Question 1

Do Americans need a visa to move to Spain?

Accepted Answer

For tourism, no: US citizens can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. To actually live in Spain you do need a visa or residence permit. The common routes for Americans are the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, the Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees and the financially independent, and work or entrepreneur visas. The EU is also phasing in ETIAS, a short-stay travel authorization (not a residence visa).

Question 2

Can Americans get the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. US citizens can apply for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa if they earn income from clients or an employer outside Spain and meet the financial threshold. You can apply at a Spanish consulate in the US or from inside Spain.

Question 3

Is the Spain Golden Visa still available?

Accepted Answer

No. Spain abolished the Golden Visa in April 2025. High-net-worth Americans now use the Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, entrepreneur route, or Beckham Law instead.

Question 4

What is the difference between the Digital Nomad Visa and the Non-Lucrative Visa?

Accepted Answer

The Digital Nomad Visa is for people who work remotely for non-Spanish clients or employers. The Non-Lucrative Visa is for people who will not work and can support themselves with passive income such as pensions or investments.

Question 5

Do I have to pay US taxes if I live in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. You still file a Form 1040, and you may owe FBAR and FATCA reports. Tools like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, foreign tax credits, and Beckham Law reduce double taxation.

Question 6

What is Beckham Law?

Accepted Answer

Beckham Law is a Spanish regime that lets qualifying newcomers pay a 24% flat tax on Spanish employment income for up to six years, instead of the progressive scale. It suits some high earners and must be elected within a deadline.

Question 7

What is Modelo 720?

Accepted Answer

Modelo 720 is Spain's declaration of foreign assets over certain thresholds. Many Americans overlook it. Filing is separate from your US FBAR and FATCA obligations.

Question 8

How long does the visa process take?

Accepted Answer

It varies by route and consulate. Digital Nomad Visa decisions often land within weeks of a complete filing, while the Non-Lucrative Visa can take a couple of months. Document preparation, apostille, and sworn translation add time on the front end.

Question 9

Do you handle the paperwork after I arrive in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle post-arrival steps too: your TIE card, empadronamiento, healthcare registration, bank account, and even a US driver's license exchange.

Question 10

How do I get in touch to start?

Accepted Answer

Message us on WhatsApp with your situation. Elena reviews every enquiry personally and replies with the realistic route and next steps. If you then engage full service, we handle the visa packet, apostille, translations, and post-arrival steps end to end.

Question 11

What if my case is not winnable?

Accepted Answer

If we conclude on the call that your case is not winnable on any realistic pathway, we tell you plainly and refund the consultation fee in full.

Question 12

Do you work with clients in every US state?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with Americans nationwide and coordinate state-specific steps like apostille through the correct Secretary of State office for your documents.

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