Moving to Spain from the US in 2026: The Complete Checklist

Last Updated on May 19, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

If you’re considering moving to Spain from the US in 2026, you’re far from alone — thousands of Americans make the leap across the Atlantic every year. But the process of actually getting there — legally, financially, and logistically — is very different for US citizens compared to EU nationals or citizens of other countries.

Related Guide: Beckham Law guide — for full tax details.

Full Guide: Cost of living breakdown for planning your move.

Document Prep: Apostille your documents before applying for your visa.

This complete guide to moving to Spain from the US covers everything specific to Americans (for a general overview, see our Moving to Spain Guide): from which visa path makes sense for your situation, to the FBI background check timeline, the US tax obligations you’ll still owe Uncle Sam, and the practical steps to get settled once you land.

Step 1: Choose Your Visa Path (6–12 Months Before Your Move)

When moving to Spain from the US, keep in mind that as a US citizen you can visit for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. But if you want to live in Spain, you need a long-stay visa. Here are the main options for Americans in 2026:

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

Best for: retirees, financially independent individuals, and anyone who doesn’t need to work. You must prove passive income of approximately €2,400/month (€28,800/year) for the main applicant, plus €600/month per dependent. You cannot work — not even remotely — on this visa. Since May 2025, you must live in Spain at least 183 days per year to qualify for renewal.

→ Full NLV Guide

Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

Best for: remote workers employed by a non-Spanish company or freelancers with international clients. The minimum income requirement in 2026 is approximately €2,850/month (200% of Spain’s minimum wage). You can work remotely from Spain, but no more than 20% of your work can be for Spanish clients.

→ Full DNV Guide

Student Visa

Best for: anyone willing to enroll in a Spanish educational program (language school, university, or master’s program). Lower financial threshold than NLV, and a popular path for people who want to experience Spain before committing to a longer-term visa. Limited work allowed (up to 30 hours/week).

→ Full Student Visa Guide

Entrepreneur / Startup Visa

Best for: founders launching a business in Spain. Requires a viable business plan and approval from ENISA (Spain’s national innovation agency). Less common among Americans but increasingly popular.

Golden Visa — No Longer Available

Spain’s Golden Visa program, which granted residency in exchange for a €500,000+ property investment, ended on April 3, 2025. No new applications are accepted. If you’ve seen older guides mentioning this route, it’s no longer an option.

→ Not sure which visa? Use our Visa Navigator tool

Step 2: Gather Your US-Specific Documents (4–6 Months Before)

This is where the American process diverges significantly from other nationalities. The document timeline is the number one reason US applicants miss their target move date.

FBI Background Check + Apostille

Every long-stay visa requires a criminal background check. For Americans, this means:

• Get fingerprinted — at your local police station or a live scan provider. You’ll need a standard FBI fingerprint card (FD-258).
• Submit to the FBI — processing takes 12–14 weeks by mail, or 24–48 hours through an approved FBI channeler (costs $50–100 extra but saves months).
• Apostille through the US State Department — the FBI report must be apostilled (authenticated for international use). This adds 2–4 weeks by mail.
• Sworn translation into Spanish — must be done by a translator officially registered with Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Critical timing note: Most Spanish consulates require the FBI check to be issued within 90 days of your visa application submission. Start the process early, but not too early, or it may expire before your consulate appointment.

→ Apostille Services

Other Required Documents

• Valid US passport — must be valid for at least one year beyond your intended entry date.
• Visa application form (EX-00) — downloaded from the Spanish consulate website for your jurisdiction.
• Passport-size photos — white background, Spanish consulate specifications.
• Proof of financial means — bank statements (typically last 3–6 months), investment account statements, pension/Social Security income proof, or employment contract (for DNV).
• Private health insurance — must cover all medical treatment in Spain with no copay exceeding 20%, including hospitalization and repatriation. US health insurance (including Medicare) is not accepted.
• Medical certificate — issued by your doctor, stating you don’t have any diseases requiring quarantine under International Health Regulations.

→ Health Insurance for Spain Visas | Medical Certificate Guide

Step 3: Book Your Spanish Consulate Appointment (3–4 Months Before)

The US has Spanish consulates in Washington DC, New York, Miami, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston. Your appointment must be at the consulate that covers your state of residence — you cannot choose a different one.

Consulate appointments fill up fast, often weeks or months in advance. Some consulates use online booking systems; others require email or phone. Book as soon as your documents are coming together.

After your appointment, processing typically takes 1–3 months. The consulate will affix the visa to your passport, and you’ll have 90 days to enter Spain and begin your residency process.

→ Consulate-specific guides available in our NLV hub

Step 4: Handle Your US Financial Affairs Before You Leave

This is the step most Americans underestimate. Moving to Spain from the US doesn’t end your tax obligations — it adds Spanish ones on top.

