Several European countries have revised their financial requirements for foreign nationals applying for digital nomad visas and residence permits in 2026. The changes have affected Spain, Portugal, and Croatia. In most cases, the required income increased automatically following adjustments to national minimum or average salaries.
Experts at the international legal company Citipassport note that proving sufficient and stable income has become one of the key stages of the application process. Immigration authorities assess not only the amount earned but also the regularity, source, and connection between the income and the applicant’s remote professional activity.
Table of Contents
Spain Raises Its Financial Threshold
In Spain, the minimum income requirement for digital nomads is linked to the national minimum wage and must equal at least 200% of that amount.
In 2026, Spain’s minimum wage increased to EUR 1,221 per month paid in 14 instalments, or EUR 17,094 annually. When recalculated over 12 months, a digital nomad must therefore demonstrate an income of approximately EUR 2,849 per month. The updated minimum wage was established by a royal decree for 2026.
The required amount increases when family members apply together with the principal applicant. Financial capacity may be demonstrated through an employment contract, payslips, client agreements, bank statements, and other documents proving stable earnings.
“A common mistake is to focus exclusively on maintaining the required amount in a bank account. Under the Spanish program, applicants must also establish a clear connection between their income and eligible remote professional activity. A one-time transfer or personal savings may not always replace evidence of regular earnings,” Citipassport representatives commented.
Portugal Requires a Monthly Income of at Least EUR 3,680
Applicants for Portugal’s digital nomad visa must demonstrate an average monthly income earned during the previous three months equivalent to at least four national minimum wages. This requirement applies to both employees and self-employed professionals.
Portugal’s minimum wage increased to EUR 920 per month in January 2026. As a result, the indicative financial threshold for digital nomads rose to EUR 3,680 per month. The decision to increase the national minimum wage was published on the official Portuguese government website.
Employees may be required to submit an employment contract or other confirmation of their relationship with a foreign employer. Freelancers and business owners can provide service agreements, company registration documents, invoices, and bank statements. The authorities assess the applicant’s average income specifically for the three months preceding the application.
Citipassport notes that transferring several large payments into an account shortly before filing may not be sufficient. The declared income should correspond to the applicant’s professional activity, while contracts, invoices, tax records, and bank statements should present a consistent financial history.
Croatia Sets the Requirement at EUR 3,622.50 per Month
Croatia introduced one of the most notable increases. In 2026, a digital nomad must demonstrate a monthly income of at least EUR 3,622.50. The threshold corresponds to 2.5 times the average monthly net salary paid in the country during the previous year.
Instead of proving regular monthly income, applicants may demonstrate that they already have the total amount required for the intended period of residence. This equals at least EUR 43,470 for 12 months or EUR 65,205 for 18 months. The required amount increases when family members accompany the applicant.
The current amounts and accepted methods of financial verification are published on the Croatian Ministry of the Interior’s website. Applicants can use bank statements, proof of regular income, or payslips covering at least six months.
Croatia grants temporary residence for digital nomads for up to 18 months. Holders may work remotely for a foreign employer or through their own company registered outside Croatia. The program does not permit them to work for or provide services to Croatian employers.
A High Income Does Not Guarantee Approval
According to Citipassport, higher financial thresholds do not necessarily make European digital nomad programs inaccessible. They do, however, require applicants to prepare their documentation more carefully. The applicable exchange rate, method of calculating income, number of accompanying family members, and required reporting period should all be considered.
Applications from freelancers and business owners may receive particular scrutiny because their income often varies from month to month. In such cases, it is important to prepare a consistent file that explains the origin of the funds and demonstrates the stability of the applicant’s professional activity.
Experts recommend checking the applicable requirements immediately before filing. Since many financial thresholds are linked to national economic indicators, they may be revised annually.
Citipassport provides legal assistance with selecting an appropriate immigration program, assessing eligibility, preparing documents, and completing the residence permit procedure. The company’s specialists evaluate both the applicant’s current income and whether the available evidence meets the requirements of the chosen country.