Spain Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo) for Americans
Last verified: September 6, 2026
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.
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 qualify
- Decide whether to apply from the US or from inside Spain
- Gather employment or client contracts
- Obtain an FBI background check and apostille it
- Get your degree or experience evidence apostilled and translated
- Arrange private health insurance valid in Spain
- Register with Spanish social security or use the US totalization agreement
- Submit your application
- Obtain your NIE and register your address (empadronamiento)
- Apply for your TIE residence card
- Plan for US and Spanish tax obligations
- Track renewals toward permanent residence
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Is the Digital Nomad Visa (Teletrabajo) right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently 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.
Other Spain visas for Americans
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.