The short version
- The common routes for Americans are the digital nomad visa, the non-working visa, self-employment and study.
- The non-working visa asks for about EUR 2,400 a month in 2026, from income you do not earn by working in Spain.
- Spain ended its golden visa in April 2025, so buying property no longer buys residency.
- Spain is in the Schengen area, so a plain visit is capped at 90 days in any 180.
Can Americans move to Spain?
Yes, through a national visa that matches how you will live there: remote work, savings and a pension, self-employment, or study. A US passport gives you 90 days in any 180 as a visitor, but a longer stay needs one of these visas. We last checked the official pages in October 2026.
For the visitor count, use our Schengen calculator and read how long Americans can stay in Europe.
What is the digital nomad visa?
It is Spain's telework visa, for people who work remotely for companies based outside Spain. The government page asks for income of at least 200% of Spain's monthly minimum wage, counted before tax. A consulate visa is valid for one year, and a residence authorisation can run up to three years. Our Spain digital nomad visa page has the figures.
Can you move on savings or a pension?
Yes, on the non-working residence visa, sometimes called the non-lucrative visa. You show steady income you do not earn by working in Spain, such as a pension, rent or investments. The rule is 4 times the IPREM, which is EUR 2,400 a month in 2026, with more for each family member. The consulate page lists the amount and papers. Our Spain retirement visa page covers it for people living on a pension.
Can you work for yourself in Spain?
Yes, with a self-employment authorisation (cuenta propia). You show a business plan and that the work can support you. The first permit lasts one year and covers one region and one line of work, per the official page.
What happened to the golden visa?
Spain ended its golden visa. The residence-by-investment scheme under Law 14/2013 was repealed, with the change taking effect on 3 April 2025 (BOE). Buying property no longer buys residency in Spain, so that route is closed. If investment residency is what you want, see our golden visa finder for countries that still run one.
Can you move to study?
Yes. With a place on a full-time course, you apply for a study visa, which covers the length of your studies. The official study page lists the fee and documents, and our Spain student visa page has the money you must show. For a wider view of routes into the EU, read how to move to Europe. Each visa has its own income and document rules, and they change, so confirm yours before you move.