How to Get Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa as an American

🇺🇸 How to Get Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa as an American

Thinking about swapping U.S. hustle culture for Spanish siestas and sunshine? Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is tailor-made for remote workers like you — and Americans are among the top applicants. Here’s everything you need to know to move to Spain as a U.S. digital nomad.

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🧾 What Is Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?

Spain’s DNV allows non-EU remote workers to live and work legally in Spain while offering tax incentives, family reunification, and easy travel within Schengen.

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✅ Who Is Eligible?

To qualify as a U.S. citizen, you must:

🖥️ Work remotely for a company outside Spain
💰 Earn at least €2,646/month (~$2,900 USD)
🧑‍💻 Be a freelancer or employee with proof of 3+ months of contracts
🎓 Hold a university degree or 3+ years of relevant work experience
📄 Provide a clean FBI background check (apostilled)
🏥 Have private health insurance covering your stay in Spain
🏠 Show proof of accommodation (e.g., rental agreement or hotel reservation)

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📍 Best Cities in Spain for U.S. Digital Nomads

Spain offers big-city energy, beach towns, and mountain retreats. Here’s where Americans tend to settle:

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💸 Spanish Taxes for U.S. Digital Nomads

Spain offers a reduced tax regime (Beckham Law) for new arrivals:

• Flat 24% tax rate on Spanish income up to €600,000/year (for up to 6 years)

• No tax on foreign income or U.S. passive income (e.g. dividends, rental)

• Spain and the U.S. have a tax treaty to avoid double taxation

• You’ll still need to file with the IRS (worldwide income applies)

📌 We recommend working with a Spanish accountant to handle dual filing (Form 2555 or foreign tax credit).

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📅 Application Process (U.S. Citizens)

Option 1 – From the U.S. (Spanish Consulate):

• Apply for a 1-year visa, extendable in Spain

• Process time: 30–60 days (varies by consulate)

• Consulate jurisdiction applies (based on your U.S. state)

Option 2 – From Spain (on tourist visa):

• Apply within 90 days of entry

• File directly with UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas)

• You’ll get a 3-year residence permit immediately

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Can You Bring Family?

Yes! Spain’s DNV allows you to bring:

• Spouse or registered partner

• Children under 18 (or over 18 if dependent)

• You must show additional income (~€1,000/month per family member)

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📂 Required Documents

Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• Valid U.S. passport

• FBI criminal background check (apostilled)

• Proof of employment or freelance contracts

• Income proof (bank statements, invoices, pay stubs)

• University degree or proof of experience

• Spanish health insurance

• Spanish address proof (lease, hotel, Airbnb)

• Passport-sized photos + application forms

📎 Tip: Get everything translated into Spanish by a certified translator.

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🛡️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help

As a U.S. citizen, you’ll face a complex mix of U.S. and Spanish bureaucracy. We offer:

✅ End-to-end visa application support
✅ FBI background check + apostille handling
✅ Tax optimization advice for dual-residency
✅ Family visa assistance
✅ NIE number, empadronamiento, and health system registration

📞 Get in touch for a free consultation — and start living your remote life in Spain stress-free.

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✈️ Why Americans Love Living in Spain

• ☀️ Better work-life balance

• 💶 Affordable compared to major U.S. cities

• 🍷 Food, wine, and culture

• 🚆 Easy travel across Europe

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Safe, family-friendly cities

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🔚 Final Thoughts

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa offers Americans a rare chance to live legally in the EU while continuing their U.S.-based careers. With tax breaks, legal residency, and a booming digital work culture, there’s never been a better time to apply.