figures update whenever Spain revises the SMI, so always verify against the current year before applying.
What changed versus 2025?
The 2026 SMI increase raised the bar meaningfully: the single-applicant threshold moved from roughly €2,762 to €2,849 per month. If your income sat comfortably above the old figure but is now borderline, plan your application evidence accordingly; consulates and the UGE assess the requirement in force on the date of application, not the year you started preparing.
What counts as qualifying income, and what is the 80/20 rule?
Qualifying income comes from remote work for companies or clients located outside Spain: an employment contract with a foreign employer (at least three months old, with remote work authorized) or freelance contracts with foreign clients showing at least three months of relationship. Up to 20% of your income may come from Spanish clients; at least 80% must be foreign-sourced. Passive income (rentals, dividends) does not by itself qualify, although it can reinforce overall solvency.
How do you document the income?
The strongest files combine several layers: employment contract or client service agreements, last three to six months of payslips or invoices, bank statements showing the corresponding deposits, and the previous year's tax return from your home country. Inconsistencies between these documents (invoices that do not match bank deposits, contracts without payment history) are the most common reason for requerimientos and delays. For self-employed applicants, a clear presentation of the business activity substantially strengthens the file.
Can I include my spouse's income?
No. The income requirement must be met by the main applicant alone; dependents' income is not aggregated for the threshold. A spouse with independent remote income can, however, file their own separate Digital Nomad Visa application.
How I can help
I prepare complete Digital Nomad Visa files: eligibility and income assessment against the current-year thresholds, documentation strategy, UGE fast-track application support and Beckham Law tax optimization, for individuals and families. Bilingual English-Spanish, based in Barcelona with 200+ immigration cases delivered.