Question
I have a salary of around €50,000 before tax (converted from INR to Euro), and I have been working remotely for the past 5-6 years. I am considering moving to Spain using the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, but I am not sure if this salary is good enough. I am married and have a 3-year-old daughter.
In Spain, I was thinking about Valencia or Malaga as they are cheaper than Madrid. Can anyone please help and let me know if this salary is okay?
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Spain Digital Nomad Visa group members:
“You are likely to have to register as self-employed in Spain, as it is difficult to remain an employee if your employer doesn’t have a presence in the country. If you need to become self-employed, you’ll have to pay a monthly fee of at least €350 on top of taxes.”
“Social security payments are separate from income tax, and if you contribute, you need at least 15 years to receive a pension. Many digital nomads may never benefit from the Spanish pension system.”
“The required income for a digital nomad visa is €32,000 per year, so you are good.”
“For a family of three, expect to need at least €4,000 per month.”
“Malaga is super expensive, and finding long-term rentals is difficult. Costa Blanca is generally cheaper.”
“Rental prices in Costa Blanca have also risen recently due to tourism, making it harder to find year-long leases.”
“Malaga’s rental market is difficult; many landlords prefer short-term leases or ask for large upfront payments.”
“Spain’s average salary is around €1,400 per month, so by comparison, your salary is quite high.”
“If you live a modest lifestyle, €2,000 per month is enough to live comfortably.”
“Taxes in Spain are high; expect to pay around 24% in income tax.”
“If your wife plans to work part-time in places like McDonald’s or KFC, finding English-speaking jobs might be challenging.”
“Alicante is a cheaper alternative to Malaga and Valencia, with lower rent costs and a good quality of life.”
“Your biggest expense will be rent, so research thoroughly before choosing a city. Websites like Idealista.com can help.”
“With €49,800 per year, you will be able to live comfortably but may not save much.”
“Extremadura offers a digital nomad grant if you move there. Cities like Cáceres and Plasencia could be interesting options.”
Conclusion
According to Spainguru’s Facebook group members, a salary of €50,000 is above the minimum requirement for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. However, taxes and social security contributions will take a significant portion of the income.
While this salary allows for a comfortable life, savings may be limited, especially in cities like Malaga and Valencia, where rent and living expenses are higher. Cheaper alternatives such as Alicante or Costa Blanca may offer better affordability.
Additionally, finding a job for a spouse and securing a long-term rental can be challenging. Thorough research and financial planning are crucial before making the move.
Join our community!
Make sure to join our dedicated Spain Digital Nomad Visa group here!
