Residency / How Americans Can Move to Spain: The Ultimate Guide for 2025

How Americans Can Move to Spain: The Ultimate Guide for 2025

Feb 01, 2025

Spain has long been a dream destination for Americans looking for a lower cost of living, a better work-life balance and incredible weather. However, 2025 marks a significant change for those looking to move under the Spain Golden Visa since the Spanish government has officially announced that it will be ending the real estate option under the program. This article will be an ultimate guide for how Americans can move to Spain.

Photo of a gate opening up to Spain showcasing How Americans Can Move to Spain

Key Takeaways

Choose the right visa: Americans can move to Spain with the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (ideal for retirees and passive income earners), Spain Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers), remaining options of the Spain Golden Visa, Spain Work Visa (for employees of Spanish companies) and Spain Family Reunification Visa (for those joining family in Spain). Some may also qualify for Spanish Citizenship by Descent.

Meet the financial and legal requirements: Americans must meet strict income thresholds (e.g., €2,400/month for NLV, €2,520/month for the Digital Nomad Visa) and investment requirements (€1,000,000 for Spain Golden Visa) as well as providing comprehensive private health insurance. Most visas also require registering with Extranjería (Foreigners’ Office) and obtaining a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days of arrival.

Know your residency and tax obligations: Most visas provide an initial one-year residence permit, often renewable for up to five years before potentially qualifying for permanent residency. Americans who spend more than 183 days per year in Spain become tax residents, subject to worldwide taxation. After 10 years of legal residence you can apply for Spanish citizenship, though dual citizenship is only allowed in specific cases.

What You Need to Know About the Changes in the Spain Golden Visa

In April 2024, the Spanish government officially announced the termination of the real estate investment pathway under the Golden Visa program, effective from April 3, 2025. This decision was published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE), Spain’s official state gazette. The legislative change modifies Articles 63 to 67 of Law 14/2013, removing the provisions that previously allowed non-EU citizens to obtain residency by investing €500,000 or more in Spanish real estate.

The real estate pathway will officially be discontinued after April 3, 2025.

Other investment routes, such as shares in Spanish companies, bank deposits and government bonds are still available.

Existing Golden Visa holders will be allowed to renew their permits under the rules in effect at the time of their approval.

This change is driven by concerns over rising property prices in major Spanish cities, where foreign investment has been linked to housing affordability issues.

Between 2013 and 2023, Spain issued 14,576 Golden Visas, with 94% linked to real estate investments, primarily benefiting investors from China, Russia, the United States, and Mexico.

As a result, Americans seeking residency in Spain through investment must explore alternative pathways, since the real estate option will no longer be available after April 3, 2025. These alternative routes to residency will be covered in this article.

Spain Golden Visa (Visado de Residencia por Inversión) – The Remaining Options for 2025

The Golden Visa has long been one of the easiest ways for Americans to gain Spanish residency. While real estate investments (€500,000+) will no longer qualify, Americans can still obtain residency by investing in:

€1,000,000 in shares of Spanish companies – Investments in quoted shares must be certified by a financial intermediary registered with the CNMV (Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores) or Banco de España. Unquoted shares must be certified by the Registro de Inversiones Extranjeras.

€1,000,000 in a bank deposit in a Spanish financial institution – Certification from the bank is required.

€2,000,000 in Spanish Government Bonds – Must be certified by the Treasury or Banco de España.

A business project that benefits the Spanish economy – Requires pre-approval from Spain’s Directorate-General for International Trade and Investments, proving economic impact, job creation, or technological innovation.

Legal Basis & Requirements

Governed under Law 14/2013, regulating support for entrepreneurs and their internationalization.

The investment must be maintained for the duration of the residency period.

Investors must provide proof of sufficient financial resources, beyond the investment itself, to support themselves and their families in Spain.

No minimum stay requirement in Spain, but one visit per year is mandatory to maintain residency.

After five years, investors may apply for permanent residency (Residencia de Larga Duración).

After ten years, they may apply for Spanish citizenship, provided they have resided in Spain for the majority of that period.

How to Apply for the Spain Golden Visa

✓ Obtain an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero): This is required for all financial transactions in Spain.

✓ Prove your investment: Submit official certification of your investment from the relevant Spanish authority.

