If you are Moving to Spain from USA in 2024, then you need to have a quick read of this page to help guide you on your way to moving to Spain from the US. Spain is a very popular destination for Americans especially if you are a Spanish speaker, however there are many English speaking communities in Spain especially on the coastal regions of Spain around the Mediterranean sea.
Spain has a cheaper cost of living compared to the USA and provides easy access to other EU countries, and has many beautiful cities for people from all walks of life to explore of live in.
If you want full information on just about all aspects of what to do to be able to live in Spain then visit the moving to Spain info page on the advance moves website. It is aimed at UK citizens moving to Spain but just about most things also apply to the US citizen that is moving to Spain. How ever if you are Moving to Spain from the USA and you are a US citizen then read the info below that gives you info on obtaining a visa and residency which is the first steps when Moving to Spain from the USA.
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Save money when moving to Spain from USA
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The service is free and without obligation. It is just the easiest way to obtain quotes for Moving to Spain from the USA and saving money by comparing prices.
How to move to Spain from the USA
Firstly you need to do a bit of research and see if you can obtain a visa to be able to move to Spain to live.
If you’re planning of moving to Spain from the USA as a student, expat worker or a retiree, then you’ve come to the right place! In this guide you’ll find out the practicalities of moving to Spain as an American citizen.
Advance moves can save you time and money on removal costs.
Using the Advance Moves quick quote system can significantly save you time and money when moving house Internationally. Just click on the link for your instant online quote and then compare quotes from up to the 5 best removal companies already pre-selected to match your moving requirements. Get the best deals on international removals today.
What visa do I need to live in Spain?
Americans who want to visit Spain for less than 90 days for tourism, study, or business don’t need a visa. You can enjoy this visa-free access to Spain until the end of 2023.
Then from early 2024, All US citizens will need to apply for a visa waiver called an ETIAS to enter Spain. You’ll need to apply for ETIAS at least 72 hours before your flight. If successful, your permit will be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires so you can use it again and again for travel between the USA and Spain.
If you’re planning to visit Spain for more than 90 days, then you’ll need to apply for a valid visa depending on your purpose of visit or stay. There are several types of visa.
The top 7 visa types for US citizens moving to Spain are:
- Student Visa
- Job Search Visa
- Work Visa
- Golden Visa Spain (Investor visa)
- Non-Lucrative Visa
- Permanent Residency
- Family Reunification Visa
Student visas for Moving to Spain from USA.
American citizens who’re enrolled in a study or exchange program in Spain or want to do an unpaid internship, or want to conduct research or training can apply for a Spanish student visa.
There are 3 types of Student Visas depending on the duration of your stay.
- Schengen student visa: Maximum stay of 3 months (90 days).
- Short term student visa: Maximum stay of 6 months (180 days).
- Long term student visa: For students who need to stay longer than 6 months.
You need to have an offer letter from the educational institute you are joining before you can apply for a student visa in Spain.
You can apply for this visa up to 3 months before your planned departure date to allow enough time for processing of the visa application.
The required documents are slightly different for each student visa type, but the process to apply is the same.
- Have your offer letter and other documents ready, such as visa form, proof of finance and medical insurance, passport, etc.
- Book an appointment at the Spanish embassy or consulate and submit all the documents.
- Pay the visa application fee (€60).
- You will hear back after a few weeks about the outcome. If positive, you can collect your visa. If negative, you can appeal or try again.
Students with the long-term student visa can also work up to 20 hours per week if they apply for their Tarjeta de identidad de extranjero (TIE card) (foreigner identity card).
Advance moves can save you time and money on removal costs.
Using the Advance Moves quick quote system can significantly save you time and money when moving house Internationally. Just click on the link for your instant online quote and then compare quotes from up to the 5 best removal companies already pre-selected to match your moving requirements. Get the best deals on international removals today.
Job search visa for Moving to Spain from USA
The job search visa allows student visa holders to stay in Spain after their undergraduate or master’s degree in an effort to find a job. The job search visa is a non-renewable visa that is valid for 12 months and is primarily designed to give students that have passed qualifications in Spain, enough time to then find a job in Spain.
US citizens can apply for the Job Search Visa if they:
- Have recently completed their bachelor or master’s degree on a Spanish student visa. You can apply 60 days before your student visa expires or until 90 days after.
- Have the means to supports themselves (and any dependents).
- Have Spanish health insurance.
