Spain Digital Nomad Visa for US Citizens: A 2026 Guide

If you're an American dreaming of living and working remotely from Spain, the International Telework Visa, commonly known as the digital nomad visa, could be your pathway. Established under Law 14/2013, this visa is designed for non-EU citizens who work remotely for companies located outside of Spain.

This guide walks you through the specific requirements for US citizens, from determining the correct consulate for your application to navigating the crucial FBI background check and understanding the potential tax advantages.

Which Spanish Consulate in the US Should I Apply To?

Applications for the digital nomad visa from outside Spain are submitted at a Spanish consulate. If you are applying from the US, you will need to find the appropriate consulate to handle your application. We recommend checking the official websites of the Spanish consulates in the United States to determine which one corresponds to your place of residence and to find their specific application instructions. The visa granted by the consulate is valid for a maximum of one year, allowing you to enter and reside in Spain (Law 14/2013, art. 74 quater.1).

Income Requirements for US Applicants

To qualify for the visa, you must prove you have sufficient financial resources. The minimum income required for the main applicant is 200% of Spain's annual Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI).

This amount is based on Spain's SMI for 2026, which is set at €17,094 per year. The consulates calculate the requirement based on the annual figure. You can find more details on how this is calculated in our income requirements guide. Each consulate may specify the exact documents required to prove your income, so be sure to check their specific instructions.

The FBI Background Check and Federal Apostille

A critical step for all US applicants is obtaining a criminal record certificate. Spain requires this from all countries where you have resided for the past two years. For applicants from the United States, this means you must provide an Identity History Summary from the FBI.

According to the instructions from Spanish consulates in the US, the FBI check must be authenticated with a federal Apostille of the Hague, issued by the U.S. Department of State. State-level background checks are generally not accepted.

Key points to remember for your FBI check:

• Validity: The certificate must be issued within the 6 months prior to submitting your visa application.
• Apostille: It requires a federal apostille, not a state-level one.
• Declaration: You must also submit a signed declaration stating you have no criminal record in the last five years.

This process can take time, so it's wise to start early. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our detailed guide on the FBI check and apostille.

Social Security and Healthcare Coverage

All digital nomad visa holders must have adequate health coverage in Spain. You can meet this requirement with either a public or private health insurance policy from an entity authorised to operate in Spain. The policy must provide full coverage without any co-payments or waiting periods.

Additionally, you must be covered by a social security system. For US employees, this can be achieved in two ways:

1. Your US employer can register with the Spanish Social Security system.
2. You can provide a certificate of coverage from the US Social Security Administration, if the bilateral agreement between the US and Spain applies to your situation.

If you are self-employed (a freelancer), you must register yourself in Spain's social security scheme for autonomous workers (RETA). A bilateral agreement does not apply in this case.

Tax Implications: The Beckham Law

One of the significant advantages for remote workers moving to Spain is the special tax regime known as the "Beckham Law" (Personal Income Tax Law, art. 93). This regime allows eligible foreigners to be taxed as non-residents for the year they move and the following five years.

The law was updated to explicitly include employees holding a digital nomad visa as eligible candidates. The situation for self-employed individuals is less clear, so consulting a tax advisor is recommended. Learn more in our guide to taxes and the Beckham Law. You can also take our free eligibility check to see if you meet the main criteria.

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