Spain Visa Guide for U.S. Citizens: Step-by-Step

🇪🇸 Spain Visa Guide for U.S. Citizens: Step-by-Step

If you’re a U.S. citizen planning to stay in Spain for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a national visa (long-stay visa or “visado nacional”). Spain offers several visa types for Americans—each with different eligibility, documentation, and processing requirements.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know:

🧭 Quick Summary: Visa or No Visa?

For short trips, Americans can travel visa-free under the Schengen Agreement. Starting mid-2025, the ETIAS travel authorization will be required for U.S. tourists:

🔗 https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

✈️ Types of Spain Long-Stay Visas for U.S. Citizens

Below are the most common long-stay visas for Americans:

1. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) – For retirees or remote workers with passive income

2. Digital Nomad Visa – For remote workers employed outside of Spain

3. Student Visa – For full-time studies at a Spanish institution

4. Work Visa – For employment with a Spanish employer

5. Entrepreneur Visa – For starting a business or startup in Spain

6. Family Reunification Visa – For joining family already residing legally in Spain

7. Golden Visa – For property investors (€500,000+ investment)

🗂️ Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Spain Visa from the USA

✅ Step 1: Choose the Right Visa

Start by determining which visa suits your needs. For example:

• Retirees: Non-Lucrative Visa

• Remote workers: Digital Nomad Visa

• Students: Student Visa

• Employees: Work Visa

More on types of visas:

🔗 https://www.exteriores.gob.es/en/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/index.aspx

✅ Step 2: Contact the Spanish Consulate in Your Jurisdiction

Spain requires in-person visa applications through regional consulates. You must apply through the consulate assigned to your state.

Find your consulate here:

🔗 https://www.exteriores.gob.es/en/ServiciosAlCiudadano/EmbajadasConsulados/Paginas/index.aspx

Examples:

• 🏙️ Los Angeles Consulate: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/losangeles/en

• 🏙️ New York Consulate: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/nuevayork/en

You must request an appointment via email or online booking (each consulate differs).

✅ Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Below is a general list of required documents (some may vary by visa type):

• National Visa Application Form

🔗 https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/losangeles/en/ServiciosConsulares/Visados/Documents/National_Visa_Application_Form.pdf

• Valid U.S. Passport (valid for 1 year beyond visa term)

• Two passport-sized photos

• Cover letter explaining purpose of travel

• Proof of financial means

• Bank statements or pension proof

• For Digital Nomad Visa: remote work contract

• Criminal background check (FBI) + apostille

🔗 https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks

• Medical certificate signed by a licensed doctor

🔗 https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/losangeles/en/ServiciosConsulares/Visados/Documents/Medical_Certificate_Model.pdf

• Proof of health insurance that covers Spain

• Must be private insurance, zero deductible, and full coverage in Spain

✅ Step 4: Legalize and Translate Documents

• U.S. documents (FBI check, birth certificate, etc.) must be apostilled

🔗 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/records-and-authentications/authenticate-your-document/apostille-requirements.html

• All documents not in Spanish must be translated by a sworn translator (“traductor jurado”)

Official translator list:

🔗 https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Documents/listado-traductores.pdf

✅ Step 5: Submit Your Application In Person

• Submit your documents at the Spanish consulate during your scheduled appointment.

• Most consulates do not accept mailed applications.

• Submit 2 complete sets of your documents: originals + copies.

💵 Visa Fees for U.S. Citizens (2024–2025)

🔗 Consulate of Spain in Los Angeles – Visa Fees

All fees are non-refundable, even if denied.

⏱️ Step 6: Wait for Processing

• Typical processing time: 4 to 8 weeks

• The consulate may request additional documents

• Track status by contacting the consulate

✅ Step 7: Pick Up Your Visa

• Once approved, you’ll be notified via email or phone.

• You must return to the consulate to collect your visa.

• Your visa is stamped into your passport and valid for entry to Spain.

✅ Step 8: Travel to Spain and Register

Upon arrival in Spain, you must:

1. Apply for your TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days

2. Register your address at the local town hall (ayuntamiento)

3. Set up appointments at your local immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería)

Info on TIE:

🔗 https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/es/informacioninteres/informacionprocedimientos/index.html

🇪🇸 Spotlight: Popular Spain Visa Types for Americans

🟢 Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

For: Retirees or those with passive income

Requirements:

• Minimum income of approx. $2,700/month (plus ~$700 per dependent)

• No employment allowed in Spain

More info:

🔗 https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/losangeles/en/ServiciosConsulares/Visados/Paginas/Visado-de-residencia-no-lucrativa.aspx

🟡 Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work)

For: Remote workers employed outside of Spain

Requirements:

• Proof of foreign employer or freelance clients

• Income of approx. $2,600+/month

• Spanish private insurance

Official law (Ley 28/2022):

🔗 https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2022-21739

🔵 Student Visa

For: Full-time students in accredited Spanish programs

Requirements:

• Enrollment letter

• Proof of housing and funds (~$800/month)

• Visa valid for the duration of study

Student visa info:

🔗 https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/losangeles/en/ServiciosConsulares/Visados/Paginas/Visado-de-estudios.aspx

🟠 Work Visa

For: Those employed by a Spanish company

Requirements:

• Job offer from a Spanish employer

• Sponsorship and labor market test

Work permit info:

🔗 https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/es/index.html

📝 Final Checklist Before Applying

✅ Determine your visa type

✅ Check your regional consulate

✅ Prepare required documents

✅ Get apostilles + translations

✅ Book your consulate appointment

✅ Submit in person

✅ Wait for approval

✅ Travel and register in Spain

📚 Additional Resources

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