How Much Money Do You Need for the International Remote Worker Visa in Spain in 2025? Complete Guide
Discover the financial requirements for Spain’s International Remote Worker Visa in 2025. Full guide with income and savings examples, family requirements, and expert tips from Visal Immigration Lawyers.
The International Remote Worker residence permit —popularly known as the Spain Digital Nomad Visa— has quickly become one of the most attractive options for foreigners who wish to live legally in Spain while working for their company or clients abroad. The key to success lies not only in providing the right paperwork, but above all in proving that you have sufficient financial means, whether through stable monthly income or savings.
In this updated 2025 guide, we explain in detail how much money you need to demonstrate to qualify for Spain’s International Remote Worker Visa, what documents are accepted as proof, how the requirements vary if you are bringing your family, and which mistakes you must avoid. We also provide real examples based on the 2025 Spanish Minimum Wage (SMI) so you know exactly how much money is required in euros.
Legal framework for international remote workers in Spain
The International Remote Worker residence permit is regulated under Law 14/2013 on support for entrepreneurs, as amended by Law 28/2022 on the promotion of the startup ecosystem. Thanks to this reform, Spain introduced a special visa category that allows foreigners to legally reside in Spain while working remotely for companies or clients located outside the country.
The law establishes that the main applicant, and any family members joining them, must prove sufficient economic resources to support themselves in Spain. This can be done either by showing stable recurring income or enough savings in a bank account.
Financial requirements in 2025: monthly income
The calculation is based on the Spanish Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI). For 2025, the SMI is €1,134 gross per month in 14 payments, equivalent to €1,323 in 12 payments.
Using this figure, the required amounts are as follows:
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Main applicant: 200% of the SMI → €2,646 per month.
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First dependent (e.g., spouse or registered partner): 75% of the SMI → €992 per month.
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Each additional dependent (e.g., child): 25% of the SMI → €331 per month.
???? Example:
A family with the main applicant, a spouse, and two children must prove:
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€2,646 (main applicant)
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€992 (spouse)
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€331 (first child)
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€331 (second child)
Total: €4,300 in stable monthly income.
Financial requirements in 2025: savings in a bank account
If you don’t have regular income, you can instead prove you have sufficient savings deposited in a bank account under the applicant’s name. The same percentages apply, but calculated on an annual basis.
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Main applicant: 200% of SMI → €2,646 × 12 = €31,752 in savings.
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First dependent: 75% of SMI → €992 × 12 = €11,904 in savings.
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Each additional dependent: 25% of SMI → €331 × 12 = €3,972 in savings.
Example:
A couple with two children must prove at least:
€31,752 (main applicant) + €11,904 (spouse) + €3,972 (first child) + €3,972 (second child) = €51,600 in available savings.
How to prove financial solvency
The Spanish immigration authorities accept any valid legal proof, provided it is clear, verifiable, and legitimate. Commonly accepted documents include:
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Employment contracts with foreign companies.
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Payslips or invoices if you are self-employed.
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Certificates from your company confirming salary or professional fees.
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Updated bank account statements.
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Certificates of deposits or savings accounts.
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Bank letters confirming available funds.
All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized, and if issued in a foreign language, translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
Additional requirements for the International Remote Worker Visa
Besides the financial aspect, applicants must provide other essential documentation:
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Complete copy of a valid passport.
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Official application form.
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Proof of payment of the government fee (Form 790 038).
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Criminal record certificate from the last two years, plus a sworn declaration covering the last five years.
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Public or private health insurance valid in Spain (travel insurance is not accepted).
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Social Security coverage certificate, or commitment to register with Spanish Social Security (RETA for self-employed).
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A letter from the foreign employer authorizing remote work from Spain, or a valid service contract with clients.
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Proof of academic qualifications or at least three years of relevant professional experience.
Common mistakes that lead to refusal
At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we have seen many applications denied due to avoidable errors. The most common include:
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Submitting bank certificates without sworn translation.
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Failing to prove stable income.
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Providing travel insurance instead of valid Spanish health coverage.
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Miscalculating the required SMI amounts for dependents.
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Forgetting to legalize foreign-issued documents.
Our recommendation: before submitting your application, have your file reviewed by an immigration lawyer to ensure all documents are complete, translated, legalized, and in line with the Extranjería Office’s criteria.
Application process: from Spain or abroad
The International Remote Worker Visa can be requested both from outside Spain and while in Spain legally (for example, on a tourist visa).
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From your home country: apply at the Spanish Consulate.
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From Spain: apply online through the Large Companies Unit (UGE) of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.
Processing times are relatively fast compared to other permits: typically 20 business days.
Practical tips from Visal Immigration Lawyers
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Always provide a buffer above the minimum financial requirements.
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Make sure all documents are recent (issued within the last 90 days).
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Keep evidence of international income transfers.
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If moving with family, calculate each dependent’s requirements carefully.
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Remember: this permit is renewable, and you must maintain the economic conditions throughout.
Thanks to our experience handling hundreds of immigration cases, our firm has achieved a very high approval rate for International Remote Worker Visa applications by preparing each case meticulously.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much money do I need to apply as a single applicant?
In 2025, you must prove a stable monthly income of €2,646 or savings of €31,752 in your bank account. While these are the official minimums, we recommend showing more to avoid additional requests for evidence.
2. What if my income fluctuates because I am self-employed?
For freelancers, the authorities review the average income over recent months and the stability of contracts with foreign clients. Submitting invoices, signed contracts, and bank statements is key to showing reliable solvency.
3. Can I apply while in Spain on a tourist visa?
Yes, the law allows applications from within Spain as long as your entry was legal. However, you must begin the process with at least 30 days of legal stay remaining. Our lawyers can help prepare everything before your tourist stay expires.
4. Do my children need to meet financial or insurance requirements?
Children are included in the household calculation (25% of SMI each) but don’t need to prove their own income. They must, however, be covered under the family’s health insurance policy, whether public or private.
5. What if I don’t meet the minimum financial requirements?
If you cannot reach the income or savings thresholds, the application will be refused. However, there may be alternative residence options such as the non-lucrative residence permit, family member of an EU citizen card, or social and work-rooted residence (arraigo). Consult with a lawyer to explore alternatives.
Conclusion and call to action
The International Remote Worker Visa offers a unique opportunity to legally reside in Spain while working remotely for foreign companies or clients. The key to success is proving that you meet the strict financial requirements through either monthly income or sufficient savings.
At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we specialize in Spanish immigration law and have successfully assisted hundreds of foreigners with their residence permits. If you want expert guidance and the highest chances of approval:
Contact us now via WhatsApp at +34 618 702 253
Or book a consultation directly here: https://www.visalimmigration.com/en/consulting
We’ll be delighted to guide you step by step and help you secure your residence in Spain.
