Spanish digital nomad visa for American residents: everything you need to know before moving to Spain in 2025-26

In this guide, we will walk through everything an American resident needs to know to apply for and live in Spain under the Digital Nomad Visa.

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa was created as part of the country’s broader initiative to attract foreign investment and talent, particularly in the technology and startup sectors. This visa allows remote workers and freelancers to reside in Spain while continuing to work for companies or clients based outside the country. Whether you’re a full-time employee for a U.S.-based company or a freelancer working with international clients, this visa provides the legal framework for living in Spain without requiring you to secure employment within the country.

There is a significant appeal to the Digital Nomad Visa for American residents. Many citizens are embracing remote work and the chance to live in Spain.

The visa also allows you to bring immediate family members which makes it easier for those with spouses and children. Also, the time zone difference can be favourable for remote workers from the States dealing with clients or employers in the U.S., as the gap provides flexibility in managing work and family hours.

A major change to the U.S.–Spain Social Security Agreement, effective in 2025, now directly benefits American W-2 employees working remotely from Spain. In the past, the US authorities interpreted that the remote work was not covered by the Agreement, and only payroll employees who were temporarily relocated by their companies to work on a project or group of companies in Spain were able to obtain the so-called “Certificate of Coverage” (CoC) for the ICT visa. From now onwards, U.S. payroll employees can remain under the U.S. Social Security system by simply obtaining a CoC from the U.S. Social Security Administration for working remotely from Spain. This means there is no longer a requirement to register the company with the Spanish Social Security system, removing what has historically been one of the biggest administrative and financial hurdles for remote employees.

We will explain the scope, requirements, and practical implications of this groundbreaking update in the following sections of the article.

You must either have an undergraduate degree or postgraduate degree from a recognized university or have at least three years of work experience in your current field. Additionally, self-employed applicants can work for Spanish companies however this work cannot exceed 20% of their professional activity. In addition, you must prove that you have been working for the company for at least three months and that the company has been operating for at least one year.

To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, American residents must meet a certain set of financial requirements. The Current income threshold is set at 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI) for the main applicant, 75% for the first family member, and 25% for each additional family member. You must show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself while living in Spain. Employment contracts, invoices, payslips, bank statements, or other evidence of steady income can all qualify as proof.

Presenting specific documents is needed such as a clean criminal record, which must be obtained from the U.S. FBI and bear an apostille stamp of the Federal Department of Justice. Additionally, U.S. residents are required to ensure all documentation is properly apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator, where applicable.

You can apply for the DNV either through the Spanish Consulate corresponding to your place of residence in the USA or from within Spain if you are there legally as a tourist or holding a different residence permit.

If applying through the Consulate, before applying for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa for US Residents you must apply for a NIE number. The Consular process usually requires booking an appointment, although in some cases, documents may be sent via courier. It’s important to be aware that appointment availability can be limited, so it’s advisable to begin the process as early as possible. Once you’ve secured an appointment, you’ll need to submit all the required documentation.

Currently, there are 9 Spanish Consulates in most of the biggest areas of the US.

You can see which Consulate corresponds to your case at the Spanish Embassy web here.

If your application is approved, you’ll be asked to collect your visa within the designated timeframe and travel to Spain. After your arrival, the next step will be to apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).

The in-country process is done electronically, submitting all documents online to the Unit for Large Companies and Strategic Collectives (UGE-CE). Upon approval, you will receive a resolution which allows you to book an appointment at your local police station to request your TIE.

It is important to ensure all paperwork is in order, including apostilles and sworn translations of documents into Spanish, if needed.

However, we must note that the final documentation to be submitted will vary depending on each specific case, and the Spanish administration may request additional documentation if they deem it necessary. We can assist you in reviewing and preparing the documentation, tailoring the application to your particular circumstances.

It is important to ensure all paperwork is in order, including apostilles and sworn translations of documents into Spanish, if needed.

Once submitted, visa applications at the Consulate should take 10 working days, and the in-country applications should take 20 working days to process. However, sometimes it can take longer. In case of visa applications through the Consulate, you will be notified by the Spanish consulate once your visa is approved, at which point you can travel to Spain and begin your new life as a digital nomad.

Spain and the United States have a bilateral Social Security Agreement that coordinates social security benefits and totalization periods between the two countries. A major update to this agreement, effective as of 2025, now allows US W-2 employees working remotely from Spain to obtain a Certificate of Coverage (CoC) from the US Social Security Administration (SSA), listing their Spanish home address. This CoC provides an exemption from paying into the Spanish social security system during their stay (up to a maximum of five years).

This development marks a significant shift from previous rules, under which remote employees on a US payroll were effectively excluded from the Digital Nomad Visa unless they converted to self-employed status in Spain, or their US employer registered their work center and paid social security contributions in Spain. Now, US-based employees can maintain their employment contracts and social security contributions in the US while residing in Spain under the Digital Nomad Visa.

To apply for the visa under this new framework, W-2 employees must include the CoC as part of their application, ensuring it clearly states their Spanish address. The certificate must confirm that the applicant is covered under the US-Spain agreement and employed by a US company.

Self-employed applicants and business owners continue to follow a different process. Those applying as freelancers must submit a sworn statement committing to register with the Spanish social security system upon approval of the visa. Business owners with a significant stake in a company should also generally apply under the self-employed regime, which involves contributions requirements.

As a holder of a Digital Nomad Visa, you will be able to reside in Spain for a maximum period of three years, with the option to renew up to five years if the conditions continue to be met. However, if you submit the application through the Consulate, the visa will initially be granted for one year, also renewable. Additionally, you are permitted to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within every 180 days.

Spain offers favourable tax conditions for digital nomads, especially under the Beckham Law, which allows certain foreign workers to pay a flat tax rate of 24% on income up to €600,000. This can provide significant savings compared to the standard progressive tax rates.

If your visa is issued with the new option of the Certificate of Coverage, you can consider if applying for a Beckham rule taxation is beneficial in your case. Otherwise, digital nomads in Spain are generally considered to be regular tax residents in Spain in a calendar year when they spent more than 183 days in the Spanish territory.

For any tax related question, we always recommend seeking individual advice with a tax lawyer.

Non-compliance with the terms of the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa for US Residents, such as failing to maintain your primary income from non-Spanish sources or not meeting tax obligations, could have serious consequences. For example, your visa could be revoked, and you could face legal action from the Spanish authorities.

It’s important to seek legal advice from an expert familiar with both American and Spanish laws. In case of visa denial or revocation, you may be able to appeal the decision, though the process can get complex. If your application has been denied and you are still within the appeal period, we can assist you with preparing and filing the appeal.

For American citizens looking to live in Spain while maintaining their remote work commitments, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa for US Residents is an excellent opportunity, and the ability to travel throughout Europe makes it a highly desirable option for digital nomads.

Before applying, make sure to gather all necessary documents, meet the financial and professional requirements, and stay informed about Spain’s tax laws and the social security agreements with the U.S. Consulting with legal and tax experts is also highly recommended to ensure a smooth transition to your new life in Spain. By following these steps, U.S. residents can take full advantage of Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa and enjoy a fulfilling professional and personal experience abroad.

For expert advice on the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa or any related immigration matters, feel free to contact us using the form below, via our contact page, or by giving us a call. We’re here to support you at every step of the process.

This article is written in collaboration with Julia Gateman and Xenia Rigola, members of the Legal Support Team at Klev&Vera.