Spain is once again debating an increase to the minimum wage. The Ministry of Labor has proposed raising the minimum wage (SMI) by 3.1% in 2026. If approved, workers would earn €1,221 per month before taxes—€37 more than the current amount. The proposal is already under review by business representatives and unions, who have pledged to carefully examine the details. Authorities insist the discussion is constructive, with no intention of dragging out the process.
Over the past eight years, the minimum wage in the country has risen by almost 61%. In 2018, it stood at just €735.90, while today it has reached €1,184. This sharp increase has made the SMI the most common salary in Spain. It has become more than just a benchmark for unskilled workers—it is now a practical standard for the majority. This also highlights just how low the incomes of many Spaniards remain.
Growth trends
A look at the numbers shows just how fast the growth has been. In 2025, the SMI will reach €1,184, in 2024—€1,134, and in 2023—€1,080. Not long ago, in 2021, the minimum wage was €965, and in 2020—€950. In 2019, it was €900, and in 2018—€735.90. For comparison, back in 2008, the minimum wage was only €600. In just eight years, the difference has nearly doubled. This is more than just statistics—it’s the daily reality for millions of people.
Such growth has inevitably impacted the labor market. The SMI is no longer just a floor for unskilled workers—it has become the actual wage for a vast number of Spaniards. This is a worrying sign: many people are earning exactly what the state mandates, and not a euro more. It highlights that Spain’s low-wage problem persists despite the government’s efforts.
Contracts and Public Procurement
The Ministry of Labor hasn’t stopped at simply proposing an SMI increase. The agency also wants to review the rules for how the state awards contracts to companies. Currently, hikes in the minimum wage aren’t always reflected in the value of public contracts. Businesses complain: as personnel costs rise, contract prices remain unchanged, forcing them to operate at a loss.
Employers have long demanded that the government account for SMI increases when signing new agreements. Labor unions support this move as well. Authorities have promised to discuss the issue with the Ministry of Finance. Regulatory changes may be on the way, allowing companies to factor higher wage costs into contract prices. This could reshape the public procurement market and make it more transparent.
Freedom from Taxes
Another key point is exempting the minimum wage from income tax. The government insists that the SMI will remain outside the scope of the IRPF (the Spanish analogue of personal income tax). This has already been agreed with the Ministry of Finance, which will be responsible for the technical details. Most likely, the same procedure will be maintained in 2026 as in 2025: recipients of the minimum wage will benefit from a special tax exemption.
For employees, this means the SMI increase will not lead to additional tax payments. Salaries will go up, but the tax burden will remain unchanged. This is an important signal for millions of Spaniards who live on minimum wage. The authorities are clearly not willing to lose the support of this segment of the population.
Positions of the parties
While businesses and unions study the proposal, debates continue across society. Some believe raising the SMI is a step toward social justice. Others worry that higher wages could lead to job cuts and more informal employment. Still, in recent years, the labor market has become used to constant change. Spaniards have learned to quickly adapt to new rules.
