Digital Nomad Visa (Telework Visa) · American applicants

Spain digital nomad visa for Americans (2026)

Last verified: October 8, 2026Report an error

Americans can skip the Spanish consulate entirely by entering on a tourist visa and filing directly with the UGE-CE in Spain — a 3-year permit in about 20 working days. The Beckham Law is the real prize: a flat 24% rate for six years that replaces Spain's progressive rates. Since the US taxes worldwide income, pairing the Beckham regime with the FEIE (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, about $130,000/year) is the standard planning approach — but take Spanish tax advice, because FEIE covers earned income, not all income.

Key facts for Americans

Minimum income: €2,849/month — 200% of Spain's minimum wage (SMI), per month
Maximum stay: Up to 5 years, renewable
Processing time: 15–45 working days at the consulate; about 20 working days for in-country UGE-CE decisions.
Fees: From ~€80 visa fee, plus €90–€200 for the residence card.
Family: Spouse or registered partner, dependent children and other dependent relatives may join. The income bar rises by roughly €1,068/month for the first family member and €356/month for each additional dependent.
Health insurance: Required — must be valid for the full stay

How to apply from the United States

1Confirm you clear the bar
Spain requires 200% of Spain's minimum wage (SMI), per month. Run your numbers through our income checker first — it is the fastest way to rule countries in or out.
2Apply from the United States
Americans may file at the Spanish consulate with jurisdiction over their state of residence, or apply in-country via the UGE-CE — the in-country route is usually faster. File the Beckham Law election within six months of registering with Spanish Social Security.
3Prepare for the permit stage
Spain is the only country in this guide that lets you enter as a tourist and apply from inside the country. Filed through the UGE-CE (Large Companies Unit), it grants a 3-year residence permit directly — the fastest route to long-term status.
4Sort tax before you fly
Tax residency usually follows 183+ days of presence, and your home country may still want a return. Read the tax notes below, then confirm your position with a qualified advisor.

Tax notes

Qualifying new tax residents may elect the Beckham Law: a 24% flat rate on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 for up to 6 years, with foreign-source income potentially exempt entirely. This is the single most valuable tax feature of any visa in this guide — confirm eligibility with a Spanish tax advisor.

Tax rules are simplified here and change often. Confirm your position with a qualified tax advisor before making decisions.

Frequently asked questions

A single applicant must show roughly €2,849 per month, equal to 200% of Spain's minimum wage (SMI) — i.e. €34,188/year. The threshold rises with family: add about €1,068/month for the first dependent and €356/month for each additional one. A couple should therefore budget around €3,917/month. Note: some consulates quote €2,442/month instead — that is the same €34,188 requirement expressed over Spain's 14-payment salary system, not a lower bar (showing €2,442 × 12 falls short of the binding annual figure).

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Not legal advice. Visa rules change frequently and consulates interpret them differently. Always verify current requirements with the official consulate or immigration authority before applying. Official source: Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Telework (Digital Nomad) Visa.