title: "What income do I need for Spain's digital nomad visa?" slug: spain-digital-nomad-visa-income product: VisaSherpa.ai date: 2026-07-23 author: Pinal Dave

What income do I need for Spain's digital nomad visa?

TL;DR: You must show 200% of Spain's minimum wage (SMI) - roughly EUR 2,300-2,400 per month (~EUR 28,000/year) at recent SMI levels; the exact figure moves each time Spain raises the SMI. Add 75% of SMI for a spouse and 25% per additional dependent. Income must come from clients or employers outside Spain.

The formula, not just the number

Spain's digital nomad visa (under the 2023 Startup Act) pegs the income requirement to the Salario Minimo Interprofesional (SMI):

Main applicant: 200% of SMI - about EUR 2,368/month at the 2025 SMI level cited by Taxes for Expats (~$3,050/month per Greenback Tax Services). Remofirst cites a floor of at least EUR 2,268/month depending on the SMI vintage used.
First dependent (spouse/partner): +75% of SMI (~EUR 890/month).
Each additional dependent: +25% of SMI (~EUR 296/month).

Because the SMI rises most years, verify the current SMI before applying - consulates apply the figure in force on your application date. A family of three should budget roughly EUR 3,500-3,600/month of documented income.

Other hard requirements: your income must be foreign-sourced (Spanish clients capped at 20% of income), you need 3+ months of history with your employer/clients, the company must have existed 1+ year, and you need either a qualifying degree or 3 years of professional experience, plus private health insurance and a clean criminal record.

Spain vs. neighboring programs (2026)

Program	Min. income	Initial term	Renewable to	Tax angle
Spain DNV	~EUR 2,368/mo (200% SMI)	1 year (visa) / 3 years (permit in-country)	5 years	Beckham-style 24% flat rate possible
Portugal D8	~EUR 3,480/mo	1 year	5 years	Standard rates; 20% IFICI if eligible
Greece DNV	~EUR 3,500/mo	1 year	Yes	50% income-tax reduction for 7 years
Croatia	~EUR 2,539/mo	12-18 months	Limited	Foreign income exempt

Spain has one of the lowest income bars in Western Europe and the longest renewability runway (5 years, then long-term residency).

How to apply

Compute the current 200% SMI figure and confirm your gross income clears it with payslips, contracts, or invoices.
Choose your route: apply at a Spanish consulate (1-year visa) or enter Spain and apply to UGE online for a 3-year residence permit.
Assemble proof: 3 months of work history, company registration (1+ year old), degree or 3 years' experience, criminal record certificate (apostilled), private health insurance.
Get social security coverage sorted - a certificate of coverage (e.g., US-Spain totalization) for employees, or register as autonomo for freelancers.
Decisions typically arrive in 20 working days under the Startup Act's positive-silence rule.

FAQ

What is the exact monthly income requirement? 200% of the SMI - approximately EUR 2,368/month at the 2025 SMI; recheck the SMI in force when you apply.

Can part of my income come from Spanish clients? Yes, up to 20%. The rest must be foreign-sourced.

How much extra for my family? 75% of SMI for the first dependent, 25% for each additional one.

Do I pay Spanish tax? After 183 days you are tax resident; many nomads elect the Beckham-regime-style 24% flat rate on Spanish-source income if eligible.

Savings instead of income - allowed? Consulates generally want recurring income; substantial savings support but rarely replace the monthly threshold.

By Pinal Dave Last updated: July 23, 2026

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