Yesterday, the Spanish government concluded negotiations on raising the minimum wage for 2026. Pedro Sánchez and Yolanda Díaz signed an agreement with trade unions, setting the new minimum income level.
New amount: €1,221 per month (paid in 14 installments).
Increase: +3.1% (or +€54 per month).
The increase is retroactive to January 1, 2026. This means employers must pay the difference for January and February (the so-called paguilla).
⚡️ This is already the sixth time the government has raised the SMI without the agreement of employers. Business representatives (CEOE) boycotted the signing.
❗️ Since 2018, Spain’s minimum wage has risen by 66%. However, trade unions argue that it is still insufficient for living costs, pointing to France (where the minimum is €1,823) and Belgium (€2,112). Their goal is to raise Spain’s minimum wage to €1,444 (60% of the average salary).
New amount: €1,221 per month (paid in 14 installments).
Increase: +3.1% (or +€54 per month).
The increase is retroactive to January 1, 2026. This means employers must pay the difference for January and February (the so-called paguilla).
⚡️ This is already the sixth time the government has raised the SMI without the agreement of employers. Business representatives (CEOE) boycotted the signing.
❗️ Since 2018, Spain’s minimum wage has risen by 66%. However, trade unions argue that it is still insufficient for living costs, pointing to France (where the minimum is €1,823) and Belgium (€2,112). Their goal is to raise Spain’s minimum wage to €1,444 (60% of the average salary).
