Disclaimer: Expatly360 provides relocation advice and document preparation guidance. We are not a law firm, attorney, notary, or accredited representative. We do not provide legal advice, legal representation, or act on your behalf with government agencies. We help you understand and prepare your own applications. For legal matters or to file applications on your behalf, please consult a qualified lawyer (abogado) or registered gestor.
Spain Relocation Paperwork for American Expats
Complete guide for US expats — your options for living in Spain. We advise you on the paperwork, you file it yourself.
Your 4 Pathways to Spanish Residency
Americans are choosing Spain every year. Here’s a clear path for you too.
Digital Nomad Visa
€2,849/month
Remote workers & freelancers
Non-Lucrative Visa
€2,400/month
Retirees & passive income earners
Entrepreneur Visa
Business plan based
Business owners with ENISA-approved plan
Highly Qualified Professional
Market salary €40k+
Corporate transferees & specialists
| Visa Type | Monthly Income Required | Work Allowed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Visa | €2,849/month | Remote work for non-Spanish companies | Remote workers & freelancers |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | €2,400/month | No work allowed | Retirees & passive income earners |
| Entrepreneur Visa | Business plan based | Run your own innovative startup | Business owners with ENISA-approved plan |
| Highly Qualified Professional | Market salary €40k+ | Employment at Spanish company | Corporate transferees & specialists |
The American Reality
Why Americans Choose Spain — And What to Plan For
Spain offers Americans a Mediterranean lifestyle at a fraction of US living costs. But cross-Atlantic relocation has specific challenges most guides don’t mention.
Tax & IRS Reality
The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence. We help you understand your FBAR, FATCA, and totalization agreement obligations before you file anything with Spanish authorities. We’ll explain which forms and deadlines apply to your situation.
See US expat guideHealthcare Access
Spain’s public healthcare becomes available once you’re a legal resident. For the gap period, we guide you on private insurance options that meet Spanish visa requirements. We help you compare plans, not sell them.
Healthcare overviewCost of Living Reality Check
Many Americans underestimate ongoing costs (currency fees, two-country tax filings, emergency travel). We give you a transparent breakdown of what moving actually costs — not the brochure numbers.
Miami vs Málaga comparisonBanking & FATCA
American banks typically won’t open accounts for non-resident Americans. Spanish banks often require an in-person visit plus NIE-equivalent documents. We advise you on which Spanish banks accept US clients and what paperwork to prepare before you walk in.
Open a Spanish bank accountVisa Fit Assessment
Not sure which Spanish visa fits? We do a 15-minute assessment of your situation — employment type, income source, family size — and tell you which visa path is realistic. You then file it yourself or with a lawyer.
Digital Nomad Visa guideCar & Reverse Logistics
Many Americans underestimate reverse logistics: what happens to your US property, US car, US mail. We provide a checklist and connect you with estate agents and mail-forwarding services on the US side.
Vehicle registration guideHow It Works — 4 Simple Steps
The path to your TIE card is simple with professional guidance.
Free Consultation
We assess your situation — income, employment, family — and recommend the best visa path.
Document Preparation
US documents need apostilles and official translations. We guide you through every step.
Consulate Submission
Apply at the Spanish consulate covering your US jurisdiction — or apply directly in Spain.
Move to Spain
Upon approval, we advise on collecting your visa, opening a Spanish bank account, registering at the town hall, and getting your TIE card.
US-Specific Document Checklist
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| US passport | Valid beyond planned stay |
| FBI background check | Apostille required (US State Department) |
| US birth / marriage certificates | Official translation + apostille |
| US employment contract / 1099s | For Digital Nomad Visa |
| US tax returns (last 2 years) | Demonstrates income source |
| US bank statements (3–6 months) | Shows financial means |
US Expat FAQs
Do I need a visa to move to Spain from the US?
Depends on length of stay and purpose. US citizens get visa-free tourist entry for 90 days. Long stays require a visa — most commonly the Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, or a family/work-based route.
See full US expat guideWhat’s the cheapest way for an American to get residency in Spain?
Most paths cost €80–€150 in government fees plus document preparation. We advise on preparation, you file yourself.
Will I lose my US citizenship if I become a Spanish resident?
No. The US allows dual citizenship. Spain does not formally, but tolerates it for many nationalities — verify your specific situation with a qualified lawyer.
Do I have to pay US taxes if I live in Spain?
Yes. The US taxes worldwide income. Spain taxes residents on worldwide income too. You typically file both, with foreign tax credits to avoid double taxation.
US expat guideHow long does the Spain Digital Nomad Visa take from the US?
Typically 3–6 weeks after submission, processing in Spain. From the US, plan for apostille and FBI background check timelines (4–8 weeks) before applying.
Digital Nomad Visa guideWhat about healthcare — can I use Medicare in Spain?
No, Medicare generally doesn’t cover overseas care. Spain’s public system activates once you’re a legal resident. Private insurance is required for visa applications.
Healthcare overviewReady to Make Spain Your New Home?
We advise Americans on Spain relocation every week. Book a free 15-minute consultation — we’ll tell you which visa path is realistic for your situation.