Making the move from Spain to the United States is a major life decision—whether it’s for work, love, family, education, or adventure. While the U.S. offers vast opportunities, its immigration system is complex and competitive. Spanish nationals need to navigate a detailed legal process, prepare culturally, and adapt to a very different way of life.
If you’re planning removals to the USA from Spain, this guide covers everything you need to know—from visas and relocation logistics to settling in and building a new life in the U.S.
✅ How Spanish Citizens Can Move to the USA
1. Visa-Free Travel for Tourism
Spain is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), so Spanish citizens can visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or short business trips. However, this does not allow for working, studying, or long-term stays.
For a full move, you need a proper U.S. visa or immigrant status.
🛂 Visa Options for Moving to the U.S. from Spain
1. Employment-Based Visas
These require a job offer from a U.S. employer.
- H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)
- For skilled professionals (e.g., IT, finance, healthcare).
- Requires a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Employer sponsorship required.
- Subject to an annual cap and lottery.
- L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfer)
- For employees being transferred within the same company.
- Must have worked at least one year with the company in Spain.
- O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)
- For individuals with proven exceptional talent in arts, sciences, education, business, or sports.
2. Investor Visa (E-2)
- Spanish citizens are eligible for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa.
- Requires investment in a U.S. business (typically $100,000+).
- Allows the investor and immediate family to live and work in the U.S.
- Renewable indefinitely as long as the business is active and profitable.
3. Family-Based Green Card
- For those married to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Also for parents, children, or siblings of U.S. citizens (subject to quotas).
- One of the most common paths for removals to the USA from Spain.
4. Diversity Visa Lottery (Green Card Lottery)
- Spain is eligible, and citizens can apply annually.
- Winners can move to the U.S. permanently.
- It’s free to apply, but selection is by lottery and not guaranteed.
5. Student Visa (F-1)
- For studying at an accredited U.S. institution.
- Requires proof of acceptance, financial means, and intent to return after studies (unless status later changes).
- Allows part-time on-campus work.
📦 Planning Removals to the USA from Spain
Relocation logistics are an important part of the move. Here’s what to consider when preparing for removals to the USA from Spain:
International Shipping
- Use a company experienced in transatlantic moves.
- Most goods are sent by sea freight (4–8 weeks).
- U.S. customs requires accurate inventory and declaration forms.
- Some items may be restricted (food, alcohol, electronics).
Important Documents to Prepare:
- Valid Spanish passport (6+ months before expiration).
- Visa approval documents.
- Certified translations of:
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Academic qualifications
- Criminal background check
- Vaccination records (especially for children)
- Health insurance coverage
🏠 Living in the USA: What to Expect
Cost of Living
Compared to Spain, many parts of the U.S. have:
- Higher housing and healthcare costs
- More reliance on private insurance
- Wide regional differences: New York and San Francisco are expensive, while cities like Austin, Tampa, or Raleigh are more affordable.
Housing
- Renting is fast-paced and competitive in major cities.
- A Social Security Number (SSN), credit history, and proof of income are often required—new arrivals may need to pay higher deposits or provide a guarantor.
Transportation
- The U.S. is car-dependent in most cities outside of New York, Chicago, and a few others.
- Public transport is less widespread than in Spain.
👨👩👧👦 Raising a Family in the U.S.
For families planning removals to the USA from Spain, here’s what to know:
Education
- Public schools vary in quality depending on district.
- Private and charter schools are common alternatives.
- Spanish-speaking children may benefit from bilingual or ESL programs.
Healthcare
- Unlike Spain’s universal system, the U.S. uses private insurance.
- Health insurance is expensive but essential.
- Emergency care is high quality, but routine care can be costly without coverage.
Lifestyle Differences
- Parenting culture in the U.S. is more structured, with a focus on activities and independence.
- Work-life balance is typically less favorable than in Spain.
- Community and extended family support may be harder to access.
👔 Working in the U.S.
If you’re moving for work, be prepared for cultural and professional differences:
- Work Hours: Americans often work longer hours with less vacation time.
- Networking: Professional networking and personal branding are more emphasized.
- Taxes: Be aware of both U.S. federal and state taxes. If you keep ties to Spain, consult an international tax advisor to avoid double taxation.
If you’re starting a business, Spanish citizens on the E-2 visa enjoy significant flexibility, though U.S. tax laws and registration requirements can be complex.
📍 Cultural Adjustments
Differences to Prepare For:
- Americans are generally more individualistic and private.
- Tipping culture is standard (15–20% in restaurants).
- Customer service is highly responsive.
- Spanish social customs, like long meals or siestas, are rare.
Removals to the USA from Spain also involve adjusting to:
- Greater distances between cities and family.
- A more diverse cultural landscape.
- A fast-paced, competitive environment, especially in urban areas.
✅ After You Arrive: Legal & Practical To-Dos
- Get a Social Security Number (SSN):
- Needed to work, open a bank account, and access most services.
- Open a U.S. Bank Account
- Needed for salary deposits, bill payments, etc.
- You’ll need proof of address, ID, and possibly an SSN or visa.
- Driver’s License
- Most states allow you to drive temporarily with a foreign license, but you’ll eventually need a U.S. license.
- Some states recognize Spanish licenses; others require testing.
- Healthcare Enrollment
- Use private insurance through your employer, a health marketplace, or directly from providers.
🇺🇸 Final Thoughts on Removals to the USA from Spain
Removals to the USA from Spain are a big step, involving legal, cultural, and emotional changes. But for those who prepare carefully—securing the right visa, understanding the lifestyle shift, and learning the U.S. systems—the move can open doors to exciting new opportunities in work, education, and personal growth.
Whether you’re relocating for a job, starting a new business, joining a family member, or exploring the American dream, removals to the USA from Spain require planning, patience, and adaptability.