Moving to Spain from the US is achievable but the information available online makes it harder than it needs to be. Outdated guides, European-focused advice, income figures that no longer apply, and references to a Golden Visa that closed in April 2025 have sent more than a few Americans down the wrong path. The rules changed significantly in 2025 and 2026 and most resources have not kept up.

 This guide was built to fix that. Written specifically for US citizens and verified against current 2026 regulations, it covers every visa option available to Americans, the exact documents required, the fees, the regulatory changes that matter, what healthcare and taxes actually look like as a US resident in Spain, and a clear picture of what your first weeks on the ground should look like. If you are seriously considering the move, this is the right place to start.