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Is the minimum salary of the Spanish digital nomad visa based on gross or net income? Can savings substitute for income over three years?

Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

Is the minimum salary required for the Spanish digital nomad visa in gross salary or in net income? I’ve read that if I have a lower income, is it possible to show the missing income (for the 3 years) as savings, does anyone know if that is true?

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Answers

These are the answers of some Facebook group members:

”It’s always gross. Never met. You will have to pay Spanish taxes on your gross income”

”Savings is supposed to be ok, but from some of the posts here, it seems to be the decision of whomever gets your case. The thing that Spain wants is your taxes and social security payments, so it would probably depend on how much savings you needed to apply. They can’t tax your savings. In theory anyway”

Conclusion

In conclusion, according to Spainguru Facebook group members, The minimum salary requirement for the Spanish digital nomad visa (DNV) is based on gross income, not net income. While it’s theoretically possible to use savings to meet the requirement, this depends on the discretion of the authorities processing your application. Spain primarily aims to ensure tax and social security payments, so meeting the financial criteria is essential. Individual experiences may vary, so consult with authorities or seek legal advice for your specific situation.

📖 Related Reading: For a complete overview of tax residency, income tax brackets, Beckham Law, Modelo 720, and more, see our Taxes for Expats in Spain: The Complete Guide.

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author avatar
Bruno Bianchi CEO & Spain Immigration Expert
Bruno Bianchi is the founder and CEO of Spainguru, Spain's largest expat immigration community with 150,000+ members. Since 2014 he has helped thousands of people relocate to Spain through expert guides, webinars and vetted professional services covering visas, residency, taxes and life in Spain.