✓ Apply through the Spanish Consulate or the Large Business Unit (UGE – Unidad de Grandes Empresas): Processing typically takes 20 business days. Once approved, collect your residence permit and TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).

✓ Maintain your investment and visit Spain at least once per year to retain your residency.

Advantages & Disadvantages with the Spain Golden Visa

Advantages	Disadvantages
No requirement to live in Spain full-time (only 1 visit per year).	High financial requirement (€1M-€2M investment).
Visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone.	No more real estate investment option (after April 3, 2025).
Includes spouse and dependent children.	Investment must be maintained for renewal.
Fast processing (20 business days).	Must renew after 2 years, then every 5 years.
Allows full-time work and business activity.	No direct path to Spanish citizenship unless residing 10+ years.
Eligible for the Beckham Law (24% tax rate for 5 years).	Becomes taxable in Spain if staying over 183 days/year.

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (Visado de Residencia No Lucrativa)

The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is most suitable for Americans who are retirees or have passive income and don’t need to work while living in Spain.

Income Requirement: Must prove an income of 400% of Spain’s IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which equals approximately €2,400 per month. Additional €600 per month per dependent.

Work Restriction: Holders cannot engage in work or business activities in Spain.

Residency Requirement: Must spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, making the holder a Spanish tax resident.

Health Insurance Requirement: Must have full private health insurance for the first year.

Path to Permanent Residency: After five years of continuous residence, holders can apply for permanent residency.

How to Apply for the Spain NLV

✓ Complete Form EX-01 (Solicitud de Residencia No Lucrativa) and pay the Modelo 790 Código 052 fee.

✓ Gather required documents: Proof of sufficient financial resources, a health insurance policy covering all risks, an appostiled and officially translated criminal background check as well as a medical certificate confirming no contagious diseases.

✓ Apply at the Spanish consulate.

✓ Once approved, move to Spain and apply for a TIE.

Advantages & Disadvantages with the Spain NLV

Advantages	Disadvantages
Relatively easy approval if financial proof is met.	Cannot work or engage in business activity.
Includes spouse and dependent children.	Must prove €2,400/month income (+€600 per dependent).
Path to permanent residency after 5 years.	Must stay in Spain for 183+ days per year (becomes tax resident).
Allows access to Spain’s public healthcare after one year.	Requires full private health insurance in the first year.
Lower financial requirement than the Golden Visa.	Lengthy processing time (2-4 months).

Spain Digital Nomad Visa (Visado para Nómadas Digitales)

The Digital Nomad Visa, introduced under Law 28/2022 (Ley de Startups), is designed for non-EU remote workers employed by a foreign company or running their own business remotely.

Income Requirement: The applicant must earn at least 200% of Spain’s SMI (Salario Mínimo Interprofesional), which equals approximately €2,520 per month.

Employment Type: Must prove remote employment for at least three months prior to application with a company that has existed for at least one year.

Limited Local Work: Can work for a Spanish company, but only up to 20% of total income.

Educational or Work Experience Proof: Either a university degree or at least three years of relevant professional experience is required.

Tax Benefits: Eligible for the Beckham Law, which allows a flat 24% tax rate on income up to €600,000 per year for five years.

How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa

✓ Obtain an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) for financial transactions in Spain.

✓ Gather required documents: Proof of employment or self-employment contract, proof that the company has been operational for over one year, private health insurance covering Spain and an apostilled and translated criminal record certificate.

✓ Apply at the Spanish consulate or UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas).

✓ Once approved, move to Spain and register for a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).

Advantages & Disadvantages with the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Advantages	Disadvantages
Allows remote work for non-Spanish companies.	Strict eligibility: Must prove 3+ months of prior employment.
Lower tax rate (24% under Beckham Law for 5 years).	Must earn at least €2,520/month (200% of Spain’s SMI).
Can work for a Spanish company (but limited to 20% of income).	Company must be operational for at least 1 year.
Fast-track application process (20 days if applying from Spain).	Visa duration is 1 year, then renewable for 2+2 years.
Path to permanent residency after 5 years.	Requires proof of a university degree or 3 years of work experience.

Spain Entrepreneur Visa (Visado de Emprendedor)

The Entrepreneur Visa, part of Law 14/2013, is intended for innovative business founders looking to create companies that benefit Spain’s economy.

Business Requirement: Must submit a business plan proving the company’s economic viability and innovation.