You Will Still File US Taxes

The US is one of only two countries that taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. As an American in Spain, you will file:

• US federal tax return — every year, reporting your global income.
• Spanish tax return (Declaración de la Renta) — if you spend 183+ days in Spain, you are a Spanish tax resident.

The US-Spain Tax Treaty helps prevent double taxation. Key relief provisions include the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (up to ~$130,000 in 2026) and the Foreign Tax Credit.

FBAR and FATCA Reporting

Once you open Spanish bank accounts, you trigger additional US reporting requirements:

• FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) — required if your foreign accounts exceed $10,000 in aggregate at any point during the year.
• FATCA (Form 8938) — required if foreign financial assets exceed $200,000 on the last day of the tax year (for single filers living abroad).

Penalties for non-compliance are severe. Budget for a tax professional who specializes in US expat + Spanish tax filings.

→ US-Spain Tax Experts | Spain Tax Calculator

Banking: Keep US Accounts, Open Spanish Ones

Most expats keep their US bank accounts and retirement funds (401k, IRA, Social Security) in the US and transfer only what they need to Spain. Services like Wise or Revolut offer better exchange rates than traditional banks for regular transfers. See our guide to bank accounts and money transfer services for more options.

Open a Spanish bank account after you arrive and register your address (empadronamiento). You’ll need it for rent payments, utilities, and your NIE/TIE card.

Step 5: Prepare for Moving to Spain from the US (1–2 Months Before)

Health Insurance

You need private Spanish health insurance before your visa appointment — your US plan won’t be accepted. Costs vary significantly by age:

• Under 40: from ~€50–80/month
• 40–60: from ~€100–200/month
• 60+: from ~€200–400/month

Policies must have no copay exceeding 20% and must include hospitalization and repatriation. Bank-offered insurance is generally not sufficient for visa purposes.

→ Compare Visa-Compliant Health Insurance

Shipping and Moving

International shipping from the US to Spain typically takes 4–8 weeks by sea freight. Many Americans find it more cost-effective to sell most belongings and buy new in Spain, shipping only sentimental or high-value items. Don’t bring your US car — the cost and bureaucratic hurdles of importing and registering it in Spain almost never make sense.

→ Moving and Shipping Services

Housing: Rent First

Strongly consider renting for at least your first year. The Spanish rental market is competitive in major cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga), and having a local address is essential for your empadronamiento (municipal registration). You’ll need your empadronamiento for almost every administrative step that follows.

Pets

Bringing a pet to Spain from the US requires a USDA-endorsed veterinary health certificate (APHIS Form 7001), a current rabies vaccination, and an ISO microchip. Start the vet paperwork 30 days before your flight — the health certificate is only valid for 10 days from the date of endorsement.

→ Pet Transport Services

Step 6: Your First 30 Days in Spain

Once you land with your visa, the clock starts ticking. Here’s what to tackle in order:

1. Empadronamiento (Municipal Registration)

Register at your local town hall (Ayuntamiento) within 30 days of arriving. You need a rental contract or proof of address. This is the foundation document for everything else.

→ Empadronamiento Guide

2. NIE/TIE Card Application

Within 30 days of entry, apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) — your physical residency card. This requires an appointment at the Oficina de Extranjería or a designated police station. You’ll need your empadronamiento, passport, visa, photos, and the EX-17 form.

3. Open a Spanish Bank Account

Bring your passport, NIE/TIE, and proof of address. Major banks include CaixaBank, BBVA, Santander, and Sabadell. Online-first options like Openbank or N26 are also popular with expats.

4. Get a Spanish Phone Number

A local number is needed for bank verification, doctor appointments, and government services. Major providers are Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and budget options like Digi and Lycamobile.

5. Register with Social Security (if applicable)

If you’re on a Digital Nomad Visa or any work-authorized visa, you’ll need to register with the Spanish Social Security system (Seguridad Social) and, if self-employed, sign up as autónomo. See our work permits and residency options guide for details.

Step 7: Ongoing US Obligations (Don’t Forget These)

• Annual US tax filing — deadline is June 15 for Americans abroad (automatic extension), with further extension to October 15 available.
• FBAR filing — due April 15, automatic extension to October 15.
• State tax obligations — some US states (California, New York, Virginia, etc.) may still consider you a tax resident even after you move. Establish non-residency carefully.
• Medicare — does not cover you in Spain. If you’re over 65, decide whether to maintain Part B (premiums increase if you drop and re-enroll later).
• Social Security benefits — you can receive US Social Security payments in Spain. Direct deposit to a US bank account is the simplest approach.
• US passport renewal — can be done at the US Embassy in Madrid or Consulate General in Barcelona.
• Voting — register for absentee voting through FVAP.gov to vote in US elections from Spain.