Work Visa’s and Moving to Spain from USA
This is for all US citizens who’ve a job offer from a company in Spain. The Spanish company will need to apply for a Spanish work visa on your behalf, as they will need to prove that, either you’re filling an in-demand or shortage occupation in Spain or that they couldn’t find a EU person.
The work visa is valid for 1 year. After that, you can ask for renewals twice. Each renewal will grant you a 2-year visa. So 5 years are possible in total on this type of visa.
The Spanish company that is willing to hire you, needs to start the process by applying for a work permit. You need to be in the USA when you conditionally accept the work offer. Once they’re done, you can submit your entrance visa application. After you’ve arrived in Spain, don’t forget to officially sign the work contract and then apply for your foreigner identity card (TIE card), social security, and health insurance.
Highly skilled visa and moving to spain from USA
This visa is for those highly skilled Americans that are required for Spanish positions.
- Who are hired as a manager or in some senior leadership role. You’ll likely need to be hired by a big or medium-sized company that can match the minimum salary requirements.
- Or hired by the government or a university as a lecturer or researcher.
The advantages of this visa include:
- You can bring your family with you.
- Visa processing time takes 10 business days.
- Unlike other work visas, you can be in Spain when your employer applies for this visa.
- Your job does not need to be in an in-demand sector.
- As a manager you’ll earn a minimum gross salary of €54,000. As a scientific professional, you’ll earn a minimum gross salary of €40,000. (correct in 2022)
Your highly skilled visa will be valid for 2 years and can be renewed later. The process is the same as applying for a residence permit in Spain. Or if you’re already in Spain, your employer can start the process for you.
Advance moves can save you time and money on removal costs.
Using the Advance Moves quick quote system can significantly save you time and money when moving house Internationally. Just click on the link for your instant online quote and then compare quotes from up to the 5 best removal companies already pre-selected to match your moving requirements. Get the best deals on international removals today.
Self employed or entrepreneur visa for moving to Spain from USA
This visa is for those Americans who are wanting to set up shop in Spain with a small business of their own.
This visa is initially valid for 1 year and can be renewed 4 times, for 1-year validity each. Each time you’ll need to prove your plan’s still viable and has a positive impact on the local economy and society. So a 5 year stay on this visa is possible if your business is working.
You can apply for this visa in Spain if you:
- Are qualified to work in the business sector.
- Have sufficient funding.
- Show a detailed business plan that will also be in public interest (create local employment, contribute to developments in science and technology, or have a positive socio-economic impact.
The Golden visa and moving to Spain from the USA
The Golden visa or the Investor Visa is for those who wish to invest a significant amount in Spain’s economy. Eligibility depends on a minimum investment in either of the following options:
- €500,000 in a property. This is by far the most common and easiest way as most people can just purchase an expensive house and then get a golden visa to stay in Spain.
- €1 million in company shares or bank deposits.
- €2 million in treasury bonds.
- Invest a lot in a new business that will generate local employment, contribute to innovations in technology or science, or create positive socio-economic impact.
The Golden Visa includes a work visa and allows the visa holder to bring their dependent family immediately. This is why the investor visa is a gateway to a long-term residence permit or even citizenship (for those who’ve continuously resided in Spain for 10 years).
The Golden Visa is also beneficial for those Americans who do not plan to stay in Spain for extended periods of time or want a quick approval on their visa application. As someone not living in Spain, you can benefit from the dual tax arrangement between USA and Spain. The Golden Visa is valid for 1 year. During this year, you’ve to visit Spain and collect your residence permit which is valid for 2 years. You can apply for renewals indefinitely as long as you maintain the minimum investment level.
To apply you need to be committed to making an investment or must have already made the investment at the time of your visa application. You’ll need to bring the following documents with you:
- Visa Form and fees.
- 2 passport pictures
- Passport valid for at least 6 months and with at least 2 blank pages.
- Proof of funds.
- Police report confirming no criminality and local address. No older than 3 months.
- Proof of Spanish health insurance.
- Documents reated to your property investment, shares, or bonds.
The non lucrative visa and Moving to Spain from USA
The non lucrative visa is perfect for those American citizens who want to retire to Spain or live in Spain for more than 90 days without employment. So if you’ve the financial means to support yourself and you can prove it, this visa is for you. Some examples include pensions, savings, or income-generating investments. This visa is initially valid for 1 year and renewable every 2 years after that if you’ve spent at least half a year (183 days) in Spain.
