The Official State Gazette has published Royal Decree 126/2026, of February 18, setting the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI) for 2026.
This regulation complies with the annual mandate established in Article 27 of the Workers’ Statute and sets the new applicable amounts with retroactive effect from January 1, 2026. The approved increase is 3.1% compared to the previous year, consolidating the progressive update of the minimum wage as a fundamental benchmark within the Spanish labor market.
The new SMI amounts for 2026 are:
- 1,221 euros per month in 14 payments
- 40.70 euros per day
- 17,094 euros per year in annual terms
- 9.55 euros per hour for domestic employees working by the hour in an external regime
Below, you can access the full text of the Royal Decree published in the Official State Gazette (in Spanish):
⏺️ Importance of the Minimum Wage
The SMI is not merely a labor figure. It serves as an economic benchmark in multiple administrative and contractual contexts. In immigration law, for example, it is used as a reference to assess salary sufficiency in certain residence and work authorizations, modifications of status, or when proving genuine and effective employment activity.
⏺️ At ARC Legal, up to date with legislative changes
At ARC Legal, we continuously monitor legislative and regulatory developments that may affect our clients. If you need to review an employment contract, assess the impact of the new SMI on your situation, or analyze the viability of an immigration procedure, we can assist you with a strategic and personalized assessment.
Related publications
- 2026 Guides | Residence Authorizations
- Spanish Nationality Guide
- IPREM in 2026: what it is, current amounts and how it affects immigration procedures
¿Prefieres leer este artículo en español 🇪🇸? Aquí tienes el enlace: Real Decreto que fija el Salario Mínimo Interprofesional para 2026
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Although we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, immigration regulations are subject to change and are subject to interpretation by the competent authorities. For personalized and up-to-date legal advice, we recommend consulting with a specialized immigration lawyer.