Moving to Spain from the US
Americans can visit Spain visa-free for 90 days — but to live there you need a residence visa. Here's how Americans actually do it in 2026: the right visa, the documents, the consulate and the tax questions to plan for.
Last reviewed: October 2026
The best visas for Americans
Most Americans move with one of these routes. The right one depends on whether — and how — you'll work:
Taxes and Social Security
- US citizens are taxed on worldwide income wherever they live, so you'll keep filing US returns.
- Living in Spain more than 183 days a year usually makes you a Spanish tax resident. The US–Spain tax treaty helps avoid double taxation.
- Some newcomers — including many digital nomads — can opt into Spain's special 'Beckham Law' regime.
- The US–Spain Social Security agreement can matter for remote workers' contributions.
- Tax planning is case-specific — read our tax guide for Americans in Spain.
Permanent residence and citizenship
After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for long-term residence. Spanish citizenship for US citizens requires 10 years of legal residence (1 year if married to a Spanish citizen, among other cases), plus the DELE A2 Spanish exam and the CCSE culture test.
Spain normally asks applicants from non-Ibero-American countries to renounce their previous nationality when they become Spanish. How that interacts with US citizenship is a question to review with a specialist before you apply.
Read the Spanish citizenship guide.
You don't need to figure out the paperwork
Requirements change and depend on your nationality, your consulate and your family — that's exactly what we check for you. Send us a message and we'll tell you your best route, free.
- Free first consultation on WhatsApp to confirm your best route.
- Your personal document list for your nationality, consulate and family.
- We prepare, review and file everything — and follow it until there's a decision.
- Support after you land: TIE card, registration, bank, housing and schools.
Moving to Spain from the US: common questions
Can I just move to Spain as an American and stay?
No. US citizens can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period as visitors. To live in Spain you need a residence visa or permit, such as the Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad Visa.
What is the easiest way for an American to move to Spain?
Retirees and people living on savings usually choose the Non-Lucrative Visa (€28,800/year in means for one person). Remote workers usually choose the Digital Nomad Visa (about €2,849/month in income).
Do I need ETIAS to travel to Spain?
Not yet. As of October 2026 the EU's ETIAS travel authorization is not operating and has no confirmed start date. The EU's Entry/Exit System, which registers non-EU travelers at the border, is already in use.
How long does it take to move to Spain from the US?
Plan for about 2–4 months to gather and apostille documents and get a consulate decision. The Digital Nomad residence requested from Spain has a 20-day legal deadline.
Plan your move from the US to Spain
Tell us your nationality, your situation and who's coming with you. We'll reply on WhatsApp with your best route — free, no commitment.
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