Starting in 2026, remote professionals planning to apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa will need to demonstrate a higher level of income. Following a 3.1% increase in the minimum wage under Royal Decree 126/2026, the new minimum income threshold for a single applicant has been set at €2,849 per month, compared to the previous €2,763.
The requirement is calculated as 200% of Spain’s official minimum wage. Conditions have also become stricter for applicants with family members: an additional €916 per month must be demonstrated for the first dependent and €305 per month for each additional dependent.
Authorities emphasize that the change occurred automatically as a result of the minimum wage increase and is not a targeted measure against digital nomads. However, relocation experts note that the new threshold may create challenges for early-stage freelancers and employees of smaller companies whose contracts are linked to lower international salary rates.
The Digital Nomad Visa has been in force since January 2024. It allows non-EU citizens whose primary income is earned abroad to live and work in Spain for up to five years, with the possibility of obtaining permanent residency. In 2025, more than 18,000 such permits were issued.
Companies using Spain as a base for remote teams are advised to review employee compensation packages before renewals or new applications. Applications reviewed after March 1, 2026, will be assessed under the new requirements.
