It usually starts as a joke over dinner: “What if we just moved to Spain?” A few months later there is a spreadsheet, a list of cities and a very serious question: which visa would we actually qualify for?
More and more of our clients are US citizens asking exactly that. Professionals, young families and retirees are looking for quality of life, public healthcare and a different pace. The good news: for most Americans, two visas cover almost every case.
Why Americans Are Choosing Spain
- Climate and lifestyle: sun, walkable cities and long lunches
- A strong public healthcare system and affordable private insurance
- A lower cost of living than most large US cities
- Safety, good schools and easy travel across Europe
The Two Visas Americans Use Most
Digital Nomad Visa
ForPeople who keep working remotely for US employers or clients Income in 2026At least €2,849 per month Where to applyFrom Spain, or at a US consulateNon-Lucrative Visa
ForRetirees and people living off savings or investments Income in 2026At least €2,400 per month, plus €600 per family member WorkNot allowedWhat a Couple Needs per Month (2026)
Minimum monthly income for two people, in euros
Example
Jenna and Tom, from Portland, both work remotely in tech. Jenna’s salary alone covers the €3,917 needed for a couple, so she applies for the Digital Nomad Visa as main applicant and Tom joins as her spouse.
Example
Barbara and Jim, retired teachers from Ohio, have pensions of about €4,200 a month. They qualify comfortably for the non-lucrative visa and choose Málaga for the weather and the hospitals.
Do Not Forget the Tax Side
The US taxes its citizens wherever they live, and Spain taxes its residents on worldwide income after 183 days. The treaty avoids paying twice, but only if you plan it. Start with our guide to taxes for US citizens moving to Spain.
Why the Move Is Harder Than It Looks
- Choosing the non-lucrative visa and keeping a remote job.
- Getting the FBI background check too early, so it expires before filing.
- Forgetting the apostille and sworn translation of US documents.
- Moving without a US and Spanish tax plan.
Try Our Free Tax Calculator
Estimate what you would pay in Spain before you move. Our team reviews the answers and replies with a provisional estimate.
Estimate My Spanish Taxes →That dinner-table joke can become a plan. It starts with choosing the right visa for how you will live, not the other way round.
Talk to a Lawyer Before You Move
If you are an American considering Spain and want a clear route, that is exactly what a consultation is for. At MigratioLex, we review your specific case, not a generic checklist. We respond within 24 hours, in English, French or Spanish.
Book Your Initial ConsultationThis article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Based on Law 14/2013, Royal Decree 1155/2024 and 2026 IPREM and minimum wage figures. The examples are illustrative.
