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

Moving from the USA to Spain is an exciting adventure, but for Americans planning a smooth relocation, the key to success lies in proper preparation. A single missing document, an incomplete apostille, or an untranslated record can delay your Spanish visa, slow down your move, or even jeopardize your plans. Understanding Spain’s visa requirements, gathering the right paperwork, and ensuring all documents are correctly apostilled and translated are crucial for a hassle-free relocation.

Whether you’re moving for work, study, retirement, or a fresh start, this guide will walk you through everything US expats need to know for a seamless Spain relocation. From FBI background checks to state-issued certificates and certified translations, we cover each step in detail and show how partnering with a trusted service like Globeia can make the entire process faster, easier, and stress-free.

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.

If you’re moving from the USA to Spain, one of the most critical documents you’ll need is your FBI background check, also known as a U.S. criminal record. Spanish immigration authorities require this official record to verify your criminal history and ensure public safety. Without it, your visa or residency application can face significant delays or even rejection.

Here’s what you need to know to get your FBI background check the right way:

• Fingerprint-based verification: Spain mandates fingerprint-based background checks. Digital or inkless methods processed incorrectly may not be accepted.
• Authorized submission: You can submit your fingerprints either through an FBI-approved channeler or directly to the FBI. Using a channeler can speed up the process and reduce errors.
• Application timing: FBI background checks must be issued within six months of your Spanish visa application. Delays in obtaining or apostilling this document can push back your move.
• Professional assistance: Services like Globeia streamline the process, guiding you through fingerprint submission, application forms, and verification, ensuring your background check meets all Spanish visa requirements.

By preparing this document correctly, you not only avoid delays but also strengthen your application, showing Spanish authorities that your paperwork is professional and credible.

Once your FBI background check is issued, it must be authenticated with a federal apostille to be legally recognized in Spain. An apostille is an international certification that verifies the authenticity of your document, making it valid across all Hague Convention countries, including Spain. Key points to consider:

• Issuing authority: The apostille for an FBI background check is provided by the U.S. Department of State.
• Processing times: Standard processing can take 2-6 weeks, but using an expedited service reduces delays, which is essential if you have a tight visa timeline.
• Document security: Ensure the FBI background check is returned in a secure envelope and never tamper with the original copy; any alteration can void the apostille.
• Globeia advantage: With professional apostille services, your document is correctly certified, errors are minimized, and turnaround times are optimized, helping your Spanish visa application stay on track.

Beyond the FBI check, several state-issued documents will also need apostilles to be accepted in Spain:

• Why this matters: Each U.S. state has its own apostille procedure, submission rules, and fees. Documents from multiple states can create confusion if not handled properly. Mistakes or missing apostilles can delay your visa and complicate your relocation.

• Optimized solution: Globeia provides a one-stop apostille service across all 50 states, handling submission, verification, and authentication for your state-issued documents. This saves time, reduces errors, and ensures Spain recognizes every document.

For your Spanish visa application, all non-Spanish documents must be professionally translated. Spain requires translations to be accurate, complete, and certified to ensure your documents are legally recognized. This includes FBI background checks, birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, and other supporting paperwork. Key points to know:

• Certified translators: Only translations done by sworn translators authorized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs are accepted. Self-translations or uncertified translations will be rejected.
• Complete accuracy: Every signature, stamp, and official seal on your original document must be reflected in the translation. Missing or incorrect details can delay your visa approval.
• Notarization (if required): Some translations may also require notarization to confirm authenticity, especially for legal or educational documents.
• Globeia advantage: Using professional services like Globeia ensures your translations are official, accurate, and accepted by Spanish authorities. Their certified translators specialize in legal, academic, and immigration documents, so your paperwork meets all requirements without unnecessary back-and-forth.

Properly translated and certified documents are critical for a smooth move from the USA to Spain, helping your visa process proceed without delays and giving Spanish authorities confidence in your application.

• Submitting expired or old documents instead of recent certified copies.
• Forgetting to apostille your FBI background check or other state-issued documents.
• Using uncertified translations or self-translated documents.
• Missing notarization when required for powers of attorney, affidavits, or business agreements.
• Incorrect or incomplete information on visa forms.
• Sending documents to the wrong consulate or authority.
• Ignoring country-specific requirements for translations and certifications.
• Leaving out essential documents like proof of accommodation or health insurance.

When moving from the USA to Spain, having your key documents ready is essential for a smooth visa process. Make sure you prepare:

• Valid Passport: Ensure it’s current and has enough blank pages for visa stamps.
• Visa Application Forms: Completed accurately for your specific purpose of stay.
• FBI Background Check / Criminal Record: Required for most visa types and must be apostilled.
• State-Issued Documents: Birth, marriage, or divorce certificates, and other official records, properly certified and apostilled.
• Certified Translations: All non-Spanish documents must be translated by a sworn translator approved by Spanish authorities.
• Proof of Financial Means: Evidence that you can support yourself while in Spain.
• Health Insurance Documentation: Valid coverage, including emergencies.
• Proof of Accommodation: Rental agreements, property deeds, or host letters confirming where you’ll stay.

Having these documents organized, certified, apostilled, and translated correctly will help prevent delays and make your relocation to Spain much smoother.

Navigating Spanish visa requirements, FBI background checks, apostilles, and certified translations can be complex and time-consuming. Globeia offers a one-stop solution for all your document needs, guiding you from preparation to submission. As an accredited and authorized service provider, Globeia ensures your paperwork meets all Spanish government requirements, reducing the risk of delays or rejections. Their expertise covers federal and state apostilles, certified translations, notarization, and document verification, making it the most reliable option for US expats moving to Spain.

Moving from the USA to Spain is an exciting journey, but proper document preparation is critical for a smooth relocation. From obtaining your FBI background check and state-issued apostilles to securing certified translations, each step ensures your visa application is accepted without delays. By avoiding common mistakes and leveraging trusted company services like Globeia, you can simplify the process, save time, and focus on starting your new life in Spain confidently. With careful planning and the right support, your move will be seamless and stress-free.