Your country at a glance

United States

  • Short stays without a visa (90 days in any 180)
  • Documents legalised with the Hague Apostille
  • No licence exchange agreement: you take the Spanish test

Canada

  • Short stays without a visa (90 days in any 180)
  • Documents legalised with the Hague Apostille
  • No licence exchange agreement: you take the Spanish test

Can you come without a visa?

With a US or Canadian passport you can stay in Spain and the rest of the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Since 10 April 2026 your entries and exits are recorded digitally in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) instead of with a passport stamp. ETIAS, the future online travel authorisation, is not in operation yet.

  • The United States and Canada are on the EU list of countries whose nationals do not need a visa for stays of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. Official source
  • The 90 days are counted as one single period for all the European countries that use the EES, not country by country. Official source
  • The EES has been fully operational at all external border crossing points since 10 April 2026. Manual passport stamping has ended. On your first entry, border officers take a photo of your face and/or scan your fingerprints. Official source
  • If you stay longer than allowed, the EES identifies it and records it. Official source
  • ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are collected yet. The EU says it will announce the start date several months before launch. When it starts, US and Canadian nationals will need it for short stays; the fee is EUR 20 and it is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires. Official source
  • To stay more than 90 days for work, study or residence you need a national visa. You also need a national visa to work in Spain for less than 90 days. Official source

Ways to live in Spain

Non-lucrative residence visa

For people who want to live in Spain without working, living on savings, a pension or other regular income.

Requirements

  • You may not carry out any work or professional activity in Spain.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means for you and your family.
  • Public or private health insurance with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, covering everything the Spanish public system covers, with no co-payments or coverage limits. Travel insurance is not accepted.
  • Criminal record certificate (FBI for the US; RCMP with fingerprints for Canada) with the Hague Apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish.
  • Medical certificate.
  • The first residence permit lasts one year.

Income required: 400% of the IPREM for the main applicant plus 100% of the IPREM for each family member. The Spanish consular section in Washington states for 2026: IPREM = 600 € per month (7,200 € per year); 400% = 28,800 € per year; 100% = 7,200 € per year for each dependent family member.

Where you apply: In person, at the Spanish consulate (or its visa centre) for the district where you live in the US or Canada. The legal decision period is 3 months.

Official source

International telework visa ("digital nomad")

For people who work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain and want to live in Spain while doing so.

Requirements

  • Employees may only work for companies outside Spain. Self-employed professionals may work for Spanish companies only up to 20% of their total activity.
  • A degree from a recognised university, vocational training or business school, or at least 3 years of professional experience.
  • The foreign company must have had real, continuous activity for at least one year.
  • A working relationship of at least the last 3 months before applying, and proof that the work can be done remotely.
  • Proof of Social Security coverage, criminal record certificate with apostille and sworn translation.
  • The visa lasts up to 1 year. People who are legally in Spain can apply directly for the residence permit, which can last up to 3 years.

Income required: The Spanish consular section in Washington states for 2026: minimum wage (SMI) = 1,221 €; applicant alone 200% of the monthly SMI = 2,442 € per month; first family member +75% = 916 € per month; each additional family member +25% = 306 € per month.

Where you apply: At the Spanish consulate for your district, or directly in Spain before the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE) if you are legally in Spain.

Official source

Residence and work visa as an employee

For people aged 16 or over who have a job offer and a work contract with an employer in Spain.

Requirements

  • First, the employer side obtains the initial residence and employee work authorisation from the Government Delegation or Sub-delegation of the province where you will work.
  • With that authorisation you apply for the visa at the consulate.
  • Criminal record certificate for the countries where you lived in the last 5 years, with apostille and sworn translation.
  • After arrival you must be registered with Social Security before you start working.

Where you apply: Work authorisation: in Spain, at the Government Delegation or Sub-delegation. Visa: in person at the Spanish consulate for your district. The legal decision period for the visa is 1 month.

Official source

Residence and self-employed work visa

For people over 18 who want to open a business or work for themselves in Spain.

