Moving to Spain is a dream for many Americans—and it’s very achievable with the right planning. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or a lifestyle change, this guide walks you through every step, from choosing your visa to getting your Spanish residency.
🧭 Step 1: Decide Why You’re Moving – Your Purpose Determines Your Visa
Your first step is to determine why you’re moving to Spain, because that affects the type of visa and residency status you’ll apply for. These are the most common paths:
1. Work Visa
For those employed by a Spanish company or transferring with a multinational.
- Must have a job offer from a Spanish employer.
- The employer must prove that the job couldn’t be filled by a local/EU citizen.
- Apply at a Spanish consulate in the U.S.
2. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
For retirees or those with passive income (investments, pensions, etc.).
- No work allowed initially.
- Must prove financial means (~$30,000/year for one person).
- Ideal for those who want to live but not work in Spain.
3. Digital Nomad Visa (NEW)
For remote workers and freelancers.
- Must prove consistent remote work income from non-Spanish clients.
- Legalizes work from Spain without needing a local job.
- Often faster and more flexible than the NLV.
4. Student Visa
For those studying at a Spanish institution.
- Must be enrolled in an accredited school or program.
- Allows part-time work (up to 20 hours/week).
5. Entrepreneur or Self-Employment Visa
For starting a business or freelancing in Spain.
- Must submit a viable business plan.
- Financial proof required to support yourself.
📄 Step 2: Apply for the Appropriate Visa at a Spanish Consulate
You must apply for a long-term visa in the U.S. before arriving in Spain.
Here’s how:
- Locate Your Jurisdiction’s Spanish Consulate
You must apply at the consulate that serves your U.S. state (e.g., NYC, LA, Miami, Houston, etc.). - Schedule an Appointment Early
Appointments can take weeks to get—schedule ASAP. - Gather Required Documents
These vary by visa but typically include:- Valid U.S. passport
- FBI background check (apostilled)
- Medical certificate (within 90 days)
- Financial statements
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
- Health insurance
- Application form and fee (~$100–$250 depending on the visa)
- Submit in Person
You must appear in person for your appointment. - Wait for Approval
Processing time is usually 4–8 weeks.
Once approved, you’ll get a visa sticker in your passport valid for 90 days. You’ll use that to enter Spain and apply for residency.
🛬 Step 3: Move to Spain and Apply for Residency (TIE)
Once in Spain with your long-stay visa:
Within 30 days of arrival, you must:
- Apply for your Foreigner Identity Number (NIE)
- You may already have a temporary NIE from your visa.
- You’ll need this for banking, renting, jobs, taxes.
- Apply for your Residency Card (TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)
- Schedule an appointment at the local Extranjería or police station.
- Bring passport, visa, proof of address, and other documents.
- Pay the residence card fee (~€15–€20).
The TIE card is your proof of legal residency and is typically valid for 1 year initially, renewable depending on your visa.
🏠 Step 4: Set Up Life in Spain
Once your residency is in progress or approved:
1. Find Housing
- You can rent short-term first (Airbnb or temporary rentals).
- Long-term rentals may require a Spanish bank account or work contract.
- Popular cities for expats include Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga.
2. Open a Spanish Bank Account
- Required for utilities, rent, and often your job.
- You’ll need your NIE, passport, and proof of address.
3. Enroll in Healthcare
- Public healthcare is available once you’re a legal resident.
- If you’re not eligible initially, private health insurance is required (especially for visa purposes).
4. Register with the Town Hall (Empadronamiento)
- Mandatory to register your address with the local ayuntamiento.
- Needed for schools, healthcare, and renewing your residency.
🧑💼 Step 5: Work Legally in Spain
Depending on your visa type:
If you have a Work Visa:
- You are already authorized to work for your employer.
- Must renew your residency annually, usually for 2–5 years before applying for permanent residency.
If you have a Digital Nomad Visa:
- You’re allowed to work remotely.
- Can work with foreign clients or your own U.S. company.
If you have a Non-Lucrative Visa:
- You cannot legally work for any employer or client.
- You can, however, apply to switch to a work visa after one year of legal residence (via a modification process).
👨👩👧 What About Family Members?
Spouse and children can usually join you under family reunification.
- They’ll need to apply for dependent visas.
- Children can enroll in public or international schools.
- After one year of residency, your family members may be eligible for their own work permits.
🛂 Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
- Permanent Residency: After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency, which allows indefinite stay and work.
- Citizenship: After 10 years of legal residence (less for those from Latin America, Philippines, or Sephardic Jewish descent), you can apply for Spanish citizenship.
✅ Final Checklist Before You Move
✔️ Apply for the right visa at your U.S. consulate
✔️ Organize international removals and shipping
✔️ Buy private health insurance for your visa
✔️ Secure short-term housing in Spain
✔️ Translate and apostille all required documents
✔️ Schedule appointments in Spain (NIE, TIE, empadronamiento)
✔️ Open a Spanish bank account
✔️ Register for healthcare and schools (if applicable)
🇪🇸 Summary
Moving to Spain from the USA is absolutely doable with preparation and patience. Here’s the simplified journey:
- Choose your visa (work, retire, remote work, student)
- Apply at the U.S. consulate
- Enter Spain and get your NIE/TIE (residency)
- Set up your life (housing, banking, insurance)
- Begin working (if your visa allows)
- Renew and eventually apply for permanent residency