Taxes for Americans moving to Spain
Moving to Spain doesn't end your US tax life — it adds a second one. Here's the map of what changes, so you can plan with a cross-border tax advisor before you move, not after.
Last reviewed: October 2026
You'll usually file in both countries
- United States: as a US citizen you file federal returns on your worldwide income wherever you live, plus foreign account reports (FBAR) and, above certain thresholds, FATCA asset reporting.
- Spain: you generally become a Spanish tax resident if you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, or if your main economic interests are here. Residents are taxed on worldwide income.
- The treaty: the US–Spain income tax treaty, together with US foreign tax credits or the foreign earned income exclusion, is what prevents paying twice on the same income.
Spain's special regime for newcomers
Spain's special 'impatriate' regime — known as the Beckham Law — lets eligible newcomers pay a flat 24% on Spanish employment income up to €600,000 (47% above that) for the year of arrival and the following five, instead of standard progressive rates.
Since the 2023 Startups Law, it's also open to many remote workers and digital nomads. You must not have been a Spanish tax resident in the previous five years, and you have to opt in within a set deadline after registering with Social Security. Eligibility and timing are technical — decide it with an advisor before you file.
We're immigration specialists, not tax advisors
This guide is a general map, not tax advice. We coordinate with cross-border tax advisors so your visa choice and your tax plan fit together — ask us for an introduction.
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Taxes for Americans in Spain: common questions
Do Americans living in Spain pay taxes in both countries?
Usually they file in both. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income, and Spain taxes its tax residents. The US–Spain treaty and foreign tax credits are designed to avoid paying twice on the same income.
When do I become a Spanish tax resident?
Generally when you spend more than 183 days in a calendar year in Spain, or when your main center of economic interests is in Spain.
What is Spain's Beckham Law?
A special tax regime for people who move to Spain: a flat 24% on Spanish employment income up to €600,000 for the arrival year and the next five, instead of progressive rates. Since 2023 it can also apply to many remote workers.
Do I still need to file FBAR if I live in Spain?
Yes. US persons with foreign financial accounts above the reporting threshold must file FBAR regardless of where they live.
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