Requirements

  • A plan for the business or activity, with the planned investment, the expected return and, where applicable, the jobs it will create.
  • The licences or permits the activity needs, or proof that you have applied for them.
  • The professional qualification or experience the activity requires.
  • Proof of enough financial means for the planned investment.
  • You can apply for the residence and work permit and for the visa at the same time. After arrival you must register with Social Security within 3 months and before you start working.

Where you apply: In person at the Spanish consulate for your district. The legal decision period is 3 months.

Official source

Highly qualified professional

For professionals with a higher-education qualification or equivalent experience who are hired by a company in Spain for a highly qualified job.

Requirements

  • The company or the professional applies for the residence permit to the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE).
  • There are two types: the EU Blue Card and the national permit for highly qualified professionals. Each has its own qualification or experience conditions.
  • The permit lasts three years, or the length of the contract plus three months if the contract is shorter.
  • Once the permit is granted, you apply for the visa at the consulate. The legal decision period for the visa is 10 days.

Where you apply: Residence permit: UGE (Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration). Visa: Spanish consulate or its visa centre for your district.

Official source

Study visa (long-term stay for studies)

For people who will study, take part in a student mobility programme, volunteer or do a training activity in Spain for more than 90 days.

Requirements

  • Acceptance by an authorised school or university in Spain.
  • Proof of financial means for the whole stay.
  • Health insurance with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain for the whole stay. Travel insurance is not accepted.
  • Medical certificate. For stays of more than 180 days, also a criminal record certificate with apostille and sworn translation.
  • You can apply from 6 months to 2 months before the programme starts.
  • Higher-education students may work up to 30 hours per week if the work is compatible with their studies.
  • For stays under 90 days, US and Canadian passport holders do not need a visa to study.

Income required: The Spanish consular section in Washington states for 2026: 100% of the monthly IPREM = 600 € per month of stay for the student; +75% (450 € per month) for the first family member; +50% (300 € per month) for each additional family member.

Where you apply: In person at the Spanish consulate or its visa centre for the district where you live or study.

Official source

Family member of an EU citizen (and of a Spanish citizen)

For the spouse, partner, children or dependent parents of a citizen of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland who lives in or is moving to Spain.

Requirements

  • US and Canadian citizens do not need an entry visa for this route: they can enter visa-free and apply in Spain.
  • If you want to stay more than 90 days, you must apply in Spain for the residence card of a family member of a Union citizen within three months of entering Spain.
  • You need a valid passport, proof of the family link (translated and apostilled where applicable) and the registration certificate of the EU family member.
  • Family members of Spanish citizens follow a different route since 20 May 2025: the residence permit for family members of Spanish nationals. From abroad it is requested with a residence visa at the consulate; the permit allows you to live and work in Spain.

Where you apply: EU/EEA/Swiss family member: in Spain, at the Foreigners' Office or the Police station of the province where you will live. Family member of a Spanish citizen: Spanish consulate for your district, or in Spain.

Official source

Family reunification

For the spouse or partner, children under 18 and, in some cases, parents over 65 of a non-EU national who already lives legally in Spain.

Requirements

  • The family member in Spain (the sponsor) applies first for the family reunification permit at the Government Delegation or Sub-delegation of their province.
  • As a general rule, the sponsor must have lived in Spain for at least one year and have applied to stay for at least another year.
  • The sponsor must prove stable and sufficient income and adequate housing.
  • With the permit granted, the family member applies for the visa at the consulate. The legal decision period for the visa is 2 months.

Income required: 150% of the IPREM for a family unit of two people (the sponsor and one family member), plus 50% of the IPREM for each additional member (Royal Decree 1155/2024, art. 67).

Where you apply: Permit: in Spain, by the sponsor. Visa: in person at the Spanish consulate for the family member's district.

Official source

The investor ("golden") visa no longer exists. Organic Law 1/2025 removed articles 63 to 67 of Law 14/2013 with effect from 3 April 2025. Buying a home in Spain no longer gives a right to residence. Investor visas and permits that were already valid keep their validity and can be renewed under the previous rules. Official source

After you arrive

  1. TIE (foreigner identity card)

    If your visa or permit is for more than six months, you must apply in person for the TIE at the Police station. Official source

    Deadline: Within one month of entering Spain (for employees and the self-employed, within one month of registering with Social Security).

