The full guide
Can Americans move to Spain?
Yes, but not on a tourist stay. US citizens can visit Spain visa-free for 90 days in any 180-day period. To live in Spain you need a residence visa, applied for at the Spanish consulate that covers your state of residence.
Which visa should Americans apply for?
| Your situation | Usual route |
|---|---|
| Retired, or living off savings, Social Security or investments | Non-lucrative visa |
| Working remotely for a US employer or clients | Digital nomad visa |
| Studying | Student visa |
| Job offer from a Spanish employer | Work visa sponsored by the employer |
Documents: FBI checks and apostilles
Spain wants a criminal record check from every country you’ve lived in over the past five years. For the US, that’s an FBI Identity History Summary, apostilled by the US Department of State. State-issued documents such as birth and marriage certificates are apostilled by the Secretary of State of the issuing state. Everything then needs a sworn translation into Spanish. Order the FBI check early, as it has a limited validity window for most consulates.
Taxes in two countries
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| US returns | US citizens file US taxes every year wherever they live |
| Spanish returns | Once tax resident in Spain, you declare worldwide income there |
| Double taxation | The US–Spain tax treaty and foreign tax credits help avoid paying twice |
| FBAR | Report foreign accounts if their combined balance exceeds $10,000 |
| Form 720 | Spain asks residents to declare foreign assets over €50,000 |
| Social Security | US benefits can be paid in Spain; the two countries have a totalization agreement |
Retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs, and US mutual funds, can be treated very differently in Spain. Take advice from a cross-border tax specialist before you move.
Driving in Spain
Spain doesn’t have a license exchange agreement with the US. Visitors can drive with a US license plus an International Driving Permit. Once you’re resident, you can only use your US license for the first six months, after which you need a Spanish license, which means passing the theory and practical tests.
Health insurance
Medicare doesn’t cover you in Spain. For a non-lucrative or digital nomad visa you need private health insurance with no co-payments or waiting periods from an insurer authorised in Spain, unless you’ll pay into Spanish social security.
Pets from the US
Pets need an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and an EU health certificate completed by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by USDA APHIS within 10 days of arrival. See moving to Spain with pets.
Common mistakes
Starting the FBI check too late. It can take weeks, and apostilles take longer.
Forgetting US tax filings. Moving abroad doesn’t end your US filing obligation.
Driving on a US license after six months. Plan for the Spanish tests early; driving schools can help.
Closing every US account. Keep at least one US bank and card for US payments and taxes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my US citizenship if I become Spanish?
Spain asks most applicants to renounce their previous nationality before the Spanish authorities. The US doesn’t treat that declaration as a loss of US citizenship, but take advice for your situation.
Which consulate do I use?
The one covering your state of legal residence. Spain has consulates in cities including New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Can I work remotely for my US employer?
Yes, on the digital nomad visa, if you meet the income and other requirements.
