Priority Market Europe

Spain

Spain has become one of the most-asked-about destinations for Americans abroad — driven by the Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees, the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, and the Beckham Law special regime. Spain’s seventeen autonomous communities have distinct tax implications, so where you live matters as much as how you get there.

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Immigration & residency

Several pathways suit different situations; eligibility and thresholds change.

  • Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) — for those with stable passive income who will not work in Spain.
  • Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) — for remote workers and certain self-employed people.
  • Work and highly-qualified-professional routes, often paired with the Beckham regime.
  • Spain’s Golden Visa route ended in 2025; we cover its current status rather than as a pathway.

Tax considerations

Spanish tax is national and regional, which makes residence location a real planning decision.

  • Spanish tax residency commonly turns on a 183-day test for the calendar year (no split year), plus vital-interest and family rules.
  • The Beckham Law can apply a flat rate to certain Spanish-source employment income for a limited period, with a timely election required.
  • Modelo 720 (foreign-asset declaration) is separate from U.S. FBAR and Form 8938 — many Americans file all three.
  • Wealth tax varies sharply by region; the U.S.–Spain treaty and totalization agreement are in force.
  • Roth IRA treatment in Spain is a high-stakes, fact-specific question worth modeling before distributions.

U.S. tax topics are informed by James M. Cassidy, CPA, with Spain-side perspective from Andreu Bové of Bové Montero y Asociados. This section is general information only — not tax advice; always consult a qualified tax professional in the relevant jurisdiction.

Financial planning

U.S. account portability and investment structure deserve early attention.

  • Some U.S. brokers restrict or close accounts for non-U.S. residents — confirm before you move.
  • Spanish bank-pitched funds often raise PFIC issues; many Americans default to U.S.-domiciled vehicles.
  • Plan income and currency across two systems with coordinated professionals.

Cross-border financial planning at US Expat is led by Adrian Flambard and Bennett Linsky.

Insurance & protection

Coverage that worked at home usually needs a fresh look once you are resident in Spain.

  • Health coverage valid in Spain — public access where eligible, the Convenio Especial buy-in, and the private policies many visas require.
  • Whether existing U.S. life and protection policies travel with you.
  • Transitional and travel coverage for the move itself.

Insurance topics are informed by our contributing specialists, Ron Sussman and Anthony Giannone.

Banking & currency

Local setup mirrors other EU destinations with its own paperwork.

  • Obtaining an NIE and opening a Spanish bank account.
  • How FATCA shapes account opening for U.S. citizens.
  • Managing transfers and currency across the U.S. and Spain.

Banking and U.S.-account topics at US Expat are covered by Adrian Flambard and Bennett Linsky.

FAQ

Common questions about Spain.

How does Spanish tax residency work?

Spain generally uses a 183-day test for a calendar year (it does not split the tax year), along with center-of-vital-interests and family-presumption rules. Crossing the line makes you a Spanish tax resident for the whole year.

What is the Beckham Law?

It is a special Spanish regime that can apply a flat rate to certain Spanish-source employment income for a limited period, with foreign-source income often treated differently. It requires a timely election and careful U.S.–Spain modeling before relying on it.

Is Modelo 720 the same as FBAR?

No. Modelo 720 is a separate Spanish foreign-asset declaration. Americans in Spain often file Modelo 720 in Spain and FBAR and Form 8938 in the U.S. — they do not replace one another.

Educational information only

The information provided by US Expat is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be treated as personalized tax, legal, immigration, investment, insurance, or financial advice. U.S. citizens abroad should consult qualified professionals who understand their specific facts and circumstances. US Expat is not a law firm, tax filing firm, or immigration law firm.

A note on tax content

Tax content on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Rules for U.S. citizens abroad depend on individual circumstances, country of residence, income sources, account structures, and applicable treaties — always consult a qualified tax professional in the relevant jurisdiction before making decisions.

Rules and thresholds for U.S. citizens abroad change. Pages are reviewed periodically; confirm current details with a qualified professional before acting.

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