Moving to Spain from the US - 2026 Guide
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Policy Overview

Spain's immigration is known for its desirable lifestyle visas, including the popular Non-Lucrative Visa for passive income earners and a newer Digital Nomad Visa.

Short-Term Entry & Tourist Rules

US citizens can enter Spain and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa.

Long-Term Residency Paths

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
The Retiree or Financially Independent

Income: Proof of passive income (pensions, investments) of at least 400% of IPREM, which is ~€2,400/month or ~€28,800/year. Savings option is ~€30,500.

Path: Apply from your home country. This visa does not permit any work activity, including remote work for a foreign company.

Digital Nomad Visa
The Remote Worker

Income: Proof of remote work income of at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage, equating to ~€2,646/month or ~€31,752/year.

Path: For remote workers or freelancers with non-Spanish clients. Can be applied for in Spain or from home country.

Tax Break: Offers access to a special tax regime (Beckham Law) with a flat 24% tax rate for the first 5 years.

Student Visa
The Student

Savings: Proof of having 100% of the IPREM for the duration of stay (~€7,200/year) plus tuition.

Work Rights: Allows up to 30 hours/week of work as long as it doesn't interfere with studies.

Ancestry & Citizenship by Option
Ancestry & Heritage Path

Path: If you were born to a Spanish parent or born in Spain to foreign parents under certain conditions. The "Law of Democratic Memory" (or "Grandchildren Law") also provides a temporary pathway for descendants of those who fled the Civil War, but applications are closing soon.

Note: Spain generally requires renunciation of other citizenships upon naturalization, with exceptions for Ibero-American countries.

Family Inclusion

For NLV, the primary applicant must show an additional 100% of IPREM for each family member (~€7,200/year per person). For the Digital Nomad visa, the first family member requires 75% of SMI, and subsequent members require 25%.

Expert 2026 Tips

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