Spain Raises Its Minimum Wage for 2025—What Expats Need to Know
Spain's government has announced a notable increase to the Salario Mínimo Interprofesional (SMI), the minimum wage, effective for 2025—an important development for anyone relocating, working, or planning to live in Spain this year.
Rise in Numbers
- New Monthly Wage: €1,184 gross per month (14 payments), totaling €16,576 per year.(Moving To Spain)
- If paid over 12 installments, the equivalent is €1,381 each month.(Moving To Spain)
- This marks a 4.4% increase compared to 2024, representing a gain of €50 per month or €700 annually.(ElHuffPost)
- The adjustment is retroactive to January 1, 2025, meaning employers must compensate for any underpayments since the start of the year.(L&E Global)
Who Benefits Most?
- Around 2.4–2.5 million workers will owe this increase.(Moving To Spain)
- Women represent 57% of SMI earners, making the increase especially significant in narrowing the gender pay gap.(Moving To Spain)
- Spain’s government emphasizes the SMI as a flagship policy for social equity and economic fairness.(equalpayinternationalcoalition.org)
What This Means for Expats
- Visas & Income Requirements
- Many visa categories (e.g., Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad) use SMI as a financial benchmark. For example, the Digital Nomad Visa generally requires 200% of SMI, or approximately €2,760/month.(Tytle)
- Budgeting & Salary Expectations
- While the SMI offers a baseline, average salaries in Spain are significantly higher—roughly €2,500/month gross—especially in professional sectors.(Moving To Spain, Expatica)
- Labor Rights & Standards
- This wage hike strengthens worker protections in areas like hospitality, seasonal work, and services—sectors often targeted by internationals for part-time or entry-level positions
Summary: Key Takeaways for Pathway Spain Readers
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 2025 Monthly SMI (14 pays) | €1,184 gross |
| Annual Total | €16,576 gross |
| Increase vs 2024 | 4.4% (€50/month, €700/year) |
| Retroactive Start Date | January 1, 2025 |
| Impacted Workers | ~2.5 million |
| Visa Rule Impact | Income thresholds are based on SMI |