Moving to Spain from the US: Timeline Summary

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Spain from the US

Can I work remotely on a Non-Lucrative Visa?

No. The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) explicitly prohibits any form of work, including remote work for a foreign employer. If you need to work remotely from Spain, the Digital Nomad Visa is the correct option. Working on an NLV — even freelancing or remote consulting — can result in visa denial at renewal.

How long does the FBI background check take?

By mail, the FBI background check takes 12–14 weeks. If you use an approved FBI channeler, you can get results in 24–48 hours for an additional $50–100. After receiving the results, you still need to apostille the document through the US State Department (2–4 weeks) and get a sworn translation into Spanish. Plan for 4–5 months total if going the standard mail route, or 1–2 months using a channeler.

Do I still pay US taxes if I live in Spain?

Yes. The United States taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. As an American in Spain, you will file both a US federal tax return and a Spanish tax return (if you spend 183+ days in Spain). The US-Spain Tax Treaty, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, and the Foreign Tax Credit help prevent double taxation, but you should work with a tax professional specializing in US-Spain filings.

Is US health insurance or Medicare accepted for Spanish visas?

No. US health insurance plans, including Medicare, are not accepted for any Spanish visa application. You must purchase private health insurance from a provider operating in Spain, with no copay exceeding 20%, and coverage must include hospitalization and repatriation. Compare visa-compliant health insurance options here.

How much money do I need to move to Spain from the US?

Financial requirements depend on your visa type. For the Non-Lucrative Visa, you need approximately €2,400/month (€28,800/year) in passive income for the main applicant, plus €600/month per dependent. For the Digital Nomad Visa, the minimum is approximately €2,850/month. Beyond visa requirements, budget for flights, initial rent deposits (typically 2–3 months upfront), shipping costs, and health insurance. Use the SpainGuru Budget Calculator to estimate your total cost of living.

Can I bring my pet to Spain from the US?

Yes. You need a USDA-endorsed veterinary health certificate (APHIS Form 7001), a current rabies vaccination, and an ISO-compliant microchip. Start the vet paperwork 30 days before your flight — the health certificate is only valid for 10 days from the date of USDA endorsement. See our pet transport services guide for more details.

Do I need to speak Spanish to move to Spain?

No language proficiency is required for most visa types (NLV, DNV). However, basic Spanish will significantly improve your daily life, especially outside major cities and tourist areas. The Student Visa route is a popular option for those who want to learn Spanish while living in Spain. For administrative tasks like empadronamiento and TIE applications, having a Spanish-speaking friend or hiring a gestor helps considerably.

How long does the entire visa process take from start to finish?

Plan for 6–12 months from initial research to landing in Spain. The FBI background check and apostille process alone can take 4–5 months by mail. Consulate appointments often book weeks or months in advance, and visa processing takes 1–3 months after your appointment. Using an FBI channeler and planning strategically can compress the timeline to about 4–6 months.

Can I buy property in Spain as an American?

Yes, there are no restrictions on Americans buying property in Spain. However, buying property no longer grants residency — Spain’s Golden Visa program ended on April 3, 2025. You can purchase property as a non-resident, but you will still need a separate visa to live in Spain long-term. You’ll need a NIE (tax identification number) to complete any property transaction.

What happens if my FBI background check expires before my consulate appointment?

Most Spanish consulates require the FBI background check to be issued within 90 days of your visa application submission. If it expires, you’ll need to request a new one and go through the apostille and translation process again. This is why timing is critical — start the process early enough to have it ready, but not so early that it expires. Using an FBI channeler (24–48 hour turnaround) gives you more flexibility to time it correctly.

How SpainGuru Can Help

We’ve helped thousands of Americans navigate the process of moving to Spain from the US since 2014. Here are the tools and services designed to make your move smoother:

• Visa Navigator — find the right visa for your situation
• Budget Calculator — estimate your cost of living in Spain
• Tax Calculator — model your Spanish tax obligations
• City Finder — discover which Spanish city fits your lifestyle
• Vetted Immigration Lawyers (how to find one) — professionals we’ve personally screened
• US-Spain Tax Experts — specialists in dual filing
• Free Webinars — live Q&A sessions on visas, taxes, and settling in

Have questions about your specific situation? Submit them in our free Q&A — we answer every one.

Bruno Bianchi CEO & Spain Immigration Expert

Bruno Bianchi is the founder and CEO of Spainguru, Spain's largest expat immigration community with 150,000+ members. Since 2014 he has helped thousands of people relocate to Spain through expert guides, webinars and vetted professional services covering visas, residency, taxes and life in Spain.

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