How to Move from the USA to Spain: The 2025 Ultimate Guide for Expats

Moving to Spain as an American is an exciting step, whether you're going for a job opportunity, retirement, education, or simply to experience a new culture and start fresh. But before making the move, there’s quite a bit of planning involved, especially when it comes to your documents.
It’s important to understand what’s required to make your move official. This usually begins with gathering the correct paperwork, such as your FBI background check, valid passport, and any other key documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and educational records. Many of these documents must be apostilled to be legally recognized in Spain. Additionally, Spanish authorities will not accept documents unless they are officially translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
These steps can feel overwhelming at first, but they’re essential to ensure your visa process and move go smoothly. Whether you’re applying for a long-term visa, studying, or planning to work remotely, getting your documents properly prepared will help you avoid delays and stress.

Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for US expats for several reasons:

• Affordable Living: Spain offers a lower cost of living compared to many parts of the US and Europe, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without overspending.

• Quality Healthcare: The country has an excellent healthcare system that is both accessible and reliable, with many English-speaking medical professionals available for expats.
• Rich Culture: Spain’s vibrant culture includes festivals, traditional food like tapas, and beautiful historic cities, providing a rich and enjoyable experience for residents.
• Mild Climate: With mild winters and warm, sunny summers, Spain’s climate supports a pleasant outdoor lifestyle throughout the year.
• EU Access: Having residency in Spain makes it easier to travel freely across Europe, giving you access to many countries and cultures.

While these benefits make Spain attractive, you must satisfy legal requirements to live there smoothly and lawfully.

Before you start packing your bags, it’s important to figure out which visa best fits your situation. For US citizens moving to Spain, there are several main visa options to consider, each designed for different purposes.

• Non-Lucrative Visa: This visa is perfect if you’re planning to retire in Spain or live off passive income, such as pensions or investments. It allows you to reside in Spain but does not give you permission to work. To qualify, you’ll need to prove you have enough income to support yourself, show private health insurance coverage, and provide a clean criminal record.
• Work Visa: If you have a job offer from a Spanish employer, the work visa lets you live and work legally in Spain. Often, the employer will help you navigate the paperwork, but it’s crucial to be ready with important documents like your FBI background check and proof of qualifications.

• Student Visa: For those planning to study at a Spanish university or language school, this visa grants permission to stay during your course.
• Entrepreneur Visa: Designed for individuals who want to start or run a business in Spain, this visa supports innovation and economic growth.

Each visa type has specific document requirements and application processes, so it’s best to start early and stay organized. Proper preparation will help your application go smoothly and set the foundation for a successful move to Spain.

An FBI background check is a mandatory document for all Spanish visa applications. This official record shows whether you have any criminal history in the United States and is a critical requirement for Spain’s immigration authorities to ensure public safety.
To obtain your FBI background check, you’ll need to submit fingerprints through an authorized channeler or directly to the FBI. The process typically involves completing an application form, getting fingerprinted at a local police station, and submitting these materials along with the required fee. Remember that background checks must be based on fingerprints and issued within 6 months of your visa application.
Many applicants find this process confusing and time-consuming. Globeia simplifies this step by guiding you through the entire FBI background check process. Their service helps you avoid common mistakes that could delay your application, ensuring your background check meets all Spanish requirements. With Globeia’s assistance, you can receive your FBI background check faster and with less hassle than navigating the process alone.

Once you have your FBI background check, it must be authenticated with a federal apostille before Spanish authorities will accept it. An apostille is an international certification that verifies the document’s authenticity across borders, essentially making your FBI background check legally valid in Spain.
The apostille process for US documents involves sending your FBI background check to the U.S. Department of State for certification. This federal-level apostille confirms that the document is legitimate and officially recognized. Processing times can vary significantly, sometimes taking several weeks, which can seriously impact your immigration timeline.
Globeia specializes in expediting the FBI background check apostille process. Their team knows exactly what the Department of State requires and can help fast-track your apostille, often reducing wait times considerably. This service is particularly valuable if you’re working with tight deadlines for your Spanish visa application. With Globeia handling your apostille needs, you can focus on other aspects of your move while ensuring this critical document is properly processed.

Beyond your FBI background check, several state-issued documents will also require apostilles for your Spanish visa application. These typically include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and state-level background checks. Each of these documents must be authenticated by the Secretary of State of the issuing state.
The apostille process for US documents varies by state, with different procedures, fees, and processing times. Some states offer in-person services, while others require mail submission. This can become especially complicated if you have documents from multiple states, as you’ll need to follow different procedures for each one.
Globeia offers comprehensive state document apostille services that cover all 50 states. Their team is familiar with each state’s specific requirements and can manage the entire process on your behalf. This service is particularly helpful for collecting and apostilling documents from different states without having to navigate multiple government offices. Globeia ensures all your state-issued documents receive proper apostilles that will be accepted by Spanish authorities.

Spain requires all non-Spanish documents to be professionally translated. These translations must be completed by translators authorized by the Spanish government to ensure accuracy and official recognition. Having your background check in Spanish and other documents properly translated is non-negotiable for your visa application.
According to Spanish immigration regulations, translations must be performed by sworn translators certified by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Self-translations are not accepted, and the translations must be complete and accurate. This includes all stamps, seals, and signatures on the original documents.
Globeia provides certified translations that meet all Spanish government requirements. Their network of professional translators specializes in legal and immigration documents, ensuring your translations will be accepted by Spanish authorities. This service saves you the trouble of finding qualified translators and verifying their credentials. With Globeia’s translation services, you can be confident that language barriers won’t stand in the way of your move to Spain.

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 1 year beyond your planned entry into Spain.
• Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements showing you can support yourself. Most visa types require proof of €25,000–€35,000 in savings or income.
• Health Insurance: You need private health insurance that covers at least €30,000 and includes repatriation. Spanish authorities require full coverage.
• Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the national visa form, which is available on the Spanish consulate’s official website.
• Proof of Accommodation: Provide a rental agreement, property deed, or a letter from your host confirming where you’ll stay in Spain.
• Medical Certificate: A doctor’s letter confirming you don’t have any contagious diseases or conditions that may affect public health (must be issued within the last 3 months).

• Start Early: Begin the process at least 6 months before your move. FBI background checks can take 8–12 weeks.
• Stay Organized: Create a checklist and keep both physical and digital copies of every document.
• Double-Check Requirements: Immigration rules changed in 2025 — always confirm the latest details with your nearest Spanish consulate.
• Learn Basic Spanish: It helps you adjust to life in Spain and makes everyday tasks easier.
• Join Expat Communities: Connect with Americans living in Spain for advice, support, and insights.

Moving from the USA to Spain is a big adventure, and the right preparation makes it easier and more enjoyable. By staying organized, starting early, and partnering with trusted providers like Globeia, you can handle your FBI background check, apostilles, and translations with confidence. With the paperwork under control, you’ll be free to focus on enjoying your new life under the Spanish sun.