Spain Visa Options
for Americans
Which visa path leads to YOUR dream move?
Digital Nomad freedom, retirement peace,
or career acceleration find your pathway in 2 minutes
“Over 50,000 Americans chose Spain. Here’s how they did it and which path is yours.”
95% Approval
30x Faster
500+ Families
Download FREE Visa Bundle – Guide & Requirement Checklist
Not Sure Which Visa Suits You?
Our 2-minute assessment matches you to the perfect visa based on your situation
Most Americans like you choose NLV or DNV.
The 3 Most Common Visa Challenges for Americans
Which visa is right for my work/life stage?
Will I pay taxes in Spain & the US?
What health
insurance do I need?
Get Clarity
Retired Passive Income
Remote Worker Freelancer
Student Career Change
Have Job Offer in Spain
Quick Match Visa Table: Essential Concepts
Best Visa |
Non-Lucrative | Digital Nomad | Student Visa | Work Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
€ 2,400/mo |
€ 2,000/mo |
€ 500/mo |
Employer Depend |
|
|
No Spanish Work |
Remote Only |
Part time(20hrs/wk) |
Full Work |
|
|
All Included |
All Included |
Limited |
All Included |
|
|
1-2 months |
2-3 months |
1-2 months |
3-6 months |
MEDIA
WATCH • LISTEN • READ
NATIVES
(video)
Learn more from real people, just like you & experts about moving to Spain.
Visas in Spain
Which Spanish Visa is Right for You?
DEEP DIVE
(podcasts)
5-15 minute conversations about Americans living in Spain.
Key Considerations
Tom & Ina talk through the incredible benefits & savings on healthcare.
SPAIN MADE SIMPLE
(blogs)
10-15 minute conversations about Americans living in Spain.
Is it Possible?
How long does it really take? What are the unexpected to consider?
THE EXPLAINER
(video)
10-15 minute videos answering your biggest Spain questions.
Visa Analysis
Over 100 leading sources, from expert lawyers, relocates, government agencies, explained.
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Our Newsletter
NATIVES-DEEP DIVE-SPAIN MADE SIMPLE-THE EXPLAINER
Watch • Listen • Read
Everything You Need to Know
Visa and Residency Options
All pathways explained in plain English
Buying and Property in Spain
Step-by-step guides written for Americans
Mortgages for US Citizens
How to secure Spanish financing from abroad
Schools and Education
American & International school options
Healthcare for
Expats
Public vs private: what Americans need to know
Cost of Living & Comparison
How much will Americans save by living in Spain?
Double Tax & Beckham’s Law
Will Beckhams’s law work for you? Paying tax in Spain?
Moving Step-by-
Step
Guiding you from an idea to living the life you want
4 Main Visa Options
Digital Nomad Visa
- €2,000-2,500 monthly income (proof required)
- Includes spouse/kids. Timeline 2-3 months
- Path to residency: renew yearly, permanent after 5 years.
- Check Nomad Eligibility
- Download Nomad Checklist
- See Family Properties
- FAQ: Can I work for US company?
Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
- For retirees, passive income, investors-not for working in Spain.
- €28,000+ annual income(plus €7,200 per dependent).
- Must spend 183+ days/year in Spain.
- Private health insurance(no deductibles)
- Check NLV Eligibility
- Download NLV Checklist
- See Properties Perfect for Retirees
- FAQ: How is US income proof handled?
Student Visa
- For university, language or business schools
- Study + work part-time (20 hours/week)
- Acceptance letter required, €6,000+ financial proof
- Timeline: 1-2 months
- Explore Spanish Schools
- Apply for Student Visa
- FAQ: Can I work after studies?
Traditional Work Visa
- Employer-sponsored for jobs in Spain (tech, healthcare, engineering etc)
- Full employment rights, quickest path to residency(2-5 years)
- Job offer + work permit requiredJob offer + work permit required
- Timeline: 3-6 months
- View Spanish Job Market
- Apply for Work Visa
- FAQ: Tips for US professionals?
Success Stories
Sarah & Mike, Texas- Work + Family life transformation on Costa del sol
Patraica & James, Illionis_ From high US taes to affordable Spanish lifestyle.
5 Main Visa Steps
Step 1
Choose Your Visa Type
Which lifestyle fits you?
Remote Work?
Retirement?
Career Change?
Step 2
Gather Documents
We’ve created custom checklist-no surprise, no
confusion.
Download Your Visa Checklist
Step 3
Submit Application
Your Spanish consulate gets everything it needs the first
time.
Step 4
Wait for Processing
2-6 months of planning mode begins we help you prepare
for your move
Step 5
Receive Decision
Your new life in Spain officially begins here
Resources
Visa Assessment Quiz
Find the best Spanish visa for your work situation, age, family status, and goals
Americans Complete Moving Guide
Downloadable PDF with checklists, cos calculators, and step-by-step timelines.
Regional Cost of Living Calculator
Compare your US city to top Spanish regions and neighborhoods
Schools & Education Guide
Explore Americans, international and bilingual schools, admissions advice and enrollment steps.
Healthcare Guide for Expats
Compare public and private healthcare, insurance options, and registration for Americans
Spanish Property Search Portal
Browse properties by visa type, destination, price range, and investment or family needs
US-Spain Tax Planning Guide
Read Beckhams’s law explanations, double cross border compliance for moving families.
FAQ Library
Health questions plus links to cost-of-living, schools, moving pages for life-stage coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
I work remotely for a US company-which visa?
Digital Nomad Visa
I’m retiring in 5 years-can I start planning now?
Non lucrative + Property Planning
Can I bring my kids and have them learn Spanish?
Student Visa /Non-lucrative Family Pathway
Which via should I choose-NLV or Digital Nomad?
Choose the NLV if you won’t work and can live off savings or investments. Choose the Digital Nomad Visa if you need to work remotely while living in Spain.
Will I pay double taxes?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Do I need to speak Spanish for visa?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
How long for approval?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Do I pay US and Spanish taxes?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Is healthcare required?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
What happens after landing?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
What if my application is rejected?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Which consulate do I use?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Do I qualify for Beckham Law?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Still Have Questions?
Not finding the answer you need? Our team is here to guide you with visa, tax, and property questions — no pressure, no obligation.