GUIDE IN ENGLISH · SPAIN 2026
Minimum Living Income (IMV) in Spain, explained in English
The Ingreso Mínimo Vital is a monthly payment from Spanish Social Security for households with low income. It can be requested at any time of the year.
How much you get
The base amount for a one-person household is €733.60 a month. Each additional household member adds 30%, up to a maximum of 220%. Single-parent households get an extra 22%, and there is also an increase if the holder has a disability of 65% or more. You receive the difference between that guaranteed amount and the income your household already has.
Child supplement
Households with children can also get a supplement for each child: €115 a month under 3, €80.50 from 3 to 5 and €57.50 from 6 to 17. You can get it even without the IMV, if your income is below the limit.
Main requirements
- Being between 23 and 65 (with exceptions, for example if you have children).
- Legal and actual residence in Spain for at least the last year, continuously.
- Household income and assets below the limits set by Social Security (savings and property, not counting your home, up to €26,409.60 for one person).
- If you are an adult and not working, being registered as a jobseeker.
How to apply
On the Social Security website (sede electrónica, with or without a digital certificate) or by booking an appointment (cita previa) at a CAISS office. You start receiving it from the first day of the month after you apply.
Spanish words you will see
Frequently asked questions
Can I work and receive the IMV?+
Yes, as long as your household income stays below the limit. Part of your salary is not counted, so working is not penalised.
Is there a deadline?+
No. You can apply at any time of the year.
What if they say no?+
Social Security has 6 months to decide. Against a refusal, you can file a prior claim (reclamación previa) within 30 working days.
Official source: imv.seg-social.es. Information checked in November 2026. Amounts and deadlines can change: the official call always prevails. The application itself is in Spanish.