Moving to Spain from the US in 2026: The Remote Worker's Route

Yes, with a residence status. Without one, you're a visitor: 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area, counted on a rolling basis. How to count your days is explained in the 90-day rule.

• You work remotely for an employer or clients outside Spain → the digital nomad permit. This page follows that route.
• You're retiring or will live on savings or passive income without working → the non-lucrative visa, applied for at your consulate before you move.
• You have a Spanish job offer, are going to study, or are joining family → a work, student or family visa.

In short: work remotely for companies outside Spain, earn at least about €2,850 a month in 2026 (more with family), have worked with your employer or clients for at least three months, and hold a degree or three years of experience. Freelancers may have Spanish clients for up to 20% of their work; your clients must be companies, not individuals. The full requirements are in our digital nomad visa guide.

This part is specific to the US. We haven't yet filed applications for American clients, so we've checked it against the Spanish consulate in Washington's official requirements:

• FBI background check. Only an FBI Identity History Summary is accepted — state or local police checks are not. It must be issued within the six months before you apply. If you spent more than 180 days in another country in the last two years, you need that country's certificate too.
• Apostille. The FBI check needs a Hague Apostille that certifies the signature on the check itself, not a notary's seal. Don't remove staples or alter the document.
• Sworn translation. The FBI check, degrees, company documents and family certificates need an official Spanish translation by a sworn translator.
• Health insurance. From an insurer authorised in Spain, with no deductibles, co-payments or caps, for the whole permit period. Travel insurance doesn't count.
• Social security. Employees can show a US certificate of coverage under the US–Spain social security agreement, if their employer agrees; otherwise, proof of registration with Spanish Social Security.
• Fee. The Washington consulate charges US citizens $190 for this visa in 2026.

Bring the paper originals of everything apostilled when you travel to Spain: since September 2026 the UGE sometimes asks to see originals.

• Through your consulate: you apply at the Spanish consulate whose district covers the state where you live. In Washington, applications have been in person by appointment at the BLS centre since 1 September 2026. The consulate decides within 10 working days of receiving the file and issues a visa for up to one year; later you apply in Spain for the residence permit.
• From inside Spain: within your 90 visa-free days, a representative files your application online with the UGE, and you get a residence permit for up to three years in one step. This is how we file all our applications.

People often search for the "fastest turnaround". There's no fast track: what saves the most time is a complete file, because a document request near the end of the 20-day deadline in Spain adds weeks. Both routes are compared in Apply from inside Spain or through a consulate.

• The US taxes its citizens wherever they live. You keep filing US returns on your worldwide income. The foreign earned income exclusion and the foreign tax credit can reduce US tax, but only if you file. Foreign bank accounts above the threshold must be reported (FBAR).
• Spain may tax you too. After more than 183 days a year in Spain you're usually a Spanish tax resident; some newcomers can choose the Beckham Law regime. See taxes on the digital nomad visa.

US taxes aren't our expertise. Before you move, talk to a US tax adviser who works with Americans in Spain.

• Register with Spanish Social Security straight away after approval, unless you're covered by a US certificate of coverage. A gap between approval and registration comes back at renewal.
• Register your address at the town hall (empadronamiento) and book your fingerprint appointment for the residence card (TIE).
• Open a Spanish bank account — banks often accept your approval letter and ask for more papers later.