📊 Statutory SMI 2026 reference figures
The Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI) is the legal minimum gross pay an employer must pay workers for their services in Spain. No collective bargaining agreement or private contract can set wages below this national threshold.
📊 SMI 2026 reference table: Hourly, Daily, and Monthly
The official minimum wage set by the Spanish Government for 2026 establishes the following gross minimums:
| Reference Period | Gross Amount (14 payments) | Gross Amount (12 payments) |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate (domestic workers) | €8.87 | €8.87 |
| Daily wage (standard day) | €39.60 | €46.20 |
| Monthly salary | €1,184.00 | €1,381.33 |
| Annual salary (total yearly minimum) | €16,576.00 | €16,576.00 |
📈 Evolution of the Spanish SMI
The minimum wage in Spain has increased significantly over the past years to converge with other European economies:
- SMI 2020: €950.00 monthly (14 payments)
- SMI 2022: €1,000.00 monthly (14 payments)
- SMI 2024: €1,134.00 monthly (14 payments)
- SMI 2026: €1,184.00 monthly (14 payments)
👥 Who is covered by the SMI?
All employees in Spain are entitled to the minimum wage, regardless of contract type, gender, age, or specific duties. The only factor that changes the required minimum is the working hours ratio agreed in the contract.
💼 Sector-specific minimums (Collective Agreements)
The national SMI functions as a statutory floor. However, most workers in Spain are covered by a collective bargaining agreement (convenio colectivo) for their industry (such as banking, retail, or metallurgy). These agreements typically specify minimum pay scales that are higher than the national SMI.
⏱️ SMI and part-time contracts
If you work part-time, the mandatory minimum wage scales proportionally to your contracted hours:
- Full-time (100% - 40 hours/week): €1,184.00 monthly (14 payments)
- Part-time (50% - 20 hours/week): €592.00 monthly (14 payments)
- Part-time (25% - 10 hours/week): €296.00 monthly (14 payments)
⚖️ Offset and absorption of wage bonuses
Employers can apply compensation and absorption rules. If your base salary is lower than the SMI, but you receive monthly performance bonuses or seniority checks, the total sum of all gross payments must meet the minimum annual target of €16,576.00. Travel allowances and meal vouchers are excluded from this offset.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. The minimum wage is checked on an annual basis (€16,576.00). If your contract specifies 12 payments of €1,381.33, you are receiving the exact equivalent of the SMI paid in 14 paychecks of €1,184.00.
No. The statutory SMI overrides any collective bargaining agreement. If an agreement lists lower rates due to outdated tables, those categories are automatically elevated to the government's minimum wage.
You can file an official wage claim through the mediation service of your region. If no agreement is reached, you can bring the case before a labor court. You can also file a confidential complaint with the Spain Labor Inspectorate.
The SMI is always a gross figure. Standard employee social security deductions (typically 6.35% for regular contracts) and income tax (IRPF) withholdings will be deducted to determine your net take-home pay.
No. The SMI only applies to employees. Freelancers (autónomos) negotiate their rates freely in the market and do not have a statutory minimum wage guaranteed by law.