American citizens moving to Kingdom of Spain
Americans use Spain's Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad (Startups Law 2022), and Highly Qualified Professional routes. The Golden Visa closed April 2025. Naturalisation requires 10 years of legal residence (not 2, as Ibero-American countries) but dual citizenship is broadly recognised in practice.
Tourist entry
Yes. American nationals can enter Kingdom of Spain without a visa for tourism, typically up to 90 days. This does not confer the right to work, study long-term, or establish residence.
Treaty & bilateral memberships
- Schengen Area
Consular processing: Madrid
All Kingdom of Spain routes
Digital Nomad Visa (Spain)
Residence permit for remote workers and international freelancers under the Startup Law (Ley de Startups).
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
Residence visa for financially self-sufficient non-EEA nationals not planning to work in Spain.
Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) permit
Residence permit for highly qualified workers with a Spanish employment contract, processed under the Law 14/2013 regime.
Entrepreneur Visa (Ley 14/2013)
Residence permit for founders establishing an innovative business in Spain under the Entrepreneurs' Law.
Spain Golden Visa (ending April 2025)
Residence-by-investment route announced to end on 3 April 2025; residual queries reference historical rules.
Spanish Student Visa
Study visa for courses longer than 90 days at recognised Spanish institutions.
Family reunification (Spain)
Residence permit for family members of Spanish residents; arreigo (settled-status) routes also available.
Frequently asked questions
Can American citizens enter Kingdom of Spain without a visa?
Yes. American nationals can enter Kingdom of Spain without a visa for tourism, typically up to 90 days. This does not confer the right to work, study long-term, or establish residence.
Which Kingdom of Spain visa routes are best suited to American applicants?
Americans use Spain's Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad (Startups Law 2022), and Highly Qualified Professional routes. The Golden Visa closed April 2025. Naturalisation requires 10 years of legal residence (not 2, as Ibero-American countries) but dual citizenship is broadly recognised in practice.
Where do American applicants typically apply for a Kingdom of Spain visa?
Applications are typically processed at Madrid. Some digital and in-country applications can be filed directly with Kingdom of Spain's immigration authority without a consular visit.