Visas and Residency in Spain

This is the most popular route for Americans who want to live in Spain full-time but do not plan to work locally.

Who is this for? Retirees or individuals with sufficient passive income/savings who want to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle.

• Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency (approx. €2,200/month for an individual, +€600 for a spouse). Note: These figures are based on the IPREM index and change annually.

• No Work: You cannot be employed by a Spanish company.

• Application: Must be initiated at the Spanish Consulate in the US.

Read more : “Non-Lucrative Visa or No Visa? The Best Choice for Long-Term Life in Spain“

Designed for the modern workforce. If you work for a US company or have clients outside of Spain, you can live here legally.

• Remote Income: Proof that your work can be done remotely.

• Stable Contract: Employment contract or freelance relationship with foreign companies (outside Spain).

• Income Level: Proof of sufficient monthly earnings (approx. double the Spanish minimum wage).

Can I buy a house in Spain without a Visa? YES. There are absolutely zero restrictions on US citizens owning property in Spain. You do not need a residence permit, a Golden Visa, or a work contract to buy your dream home.

As a US citizen, you benefit from the Schengen Visa Waiver.

• The Rule: You can stay in Spain (and the Schengen Area) for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period.

• The Math: Think of it as “3 months IN, 3 months OUT”. You can spend the entire spring in Spain, go back to the US for the summer, and return for the autumn.

This is the strategic choice for many American investors and “Snowbirds” (people escaping the winter).

• No Paperwork: No visa application fees, no background checks, no medical exams.

• Tax Advantage: By staying in Spain for less than 183 days a year, you typically avoid becoming a Spanish Tax Resident. This means you generally do not pay Spanish income tax on your worldwide income (US pensions, stocks, etc.), though you must still pay local property taxes.

• Vacation home buyers.

• Investors looking for rental income (Airbnb) when they are not using the property.

• People who want a European base but keep their main life in the US.