  2. Padrón (town hall registration)

    Everyone who lives in Spain must register in the padrón of the town where they usually live. You will be asked for the padrón certificate in many other procedures. Non-EU nationals without a long-term residence permit must renew the registration every two years. Official source

    Deadline: As soon as you have a home address.

  3. Health cover

    With a non-lucrative visa you must keep your private health insurance for your whole stay. If you work and are registered with Spanish Social Security, the consulates accept that cover instead of private insurance for the telework visa. Official source

    Deadline: From day one; keep the policy active without gaps.

  4. Social Security number (if you work)

    The Social Security Treasury (TGSS) gives each person a Social Security number. You apply with form TA.1 or online. Employees must be registered before they start working; self-employed workers within 3 months and before starting. Official source

    Deadline: Before your first day of work.

  5. Bank account

    A Spanish account makes it easier to pay rent, utilities and insurance. Banks may charge up to 3 € per month for a basic payment account. Official source

    Deadline: In the first weeks.

  6. Driving licence

    A US or Canadian licence is valid in Spain only for six months from the date you become resident. Spain has no licence-exchange agreement with the United States or Canada, so after that you need to obtain a Spanish licence. Official source

    Deadline: Six months from becoming resident.

  7. Tax residence

    You become tax resident in Spain if you spend more than 183 days here in a calendar year, or if the main centre of your economic interests is in Spain. Plan your arrival date with a tax adviser. Official source

    Deadline: Counted per calendar year (1 January to 31 December).

  8. Renewals

    Do not let your permit expire. A non-lucrative permit is renewed at the Foreigners' Office during the two months before it expires. Telework visa holders can apply for the residence permit during the 60 days before the visa expires. Official source

    Deadline: Two months (60 days) before expiry.

Documents to prepare

  • Valid passport. For the non-lucrative visa the consulate in Washington asks for at least 1 year of validity and two blank pages; passports issued more than 10 years ago are not accepted. Official source
  • US: FBI criminal background check (state or local police checks are not accepted), issued within the 6 months before you apply, with the Hague Apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish. Official source
  • Canada: RCMP criminal record certificate with fingerprints (local police certificates are not accepted), with the apostille issued by Global Affairs Canada and a translation into Spanish. Official source
  • If you lived more than 6 months in another country in recent years, a criminal record certificate from that country too. Official source
  • Medical certificate signed by a doctor, issued within the last 90 days, stating that you do not have any disease that could have serious public-health consequences under the International Health Regulations (2005). Official source
  • Health insurance certificate from an insurer authorised to operate in Spain (not an insurance card, not travel insurance). Official source
  • Proof of financial means: bank statements, bank certificate, proof of pension or other regular income, latest tax return. Official source
  • Proof that you live in the consular district (for example a US driver's licence or state ID). Official source
  • Family documents (marriage and birth certificates) apostilled and with an official translation into Spanish. Official source
  • Foreign public documents must be legalised or apostilled and, where applicable, come with an official translation into Spanish. Official source

Taxes

  • You are tax resident in Spain if you stay more than 183 days in the calendar year, or if the main base of your economic activities or interests is in Spain. Short absences count as days in Spain unless you prove tax residence in another country. Official source
  • Workers who move to Spain can choose a special tax regime (often called the "Beckham law") for the year they arrive and the next five years, if they were not resident in Spain in the previous five years and meet the other conditions. Under it, income up to 600,000 € is taxed at 24% and the rest at 47%. Holders of the international telework visa who are employees are expressly included. Official source
  • The option is made with form 149, within six months from the start date of the activity shown in your Spanish Social Security registration. The yearly return is form 151. Official source
  • Spain has double-taxation treaties with both the United States and Canada. How each type of income is taxed depends on the treaty; a tax adviser should review your case. Official source
  • US citizens: the United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income wherever they live, so you keep filing a US return after moving. Benefits such as the foreign earned income exclusion and the foreign tax credit are only available if you file. Official source
  • Canadians: you become a non-resident for Canadian tax when you leave Canada and cut your residential ties. You may be treated as having sold certain property at fair market value on departure ("deemed disposition"), and you must tell Canadian payers and banks that you are no longer resident. Official source
  • Spain has Social Security agreements with the United States and with Canada. Official source

