Immigration advice for US Expats in spain
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Travel to Spain from USA
Make your Spanish residency journey stress-free! Our immigration consultations for US expats in Spain offer personalized guidance and essential tips. We provide you with expert advice and our services ensure a seamless transition to life in Spain.
Moving to Spain from USA
There are many reasons why a US citizen might want to live in Spain. Spain is a beautiful country with a great international reputation because of its tasty food, stunning landscapes, diverse culture, and ancient history. Residents enjoy sunny weather and a stress-free Mediterranean lifestyle. The high standard of living, excellent healthcare facilities, low crime rates, and low cost of living are some of the most influential reasons for its large expat community.
Do I need a visa for Spain as an American Citizen?
US citizens do not need a visa to travel to Spain from the US if the stay is not longer than 90 days, after that you will need a work permit. Nor do they need a visa to visit any country in the Schengen area.
Requirements to get a visa for Spain:
There are certain entry requirements and documents that they will need to present as US expats in Spain. Some common requirements may include:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport with at least three months of validity beyond the planned stay
- Proof of travel reservations
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Additional documents depending on the purpose of the visit
Applying for Residence in Spain as an American Citizen
Study in Spain
If you plan to study in Spain, you can apply for a student visa.
Retirement Visa
If you are retired and have sufficient income, you can apply for a retirement visa.
Permanent residence
After living legally in Spain for five uninterrupted years, you can apply for permanent residence.
Non-lucrative residence visa
If you have sufficient income to support yourself and your dependents and do not plan to work in Spain, you can apply for a non-lucrative residence visa.
Digital Nomad Visa
This is a temporary residence permit for those who earn an income working remotely. If this is your case, you can book a free consultation.
Family Reunification Visa
Allows foreign citizens who are already legal residents in Spain to bring their family members to live with them.
Work Permit
If you have a job offer in Spain, you can apply for a work permit. This is also the case if you want to work as a self-employed person, either as a freelancer or as an employee.
Common requirements to obtain your residence permit:
- Have a valid passport.
- Have no criminal record.
- Have public or private health insurance in Spain.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves and any dependents.
- Provide a certificate of good health from a Spanish doctor.
- Valid work or residence permit.
There are specific requirements for each residence permit, but here are the most general ones.
After obtaining the residence permit, you must apply for your TIE or NIE.
Agreements between Spain and the US:
- Double Taxation Treaty: The Double Taxation Treaty between Spain and the United States aims to prevent Americans living in Spain from being taxed twice on the same income: once by the United States and once by Spain. This treaty stipulates that a natural person who is a tax resident in Spain must pay taxes in Spain on their worldwide income, this means, they must declare in Spain the income they earn anywhere in the world. However, the treaty also establishes the tax powers that correspond to each signatory state, with both able to tax the same income but with the obligation for the taxpayer’s country of residence to arbitrate measures to avoid double taxation.
- Trade Agreement: The Trade Agreement establishes favorable trade agreements for the United States. A free trade agreement between the United States and the European Union, for example, could increase trade by facilitating the free exchange of goods and services on both sides of the North Atlantic, thus stimulating economic activity and wealth creation. This could result in job creation and an increase in GDP. These benefits can vary depending on individual circumstances and current tax and trade laws. Therefore, Americans living or planning to live in Spain are advised to consult with a tax expert for more precise and up-to-date information.
Do you have questions about your tax obligations as an American citizen in Spain? Talk to an expert here!
Benefits for US expats in Spain:
US government benefits that apply when moving to Spain from USA:
- Social Security Administration (SSA):Most US citizens can get Social Security benefits while visiting or living outside the US, including Spain. If you earned Social Security benefits, you can visit or live in most foreign countries and still receive payments.
- If you’re a U.S. citizen living abroad, including Spain, and have been a member or worker of certain U.S. organizations, you may be eligible for benefits, that can include disability, pension, education, healthcare, housing loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation, and employment for veterans; retirement benefits for federal employees; tax benefits for workers; retirement and unemployment benefits for railroad workers; and Medicare coverage. However, these may vary based on individual circumstances and local laws.
- Federal Taxes: Many Americans living abroad qualify for special tax benefits, such as the foreign earned income exclusion and foreign tax credit. Still, they can only get them by filing a US return. The most common forms for US expats in Spain to qualify for tax benefits like the foreign earned income exclusion and foreign tax credit are Form 1040, Form 2555 and Form 1116.
- Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA): US expats in Spain are subject to the FATCA, which aims to prevent tax evasion by American taxpayers using foreign accounts. (In Spain, if you have over €50,000 in foreign accounts, you must declare them. All income, regardless of where it’s generated, must be declared if you’re a tax resident. If you’re carrying more than €10,000 in cash or bank checks into or out of the country, you must notify the tax authorities. Non-declaration can result in significant fines.
- Emergency Assistance: Americans living abroad, including Spain, can receive emergency financial assistance from the US government when temporarily without resources due to unforeseen circumstances. This involves help from US consular officers to contact family, bank, or employer to arrange fund transfers. For immediate assistance, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the US Department of State.
Requesting Spanish Nationality as an American Citizen
There are different ways to apply for Spanish Nationality if you travel to Spain from USA, some of these methods are:
By residence
This is the general case for most foreigners residing in Spain. It requires legally and continuously residing in Spain for 10 years. You can read more info about the Nationality by Residence right here .
by Democratic Memory Law (Grandchildren’s Law)
American citizens who are descendants of Spaniards can obtain Spanish nationality through this law.
By Option
This method is offered to those who are or have been subject to the parental authority of a Spaniard. This option expires when the applicant turns 20, with a 2-year extension if the applicant has been living outside of Spain.
By Marriage
It is granted to foreign individuals who marry Spanish citizens. More info about this in our blog.
Do you still have questions about the immigration procedures you need to do in Spain? Talk to an expert here!
Professional Guidance
Whether you’re starting from scratch or need assistance with specific documents, our expert team efficiently manages each case, prioritizing their timely acquisition and minimizing potential risks in the application to get:
- Visas to travel to Spain.
- Residence permits.
- Legal immigration procedures.
- And many more!
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FAQ
General Info
The process for obtaining a visa to Spain can vary depending on the type of visa you need and your country of origin.
Generally, you’ll need to submit an application form, passport photos, a valid passport, demonstrate the absence of criminal records and have full health coverage in Spain.
You’ll also need to pay a fee and, in some cases, schedule an interview at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.
Entre Trámites can assist you with the application process and ensure that all necessary documents are submitted correctly.
The documentation for a Spanish visa can vary depending on the type of visa you need. Some common requirements include a valid passport, proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay, and documentation of the purpose of your visit, such as a letter of invitation or proof of enrollment in a Spanish school.
We can help you determine the specific requirements for your visa and ensure that all necessary documents are submitted correctly.
If your visa application is denied, you may have the right to appeal the decision or reapply with additional documentation or information. Our team can assist you with this process and provide guidance on how to proceed.
However, please note that we cannot guarantee a successful outcome as the decision ultimately rests with the Spanish authorities.
The duration of a Spanish visa or residence permit varies depending on the type of permit or visa you are applying for.
Typically, visas for short-term stays in Spain are issued for up to 90 days, while long-term residence permits can be valid for up to two years initially and then renewed for subsequent periods.
Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and several other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
However, even if you are not required to obtain a visa, you may still need to meet certain entry requirements, such as having a valid passport and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
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