Step 1 – Understand Your Situation.

In Spain, there are various types of residence permits, and each one has a unique procedure. For example, a work permit differs from a non-lucrative visa in that obtaining one requires a different journey. 

Your first step should be understanding which visa is best for you and your circumstances.

As Americans are not EU citizens, the process is trickier. It might be challenging to meet all the requirements and conditions, but don’t worry. We are here to assist you and make things easier. 

Our team speaks Spanish so that we can help the immigration officials. We can also advise you on the pros and cons of Spain’s residency visas.

Step 2 – the immigration procedure

Most visa processes start in your home country. However, there are exceptions like the entrepreneurship visa or highly skilled professional visa.

Firstly, you must apply to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your home country or the location where you are legally resident. 

Once your application is accepted, the Embassy or Consulate will provide you with a visa so that you may travel to Spain and enter the country.

Ensure that you travel within the 90 days following the issuance of your visa. 

Once you’ve got an NIE number, you must apply for a residence permit once you have entered the country.

You may live in the country for a year with this residence permit. After the first year, you may renew it for two more years, provided you still meet the exact requirements.

After living in the country for ten years, you may apply for Spanish nationality after renewing your permit.

Step 3 – Working in Spain

Some foreigners who want to live in Spain are interested in obtaining a work permit. In addition, anyone who wants to live in Spain but cannot meet the strict conditions and requirements for other types of residence permits may find the work permit a suitable option.

• You cannot apply from Spain in most circumstances.
• A job offer in Spain before immigrating is required if you want to obtain a work permit.
• Work Permits are only granted to roles on the government’s list.

Step 4 – Moving to Spain but not working.

You can move to Spain on a non-lucrative visa as an American citizen without working. 

If you have enough money to live in the country, this visa would be your best option. In addition, this visa is standard for those who retire in Spain as they can use their private or state pensions as their passive income.

Step 5 – Getting an NIE

Once you obtain a visa at the Spanish Embassy in your home country and arrive in Spain, the first thing to do is to get your NIE number.

You need an NIE for everything in Spain. It’s an ID number for foreigners and is necessary to open a bank account, buy a property, and much more.

Applying for the NIE is relatively straightforward, provided you know the steps. First, you need to complete this process at your local police station.

Step 6 – The paperwork

Each residence permit has its documents, but you will need the following. 

• A clean criminal record in Spain and your home country
• Full public healthcare coverage
• A passport and two photo IDs
• Proof that you can financially support yourself if you are applying for a student visa or non-lucrative visa

Other visas require additional paperwork. For example, the Golden Visa requires proof that you have bought a Spanish asset. In addition, the entrepreneurship visa requires the applicant to produce a business plan. 

Step 7 – Translate the documents. 

All the documents you submit must be legally translated into Spanish and then certified with the Hague Apostille. Some clients submit documents in their native language. These are rejected. Everything must be translated into Spanish.

Step 8 – Move with your family.

You can apply for a residence and work permit for your family if you have lived in the country for more than one year. Family includes:

• Your parents
• Spouse or unmarried partner
• Your spouse’s parents
• Your children

The family member you wish to bring to Spain cannot be in the country during the application process, as you will be applying for the family reunification residence permit.