Visas Requirements For Americans In Spain

Thinking of traveling, studying, working, or retiring in Spain as a U.S. citizen? The visa requirements for Americans vary depending on how long you plan to stay and what you intend to do while you're there. Here's your complete guide to Spain’s visa policies for U.S. nationals in 2025.

Visa-Free Entry for Short-Term Stays (Under 90 Days)

American citizens can enter Spain and the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, family visits, or attending conferences. However, you may be asked to show a return or onward ticket, proof of funds, and travel insurance.

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date and issued within the last 10 years.

Coming Soon: ETIAS Travel Authorization

From mid-2025, U.S. travelers will need to apply online for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering Spain or any other Schengen country. It’s not a visa, but a quick security pre-check. The fee is expected to be around €7 and valid for multiple trips over three years.

Work Visas for Americans in Spain

U.S. citizens who want to work in Spain must first secure a job offer and have their employer apply for a work authorization on their behalf. Once approved, you can apply for a combined work and residence visa at your local Spanish consulate.

The position must typically be on Spain’s list of shortage occupations, unless no suitable local or EU candidate was found. Work permits are valid for one year and renewable.

Fees vary: in 2025, the typical cost is $190, with self-employment visas costing around $270.

Student Visas

For study programs longer than 90 days, Americans need a student visa. You’ll apply through the Spanish consulate that has jurisdiction over your home state. Required documents usually include:

– Proof of university acceptance
– Proof of funds
– Health insurance
– Background check (FBI or state-level)

It’s best to start the process 8–10 weeks before your departure. The fee is around $160 and processing times range from 4–8 weeks. Interviews at the consulate may be required.

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

If you’re not planning to work in Spain but want to live there longer than 90 days — for retirement, lifestyle, or remote work outside Spain — you’ll need a non-lucrative visa.

You must prove sufficient income — in 2025, that’s at least €28,800/year for the main applicant, plus €7,200/year for each dependent.

Digital Nomad Visa

Launched in 2023, the digital nomad visa allows Americans working remotely for non-Spanish companies to live in Spain. The required income is about €33,130/year, and you’ll need a work contract or freelance proof, qualifications, and social security coverage.

Permanent Residency

After five consecutive years of legal residence in Spain (with renewals), U.S. citizens may apply for permanent residency. This allows unrestricted work and access to public benefits. You’ll need to show continued residence, no criminal record, and basic integration (language, etc.).

Schengen Visa for Other Purposes

If you're not eligible for visa-free entry or plan a specific short-term activity, you may need a Schengen visa. In 2025, the standard fee is €80. Processing takes 15+ calendar days and is handled by the Spanish consulate nearest you.

Extending Your Stay or Switching Visas

Extensions on short stays are rarely granted. If you plan to stay longer, it's better to apply for a national long-stay visa from your home country. Overstaying the 90-day limit may result in fines or bans from re-entry.

To change your visa (e.g. student to work visa), speak to the immigration office in your province (Oficina de Extranjería), or consult your local consulate or lawyer for guidance.

Need Health Insurance for Your Visa?

Most long-stay visa types require you to carry private health insurance with full coverage and no co-pays. Our visa-compliant health insurance plans are approved by Spanish consulates and perfect for non-lucrative, student, and digital nomad applicants.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Visa at a Spanish Consulate

1. Identify the correct consulate for your U.S. state of residence.
2. Visit the consulate’s official website and locate the visa section.
3. Download the correct national visa application form (or ETIAS registration, if relevant).
4. Prepare all required documentation (translated and apostilled where applicable):
– Application form
– Valid passport
– Recent passport photos
– Proof of income or employment
– Private health insurance certificate
– FBI/state background check
– Letter of intent or university acceptance
5. Book an appointment via the consulate’s online system.
6. Attend your visa appointment in person and pay the relevant fee.
7. Track your visa status and return to collect your visa if approved.

What Happens If Your Visa Is Denied?

If your application is rejected, the consulate will notify you of the reason. Common issues include incomplete documents, insufficient income proof, or missing health insurance coverage. You may request a formal appeal or reapply with corrected documentation.

If appealing, submit your response in writing within the deadline stated in your denial letter — usually 1 month from the decision date.

Can You Work on a Student or Non-Lucrative Visa?

The non-lucrative visa prohibits any work with a Spanish company, though you can work remotely for foreign clients. Student visa holders may work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during the academic year, provided the job doesn’t interfere with studies and is approved by authorities.

Do You Need a NIE or TIE?

If you are staying in Spain longer than 90 days, you’ll need an NIE (Foreigner Identification Number). Once your visa is approved and you arrive in Spain, you’ll also need to register and obtain a TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) at the immigration office within 30 days.

Moving from Tourist to Resident: The Cautionary Advice

Many Americans make the mistake of entering Spain as a tourist and hoping to apply for residency once already inside the country. In most cases, this is not allowed — you must apply for long-stay visas from the United States before arriving in Spain. Overstaying your tourist entry may result in a visa denial or a temporary ban.

Cost of Living Considerations

Spain is generally more affordable than the U.S., especially outside major cities. However, visa applicants should budget for:

– Rent and deposits
– Visa application and document translation fees
– International health insurance (required for most visas)
– Schooling (if applicable)
– Taxes, if you earn income in Spain

Bringing Your Family to Spain

Many visas allow for family reunification. This usually requires proving additional income (e.g., 100% of IPREM per family member for NLV holders). You’ll also need to supply marriage certificates and birth certificates (translated + apostilled).

Helpful Tip: Start the visa process early. Some consulates book appointments 2–3 months in advance, and processing can take several weeks — especially during peak seasons (summer and winter breaks).

Useful Links and Resources

– Spanish Residency Visa Guide
– Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
– Spanish Consulates in the U.S.
– U.S. Department of State Travel Info

With the right visa, clear documentation, and a little patience, Americans can legally enjoy life in Spain — whether for 90 days or a lifetime.