To apply for this visa, you need to have a:
- Filled in visa form and the visa fee.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- 1 passport photo.
- Proof of enough funds (minimum of $30,000/year at present).
- Private health insurance.
- Police report confirming your address. Must be legalised using the Hague Appostille.
- Medical certificate proving you’re of sound mental and physical health.
- Documents for your dependents (such as marriage or birth certificate).
Advance moves can save you time and money on removal costs.
Using the Advance Moves quick quote system can significantly save you time and money when moving house Internationally. Just click on the link for your instant online quote and then compare quotes from up to the 5 best removal companies already pre-selected to match your moving requirements. Get the best deals on international removals today.
Permanent residency visa and moving to Spain from the USA
Those US citizens who have lived in Spain for at least Five uninterrupted years are eligible for a permanent residency in Spain. But if you’ve had a student visa in Spain, only 50% of your time spent in Spain on that visa will count towards your Permanent residency (PR) application.
The Spanish PR will let you live and work in Spain as if you are a Spanish resident. This visa is also the gateway for getting a Spanish Passport if you want full Spanish citizenship or dual nationality.
The Permanent Residency Visa in Spain is valid for 5 years. After this, you can apply for citizenship as you would’ve stayed in Spain for 10 uninterrupted years.
The PR visa application needs to be filed in person, and you need the following documents:
- A filled out visa application Modelo EX11.
- Visa fee of €80.
- Valid passport with 3 months validity and current residence permit.
- Proof of residence in Spain (Empadronamiento).
- Proof of funds, either via savings or employment.
- Spanish health insurance.
- In some cases, police records from Spain or USA.
Family reunification visa and moving to Spain from USA
This is for Americans who already have direct family members in Spain and want to move there to reunite with their family. They can apply for the family reunification visa.
In general, the following family members can apply for this visa as it is for close family members only:
- Spouse or civil partner
- Children under 18
- Parents and parents in-law who’re above 65
This is valid only as long as the family member’s residence permit or foreigner identity card (TIE) is valid.
In order to apply the documents required for the family reunification visa differ depending on who you want to bring. But here’s a general overview:
- Passport
- Spanish residence permit
- Original plus translated and legalised copy of birth certificate, marriage certificate, civil partnership agreement, or adoption papers.
- Filled in visa application form
- Adequate housing report
- Proof of sufficient funds and proof that the family member is dependent on you financially.
- Proof of health insurance for all
- Criminal background report of the foreign family member
- Health certificate to prove the foreign family member is not a threat to society
What to do once you have moved to Spain from USA
Once you arrive in Spain from the USA with a temporary residence visa, you need to apply for a foreign identity card (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero or TIE) within 1 month.
Your foreign identity card or TIE card serves as your temporary residence permit and proof of your legal status as a resident of Spain.
Your TIE card will contain information such as your full name, residence duration, and your unique foreign identity number (NIE). You will need this card for most fiscal matters and as proof of ID in Spain. It is a very important card to have.
Advance moves can save you time and money on removal costs.
Using the Advance Moves quick quote system can significantly save you time and money when moving house Internationally. Just click on the link for your instant online quote and then compare quotes from up to the 5 best removal companies already pre-selected to match your moving requirements. Get the best deals on international removals today.
How to obtain a TIE card when Moving to Spain from the USA
You must file for your TIE application at your local police station or immigration office within 30 days of your entry into Spain.
Documents for obtaining the TIE card
Foreign Identity card has fixed requirements for all applicants:
- Valid passport and photocopy
- Valid residence visa for Spain
- 3 passport-sized colour photographs
- A filled-in EX17 application form and 3 copies
- Proof of address (padron certificate)
- Health insurance coverage in Spain
- Proof of payment of the administration fee (€15.76)
- Proof of financial resources (for those not intending to work)
- Proof of school enrolment (for students only)
You receive a copy of your application immediately upon filing it. Your actual TIE card arrives within 3 months of the application filing and you will have to pick it up in person from the immigration office in Spain where you first applied for it.The TIE card is valid until the end of your residence visa. You can extend it after your residence visa is renewed. It normally has a 5 year or 10 year expiry date on the card.
More info
Find out more about moving to Spain by visiting the advance moves website. We have loads of info pages on moving to just about any country in Europe and you can get a quick quote is just 30 seconds for a house removal to just about any country.
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