Guía de Traslado
Mudarse de Estados Unidos a España
Americans moving to Spain mostly use the digital nomad visa while keeping a US employer or clients, or the non-lucrative visa in retirement. What is different from the US: you apply at the Spanish consulate that covers your state, your FBI background check needs a federal apostille, and the US keeps taxing you as a citizen wherever you live.
Actualizado 1 de octubre de 2026
Respuesta rápida
US citizens can move to Spain on the digital nomad visa (200% of the Spanish minimum wage from non-Spanish work) or the non-lucrative visa (€28,800 a year in funds). Apply at the Spanish consulate with jurisdiction over your state, get an FBI Identity History Summary apostilled by the US Department of State, and keep filing US tax returns: the US taxes citizens abroad.
A 1 de octubre de 2026
| Dato | Detalle |
|---|---|
| Visitas cortas | Sin visado para visitas de hasta 90 días en 180 (ETIAS se aplicará cuando se ponga en marcha)Fuente · comprobado el 2 de octubre de 2026 |
| Citas de visado | Lo confirmamos para tu caso |
| Documentos | Se acepta la apostilla: tu país es parte del Convenio de La HayaFuente · comprobado el 2 de octubre de 2026 |
| Convenio de doble imposición | Hay un convenio integral sobre la renta en vigorFuente · comprobado el 2 de octubre de 2026 |
| Doble nacionalidad | Lo confirmamos para tu caso |
| Mínimo | 200% del salario mínimo interprofesional al mes, más el 75% del SMI por el primer familiar y el 25% por cada uno adicionalFuente |
Qué cambia desde Estados Unidos
Your consulate depends on your state
Spain has several consulates general in the US, each covering specific states. You apply at the one for the state where you live, and some use an outsourced visa centre.
FBI check with a federal apostille
The criminal record certificate is an FBI Identity History Summary. Because it is a federal document, the apostille comes from the US Department of State, not a state secretary of state. Allow for processing time.
Citizenship-based taxation
The US taxes citizens on worldwide income wherever they live. Spain will also tax you once you are resident. The US–Spain tax treaty, foreign tax credits and the foreign earned income exclusion help avoid double tax, and FBAR and FATCA reporting continue.
Social security agreement
The US and Spain have a totalization agreement, which can stop you paying social security in both countries for the same work and lets credits count towards benefits.
Vías abiertas para ti
Las cifras son mínimos legales de fuentes oficiales. Las tasas oficiales son estimaciones y cambian; nuestros honorarios se presupuestan para tu caso.
Visado de nómada digital (teletrabajo internacional)
Teletrabajadores y trabajadores independientes que trabajan principalmente para clientes o empresas fuera de España.
- Mínimo
- 200% del salario mínimo interprofesional al mes, más el 75% del SMI por el primer familiar y el 25% por cada uno adicional
Visado de residencia no lucrativa
Personas con ahorros o rentas pasivas que no trabajarán en España.
- Mínimo
- 28.800 € al año (400% del IPREM), más 7.200 € por cada familiar
¿No sabes qué vía te conviene?
Un asesor comprueba tu elegibilidad desde Estados Unidos y responde en un día laborable.
Paso a paso desde Estados Unidos
Pick the route
Digital nomad if you keep working for a US employer or foreign clients; non-lucrative if you will live on savings, pensions or investments.
Order the FBI check early
Request the FBI Identity History Summary, then the federal apostille, and have it translated by a sworn translator.
Prepare income and insurance
Contracts, three months of history, bank statements and Spanish-valid private health insurance with no co-payments.
Apply at your consulate
Book the national visa appointment at the Spanish consulate for your state. Digital nomad applicants already in Spain legally can apply to the UGE online.
Settle in Spain
Register your address, collect your TIE and get Spanish tax and social security numbers.
Documentos y legalización
Apostilla en Estados Unidos los documentos públicos (actas de nacimiento y matrimonio, certificado de antecedentes, títulos) y tradúcelos con traductor jurado cuando el destino lo pida.
Normalmente necesitarás un certificado de antecedentes penales de Estados Unidos y de cualquier otro país en el que hayas vivido recientemente.
Dónde solicitar
Solicita en el consulado de España de tu lugar de residencia legal o, en la vía de nómada digital, en línea ante la UGE desde España mientras estés allí legalmente.
Fiscalidad: qué revisar antes de mudarte
Convenio de doble imposición: Hay un convenio integral sobre la renta en vigor Listed on the Spanish Ministry of Finance treaty list (BOE 23/10/2019 (protocol)).
Información general, no asesoramiento fiscal. Los puntos fiscales de esta página están pendientes de revisión por un especialista.
Fuentes y revisión
Última actualización: 1 de octubre de 2026
- Spain UGE: international teleworkers (digital nomad) residence
- Spain Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visas
- FBI: Identity History Summary checks
- US Department of State: authentications (apostilles for federal documents)
- IRS: US citizens and resident aliens abroad
- US Social Security: international agreements
Partes de esta página están pendientes de revisión por nuestro equipo jurídico; confirmamos cada punto para tu caso antes de solicitar.
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Frequently asked questions
Can Americans work remotely for a US company from Spain?
Yes, on the digital nomad visa, as long as Spanish clients make up no more than 20% of your work. Your employer must accept you working from Spain.
Which Spanish consulate do I apply to?
The consulate general whose district includes the state where you legally live.
Will I pay tax in both the US and Spain?
Both countries can tax you, but the tax treaty and US foreign tax credits are designed to prevent paying twice on the same income. Take advice from a cross-border tax specialist.
Do I need a visa to visit Spain first?
No. US citizens can visit for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. ETIAS pre-registration will apply once the EU launches it.
Which route suits me best?
It depends on your goal: living in the country, a second passport, tax planning or a base for your family. The routes on this page are ranked by fit for people moving from your country.
How long does it take to move?
Timelines depend on the route, the completeness of your file and government processing. Each programme page shows its published processing range.
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