How long does the Spain Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo) take for Americans?

Typical processing time is 3–10 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.

What does the Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo) cost?

The government fee is approximately $150. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.

Do Americans need a job offer for the Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo)?

No. The Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo) does not require a job offer from a Spain employer.

Can I bring my family on the Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo)?

Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.

What is the income requirement for the Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo) for Americans?

The minimum income is about $38,000 a year, roughly $3,167 a month, expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo) for Americans

Last verified: September 6, 2026

Quick facts

Processing time: 3–10 weeks
Government fee: about $150
Start preparing: about 5 months before your move
Steps in the plan: 12
Need an apostille: None
Need a translation: None
Job offer: Not required

“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 3–10 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.

Overview

For Americans who work remotely for employers or clients outside Spain. The 2026 threshold is EUR 2,849 a month — 200% of the Spanish minimum wage — plus EUR 1,068 for your first family member and EUR 356 for each additional one. No more than 20% of your income may come from Spanish clients, and you need either a degree or three years of relevant experience, plus evidence your employer has traded for at least a year. Applying from a US consulate gets you a one-year visa; applying from inside Spain during a legal 90-day tourist stay gets a three-year permit directly, which is usually the better move. Note the threshold rose in 2026 with the minimum wage, while the non-lucrative visa's did not — compare both before assuming this is the right route.

This page covers Americans. For every nationality we track, see the Spain Digital Nomad Visa overview.

Requirements for Americans

Minimum annual income	$38,000/year
Minimum savings	No requirement
Job offer required	No
Degree required	No
Family can join	Yes
Path to permanent residency	Yes

Processing time & costs

Typical processing takes 3–10 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $150. Difficulty: 2/5.

Documents you'll need

Confirm your income and client mix qualifyEUR 2,849 a month for a single applicant in 2026, with no more than 20% of income from Spanish clients.
Decide whether to apply from the US or from inside SpainA US consulate issues a one-year visa; applying inside Spain gives a three-year permit.
Gather employment or client contractsAt least three months of prior relationship, plus proof the company has operated for at least a year.
Obtain an FBI background check and apostille itFBI Identity History Summary with State Department apostille; Spain generally accepts it for six months.
Get your degree or experience evidence apostilled and translatedDegree apostilled by the issuing state, or three years of relevant experience; sworn (jurado) translation.
Arrange private health insurance valid in SpainFull coverage from an insurer authorised in Spain, no copays or waiting periods.
Register with Spanish social security or use the US totalization agreementA certificate of coverage from the SSA under the US-Spain totalization agreement may satisfy this.
Submit your applicationFiled at the Spanish consulate covering your state, or via the UGE-CE unit if applying from inside Spain.
Obtain your NIE and register your address (empadronamiento)The NIE is your foreigner identity number; empadronamiento registers your address at the town hall.
Apply for your TIE residence cardFingerprint appointment (cita previa) within a month of arrival; the TIE is the physical residence card.
Plan for US and Spanish tax obligationsYou still file US returns on worldwide income; Spain taxes residents on worldwide income after 183 days.
Track renewals toward permanent residenceFive years of continuous legal residence opens long-term residence; ten opens citizenship.

The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.

Not moving yet?

The Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo) takes about 5 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.

Is the Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo) right for you?

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Frequently asked questions

How long does the Spain Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo) take for Americans?: Typical processing time is 3–10 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
What does the Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo) cost?: The government fee is approximately $150. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
Do Americans need a job offer for the Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo)?: No. The Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo) does not require a job offer from a Spain employer.
Can I bring my family on the Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo)?: Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
What is the income requirement for the Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo) for Americans?: The minimum income is about $38,000 a year, roughly $3,167 a month, expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.

Other Spain visas for Americans

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

Other destinations for Americans

Spain visas for other nationalities

Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.