Notes for United States

  • You must apply at the Spanish consulate for the state where you live. Spain has consulates general in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and San Juan (Puerto Rico), plus the consular section of the Embassy in Washington, D.C.
  • The Washington consular section covers Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina, and receives applications by appointment through the BLS visa application centre.
  • Only the FBI background check is accepted. The apostille must certify the signature on the FBI check itself, not the signature of a local notary.
  • People in the US on a B1/B2 visa cannot apply at the Washington consular office; they must apply in their country of residence or origin.
  • The United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income even when they live in Spain.
  • There is no driving-licence exchange agreement between Spain and the United States.

Notes for Canada

  • The Consulate General in Toronto covers Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario (except Ottawa), Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut.
  • The Consulate General in Montreal covers Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Québec (except Gatineau) and Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Only the RCMP criminal record certificate with fingerprints is accepted, with the apostille issued by Global Affairs Canada.
  • Appointments in Toronto and Montreal are requested by email to the consulate.
  • Leaving Canada has tax effects: check your residential ties and the departure rules with the Canada Revenue Agency or a tax adviser before you move.
  • There is no driving-licence exchange agreement between Spain and Canada.

Common mistakes

  • Sending a state or local police check instead of the FBI check (US) or the fingerprint-based RCMP certificate (Canada).
  • Getting the apostille on a notary's signature instead of on the background check itself.
  • Applying with a background check that is more than 6 months old.
  • Presenting travel insurance or an insurance card instead of a full health insurance policy valid in Spain.
  • Applying at a consulate that does not cover the place where you live.
  • Working, even remotely, while holding a non-lucrative permit.
  • Missing the one-month deadline to apply for the TIE after arriving.
  • Driving on a US or Canadian licence more than six months after becoming resident.
  • Applying for a study visa less than 2 months before the course starts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I move to Spain first and sort out the papers later?

You can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but that stay does not let you work or stay longer. Most routes start with a visa at the Spanish consulate in the US or Canada. Two exceptions are the telework residence permit, which people who are legally in Spain can request directly here, and the residence card for family members of EU citizens.

How much money do I need for the non-lucrative visa?

The rule is 400% of the IPREM for the main applicant and 100% more for each family member. The Spanish consular section in Washington states that in 2026 this is 28,800 € per year for one person and 7,200 € per year for each dependent. The IPREM changes every year, so check the current figure before you apply.

Can I work remotely for my US or Canadian employer from Spain?

Not with a non-lucrative visa: it does not allow any work. The route designed for this is the international telework visa. Employees can only work for companies outside Spain; self-employed professionals can also work for Spanish companies up to 20% of their activity.

Does buying a property give me residence?

No. The investor visa was removed by Organic Law 1/2025 with effect from 3 April 2025. You can buy property as a non-resident, but you need another route to live in Spain.

Can I exchange my US or Canadian driving licence?

No. Spain has no exchange agreement with the United States or Canada. Your licence is valid for six months after you become resident; after that you need a Spanish licence.

Will I pay tax in Spain and in my home country?

If you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain you are normally tax resident here. Spain has double-taxation treaties with the US and Canada. US citizens must keep filing with the IRS; Canadians should review their residency status with the CRA. We are not tax advisers: we put you in touch with specialists.

Do I need ETIAS to travel to Spain now?

No. ETIAS is not in operation yet and no applications are being collected. The EU will announce the start date several months in advance. The Entry/Exit System (EES) is already in use at the border.

What do you do and what does the lawyer do?

We prepare and organise your documents, book appointments and go with you to them in almost all of Spain. Legal advice on which route fits you, and any legal representation, comes from our partner immigration lawyers.

Official sources used on this page

General information taken from the official sources linked on this page. It is not legal advice and rules change: our partner immigration lawyers confirm your specific case.

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