Spanish immigration for US citizens
Moving to Spain from the USA
Explore the main immigration routes available to US citizens planning to live, work, work remotely, join family or establish themselves in Spain. Understand the available options before preparing your immigration application.
Spain immigration for Americans
Can US citizens move to Spain?
US citizens who intend to establish residence in Spain should identify the immigration route that corresponds to the purpose and duration of their stay.
The appropriate option can depend on whether you intend to work remotely, accept employment in Spain, establish a professional activity, live from independent financial resources or join qualifying family members.
Reviewing the immigration route before relocation can help identify the documents, financial evidence and procedural steps that may need to be prepared while you are still in the United States.
Immigration routes
Visa and residence options for Americans moving to Spain
Different immigration routes may apply depending on whether you plan to work remotely, live from independent financial resources, work in Spain, establish a business or move for family reasons.
Digital Nomad Visa
A route that may be relevant to eligible US professionals working remotely for companies or clients located outside Spain.
Explore Digital Nomad Visa →Non-Lucrative Residence
A residence option that may be relevant to Americans with sufficient financial resources who intend to live in Spain without carrying out professional activity.
Explore Non-Lucrative Residence →Highly Qualified Professionals
Immigration assistance for eligible US professionals relocating to Spain for specialised or highly qualified employment.
Highly Qualified Professionals →Self-Employment in Spain
An immigration route for US citizens who intend to establish an independent professional or business activity in Spain.
Self-Employment Visa →Family Immigration
Residence options may be available where the applicant has qualifying family relationships with Spanish citizens, EU citizens or residents in Spain.
Explore Family Immigration →Other Residence Permits
Additional residence categories may be relevant depending on employment, studies, family circumstances or an applicant’s existing immigration status.
Explore Residence Permits →Planning your relocation
Important points for Americans relocating to Spain
Immigration planning involves more than choosing a visa. US applicants should also consider documentation, timing, family members and the practical transition to residence in Spain.
Choose the correct route
Select the immigration category that corresponds to your professional, financial and family circumstances.
Prepare before leaving the USA
Certain documents may need to be obtained or prepared in the United States before relocating.
Plan for your family
Review whether eligible spouses, partners, children or other family members can accompany or join you.
Understand the next steps
Plan the application, supporting evidence and procedures that may follow after arriving in Spain.
Documentation
Documents US citizens may need when moving to Spain
The exact documentation depends on the immigration route. Documents issued in the United States may also require preparation before being submitted in Spain.
Passport & identity
Valid identification, passport information and personal records normally form part of Spanish immigration procedures.
Professional evidence
Employment contracts, remote-work evidence, professional experience or business documentation may be relevant depending on the route.
Financial evidence
Certain residence categories may require evidence concerning income, savings, financial means or other economic circumstances.
US-issued documents
Civil, professional or other documents issued in the United States may require apostille, legalisation or translation depending on the procedure.
How it works
Planning your move from the United States to Spain
Define your objective
Identify whether you plan to work remotely, work in Spain, live without working, establish a business or join family.
Review your circumstances
Analyse your professional activity, income, family circumstances and expected length of residence in Spain.
Prepare documentation
Identify the US and international documents that may be needed for the proposed immigration route.
Prepare the application
Organise the immigration strategy, supporting evidence and procedural steps for your relocation to Spain.
Moving to Spain
Immigration guides for other English-speaking countries
Frequently asked questions
Moving to Spain from the USA: common questions
US citizens can consider different Spanish immigration routes depending on the purpose and duration of their residence, professional activity, financial circumstances and family situation.
Eligible US remote professionals may be able to use an immigration route designed for international remote workers, subject to the applicable professional, financial and documentary requirements.
Certain residence options may be relevant to US citizens who intend to live in Spain without carrying out professional activity and who meet the applicable financial and documentary requirements.
Eligible family members may be able to accompany or join the principal applicant depending on the immigration route and qualifying family relationship.
Depending on the immigration procedure and document involved, documents issued in the United States may need an apostille, legalisation or official translation before being used in Spain.
Yes. Immigration planning can begin before travelling so that the proposed route, documentation and application strategy can be reviewed in advance.
Yes. Online consultations allow clients in the United States to discuss their circumstances and prepare their immigration strategy before relocating to Spain.
The appropriate route depends on your purpose in Spain, employment or professional activity, financial resources, family circumstances and other relevant facts.
Planning to move from the USA to Spain?
Schedule an online consultation to review your circumstances, identify the Spanish immigration route that may apply and understand the documents and next steps for your move.