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The Daily Insight

Can a US citizen go live in Spain?

Author

Sarah Duran

Published Mar 27, 2026

Can US citizens move to Spain? Yes! Spain offers a range of visa options, from student visas to non-lucrative residency visas, which allow you to live in Spain without working there. You’ll have to apply for your visa in the U.S., at the Consulate General for your home state.

Can I bring my partner to Spain?

The family reunification visa is the immigration procedure through which a non-European citizen with a residence permit in Spain can bring their relatives to the country; granting them a residence and work permit. You must have a renewed residence permit.

How can a US citizen get residency in Spain?

American citizens wanting to study, reside, or work in Spain must obtain the appropriate visa from the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in their state/country of last residence. After the visa has been issued, foreigners have three months to apply for the corresponding permit with the Spanish authorities in Spain.

Can I live in Spain if my partner is Spanish?

In the first place, the citizen who wants to obtain nationality must obtain a residence in Spain. This will be possible after having married a Spanish national. Then, you must demonstrate continued coexistence for a year in the Spanish territory with your spouse.

Can I move to Spain if my wife is Spanish?

No matter if you hold a residence permit or Spanish nationality, we have some good news. You can now bring your relatives to Spain and get them a residence and work permit. And you can do it easily!

How long can a non resident stay in Spain?

90 days
The 90-day rule This rule simply states that you can live in Spain without residency for a maximum of 90 days. After those 3 months, you need to either obtain a residence permit, or leave the country. And that is because the shortest stay option is the tourist (or Schengen) visa, which lasts exactly for 90 days.

Can I live in Spain if I’m married to a Spanish citizen?

A foreigner who marries a Spanish citizen or a resident is entitled to Spanish residency. To obtain it, you must go to the Foreigners Office in the province you live in and submit the following documentation: Identification card ( DNI) of the Spanish citizen or certificate of registry as an EEA citizen in Spain.

How much is non-resident tax in Spain?

Spanish taxes for non-residents The general flat income tax rate for non-residents is 24%, or 19% if you are a citizen of an EU/EEA state. Other income is subject to Spanish non-resident taxes at the following rates: Capital gains resulting from transferred assets are taxed at a rate of 19%.

Can I still retire to Spain?

If you wish to stay longer than 90 days you will need to get a visa appropriate for the purposes of your stay in Spain. Thus Brits or other Non-EU citizens wishing to retire to Spain will generally need to apply for a Golden Visa or a Non-Lucrative Visa if they wish to stay long term in Spain.