A growing number of US citizens are planning a move to Spain – but many aren’t sure how they can make their dream a reality.
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There are a number of visas that will allow Americans to live, work or retire in the country, but they do not apply to everyone.
Read more: The six best retirement locations for Brits in Spain, according to AI
Below are most commonly used visas that will offer a pathway to Spanish residency – and what to do once you are approved.
NLV: Non-Lucrative Visa (for retirement or remote living)
- Ideal if you want to live in Spain without working locally.
- Must show sufficient financial means (€2,400/month for you and €600/month per dependent).
- Must have private health insurance.
- You must have no criminal record in any of the countries you have lived in during the last five years, nor be on any criminal watch list.
- Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and evidence of your eligibility, you will need to head to your nearest Spanish Consulate in the USA to formally apply.
- The visa will initially give you one year of residency which can then be renewed for two-year periods. Once you reach five you are eligible for permanent residency.
- (More information can be found on the Spanish government website here).
Traditional working visa
- Requires a job offer from a Spanish employer.
- The company must prove no EU citizen can fill the role.
- Some sectors (tech, teaching, etc.) are easier to get into.
Student Visa
- For people studying at an accredited Spanish institution.
- Allows part-time work (up to 20 hours/week).
- This will grant them the right to live and work part-time in Spain throughout their studies.
- While it does not guarantee full-time residency, it is a good stepping stone, depending on the length of the course.
- You must accumulate five years of legitimate residency in Spain before you can apply to be a permanent resident.
- Once your studies are finished, you could transfer to another visa, such as a work or digital nomad visa, to reach the five years required.
Digital Nomad Visa (launched 2023)
- For remote workers and freelancers working for non-Spanish clients.
- You must earn €2,650/month and have been working remotely for at least 3 months.
- Great option for long-term stays with fewer restrictions.
- Your salary must reach at least €31,752 per annum, rising to €43,668 for those with a partner, adding an additional €3,000 for each dependent child.
- As with all visas, the applicant must have health insurance, and you will need to apply at your nearest Spanish consulate in the USA.
- Once approved the visa will last for one year and can be renewed for up to three years. After five years in the country you will be able to apply for permanent residency.
- (Find out more on the Spanish govt website here).
Family Reunification Visa
- If you have family members legally residing in Spain.
- They must have lived legally in Spain for at least one year and have a residence permit valid for at least one more year.
- The family member can bring in a spouse or registered partner, children under 18 (or older if they have a disability), their parents (over 65 and are dependent), parents-in-law if they are dependents.
- Apply at the local Oficina de Extranjeria and submit: Proof of residence and income, housing report showing you have adequate living space, proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificates, etc.).
- Once approved, the family member applies for the visa at the Spanish consulate in their home country.
- You must prove enough income to support your family member, which is around €900 per person per month as of 2025.
Applying at a Spanish Consulate in the US
- You must apply for all visas in person at a Spanish consulate in the USA. Among the essential documents are your passport (valid for at least another year), your visa application forms, proof of income, health insurance policy, FBI background check (translated) and a medical certificate.
- Once approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport and you must enter Spain within a given time frame (typically three months).
Get Your Residency Card (TIE)
- Once in Spain, apply for your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) at a local immigration office.
- You must do this within 30 days of arrival.
Register Your Address (Empadronamiento)
- Go to the local town hall to register where you’re living and register your address on the padron.
- This is required for many things like opening a bank account and getting access to public health care, etc.
