Is Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa Income Requirement Gross or Net?

One of the most common questions from Digital Nomad Visa applicants is whether Spain’s income requirement refers to
gross income or net (after-tax) income. The distinction matters — and misunderstandings can delay approvals.

  

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What Spanish authorities look at

In practice, Spain’s immigration authorities assess gross income. The key question is whether your
earnings — before personal tax — meet or exceed the required threshold.

This approach aligns with how income is defined in contracts, invoices and payslips, which are the primary documents
used during DNV assessment.

Employees vs self-employed applicants

  • Remote employees: employment contract + payslips showing gross salary
  • Freelancers/self-employed: invoices, client contracts and bank statements

For freelancers, authorities often look for consistency across documents rather than a single high-income month.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using net income after personal tax deductions
  • Failing to convert foreign currency into euros clearly
  • Submitting irregular or incomplete invoices
  • Relying on future income projections instead of proven earnings
Key takeaway: Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa income requirement is assessed using gross income.
Clear, consistent documentation matters more than headline figures.