Job Creation Expectation: Business should ideally generate employment opportunities.

Investment Capital: No fixed minimum, but applicants must show sufficient financial backing.

Fast-Track Processing: Application reviewed within ten business days.

Residency Benefits: Initial residency is granted for two years, renewable for five years.

How to Apply for the Entrepreneur Visa

✓ Submit a detailed business plan to Spain’s Directorate-General for International Trade and Investments.

✓ Obtain an NIE and register the company with Spain’s Mercantile Registry (Registro Mercantil).

✓ Gather supporting documents: Business plan approval letter, proof of financial solvency and a private health insurance policy.

✓ Apply through the Spanish consulate or UGE.

✓ Once approved, relocate to Spain and obtain a TIE.

Advantages & Disadvantages with the Spain Entrepreneur Visa

Advantages	Disadvantages
Faster approval process (10 business days).	Business must demonstrate innovation & job creation.
No set minimum investment required.	Requires pre-approval from Spain’s trade authority.
Grants residency for 2 years (renewable).	Startup viability is heavily scrutinized.
Eligible for Spain’s tax incentives for startups.	Administrative process can be complex.
Path to permanent residency after 5 years.	Requires NIE, company registration, and tax filings.

Spain Work Visa (Visado de Trabajo y Residencia)

For Americans securing employment with a Spanish company, this is a viable but highly competitive option due to EU labor market protections.

Legal Basis & Requirements

Regulated under Royal Decree 557/2011, which governs the entry, residence, and work of foreigners in Spain.

Job must be classified as a shortage occupation (Lista de Ocupaciones de Difícil Cobertura) or require proof that no EU national is available for the position.

Employer must register with Spain’s Social Security System (Seguridad Social).

The employment contract must be for at least one year.

Work visas are typically valid for one year, renewable based on continued employment.

After five years, work visa holders may apply for permanent residency.

Steps to Get a Spain Work Visa

✓ Find an employer willing to sponsor your visa.

✓ Employer submits a work authorization request to the Spanish Immigration Office (Extranjería).

✓ Approval by the Spanish Public Employment Service (SEPE).

✓ Submit visa application at the Spanish consulate, including: EX-03 form (Application for Initial Work and Residence Permit), a work contract and employer registration as well as proof of professional qualifications.

✓ Receive work visa, move to Spain and apply for a TIE.

Advantages & Disadvantages with the Spain Work Visa

Advantages	Disadvantages
Allows legal employment in Spain.	Employer must prove no EU citizen can fill the job.
Renewable for up to 5 years (leads to permanent residency).	Complex application process (employer must sponsor).
Includes spouse and dependent children.	Limited to certain occupations on Spain’s shortage list.
Can switch employers without losing residency.	Salary must meet Spain’s minimum wage & industry standards.
Path to permanent residency after 5 years.	Higher tax rate than Digital Nomad Visa (regular income tax applies).

Spain Family Reunification Visa (Visado de Reagrupación Familiar)

For Americans who have family members legally residing in Spain, the Family Reunification Visa provides a direct pathway to residency.

Eligibility: Spouses, children under 18 years old, dependent parents, and legally dependent children over 18 years old.

Sponsorship Requirement: The sponsoring family member must have legally resided in Spain for one year and hold a renewable residence permit.

Financial Requirement: The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support the family members relocating.

Residency Benefits: The visa grants initial residency for one year, renewable for five years, leading to permanent residency.

How to Apply for the Family Reunification Visa

✓ Sponsor submits the application at the local Extranjería (Foreigners’ Office) in Spain.

✓ Gather required documents: Proof of familial relationship (marriage or birth certificates, apostilled and translated), financial records of the sponsor and proof of suitable accommodation while staying in Spain.

✓ Once approved, the family member applies at the Spanish consulate in the US.

✓ Move to Spain and obtain a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).

Advantages & Disadvantages with the Spain Family Reunification Visa

Advantages	Disadvantages
Allows family members to join a legal resident in Spain.	Sponsor must have lived in Spain for at least 1 year.
Includes spouse, children, and dependent parents.	Sponsor must meet financial income requirements.
Grants 1-year residency (renewable up to 5 years).	Processing time varies (2-6 months).
Family members can work and study in Spain.	Proof of accommodation is required.
Path to permanent residency after 5 years.	Medical insurance is required if not eligible for public healthcare.