Monthly Income Requirement for Spain Digital Nomad Visa Increased in February 2026

Spain has raised the minimum income threshold for applicants to its digital nomad visa following a government decision to increase the country’s minimum wage. While the adjustment is modest, it has direct implications for remote workers planning to relocate under one of Europe’s most popular residency schemes.

On February 17, 2026, Spain’s Council of Ministers approved Royal Decree 126/2026, increasing the Salario Mínimo Interprofesional (SMI) by 3.1 percent to €1,221 per month across 14 payments. Because the digital nomad visa income requirement is pegged to 200 percent of the SMI, the change automatically raises the financial threshold for applicants.

As of 2026, applicants must demonstrate income based on the updated SMI calculation. The revised requirements are outlined below:

The figure for a single applicant has increased from €2,763 in 2025 to €2,849 in 2026. While the rise is not dramatic, it may affect applicants who were previously close to the eligibility threshold.

Spain introduced its digital nomad visa in late 2022 under the Startup Act to attract international remote workers and stimulate innovation-driven economic activity. Since then, the program has become one of the most competitive in Europe.

According to reporting by journalist Maya Middlemiss, “the goalposts have shifted – not dramatically, but enough to catch people out.” The automatic link between the visa income threshold and the SMI means that even domestic wage adjustments can directly affect foreign applicants.

To qualify, applicants must present evidence of stable and verifiable income. Acceptable documentation typically includes employment contracts, recent payslips, and bank statements demonstrating consistent earnings. Immigration authorities assess financial stability carefully, and one-time payments or irregular income are unlikely to satisfy requirements.

The visa remains open to non-EU and non-EEA nationals, including citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Both salaried remote employees and freelancers are eligible.

Employed applicants must provide written authorization from their employer confirming permission to work remotely from Spain. In addition, the employer must have been operating for at least 12 months prior to the application. Freelancers and independent contractors must demonstrate ongoing professional relationships with clients, typically located outside Spain.

Applications continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with authorities reviewing income stability, professional background, and compliance with regulatory criteria.

Despite the higher threshold, Spain’s digital nomad visa remains attractive due to its relatively streamlined process, access to European Union residency rights, and potential eligibility for Spain’s special expatriate tax regime.

For prospective applicants in 2026, the key message is clear: carefully verify income calculations and ensure that documentation reflects the updated SMI-linked requirements before submitting an application. Even a modest increase could determine whether an application proceeds smoothly or faces delays.