Proving remote or self-employed income

How the income test is measured

The test is monthly income of at least 200% of the monthly minimum wage, which is 2,849 euros a month in 2026 (the amounts and the dependant increases). It is measured like this:

• Gross income: the pay or fees before tax, from your foreign employer or non-Spanish clients.
• An average over your records: the average monthly income across the months your records cover must reach the amount. One lower month does not matter if the average reaches it.
• Freelancers: the average is taken over the 12 months of activity you show.
• Savings do not count toward the test.

A partner's income from remote work, documented in their name, can cover the increases for dependants; the main applicant's own income must reach the 2,849 euros. See Joint accounts, spouses and family: who must own the money.

What you need to show

You prove the income with paperwork that covers a credible stretch of time: contracts, invoices, payslips or accounts, backed by bank statements. One document is not enough. The consulate wants to see a pattern of income that is real and ongoing. The records cover 3 to 6 months, or 12 months where the consulate's checklist says so; for routes other than the remote-work visa, no fixed history period applies.

If you work for a foreign company

Gather:

• An employment contract with the foreign company.
• Proof that you have worked for it for at least 3 months.
• A letter from the company authorising you to work remotely from Spain.
• Recent payslips and bank statements showing the pay arriving.
• Proof of your professional experience or qualifications.

If you are a freelancer

Gather:

• Contracts or other proof of your working relationship with clients outside Spain.
• Invoices, proof that clients paid them, and bank statements.
• Proof that you have been working professionally for at least 1 year.
• Proof of your qualifications or experience.

Work for Spanish clients may be no more than 20% of your total professional income.

Foreign documents

Contracts, payslips and invoices need no apostille. A sworn translation is needed unless they are in Spanish or English. The bank certificate follows its own rule, on the bank statements page.

If you file from inside Spain

You file the same records at the immigration office instead of a consulate. The test, the 3 months and 1 year of history and the 20% limit are the same.

If you want to start a business in Spain instead

That is the entrepreneur route, built around a new business in Spain. You usually need a business plan with financial projections, proof of the investment and of your funds, proof of the qualifications or licences the activity needs, and evidence of expected profitability and job creation. If the office asks, reports from relevant bodies. An employee of a Spanish employer needs a Spanish employment contract and work authorisation, not this visa.