Moving from the United States
Moving to Spain, from the US
Your application starts long before Spain does — an FBI check, a federal apostille, documents from the state that issued them, and a consulate that answers to the state you live in. We know what each one asks for, and we prepare the file so it isn't sent back.
Our service fee covers case management, document review, and included sworn translations only — apostille, government and consular fees are separate and paid directly by the client to the relevant authority or provider.
Which Route Fits You?
Non-Lucrative Visa
You can support yourself from savings or passive income and won't be working inside Spain during your first year. The common route for retirees and anyone stepping back from work.
See the NLV →Digital Nomad Visa
You'll keep working remotely for employers or clients outside Spain. US applicants usually evidence income with 1099s, Schedule C or SE, and IRS transcripts.
See the DNV →Student Visa
You've been accepted to study, research or train at a Spanish institution — including language programmes of sufficient hours.
See the student visa →What's Different Applying From the US
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Your criminal record is the FBI check — with a federal apostille
Spain wants the FBI Identity History Summary, authenticated with an apostille from the US Department of State. State-level police certificates are not a substitute, and the apostille has to be on the FBI document itself.
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The clock on that check is short, and it varies by consulate
Most consulates accept an FBI check up to six months old. Boston and Los Angeles work to five. Ordering it too early is one of the more expensive mistakes, because it takes the whole file with it.
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The sworn translation must include the apostille
Every word of the certificate and of the apostille — including the back of it. A translation that stops at the front page is a rejection, and it is a common one. Sworn translations are included in our service fee.
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Birth and marriage certificates come from the issuing state
Ordered fresh — consulates generally want them issued within six months — then apostilled by that state's Secretary of State, not by the federal government.
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Your consulate is decided by where you live
Eight Spanish consulates cover the US, each with its own appointment system, financial evidence and paperwork. The table below is where most of the surprises live.
By Consulate
What the Spanish consulates in the US typically ask of Non-Lucrative Visa applicants. Your case manager confirms the current requirements for yours before anything is filed.
| Consulate | Appointment | Bank statements | Criminal record age | Typical decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | Via consulate (slow) | 12 months | 5 months | ~1 month |
| Chicago | Via BLS (good availability) | 3 months | 6 months | ~2 months |
| Houston | Via BLS (good availability) | 3 months | 6 months | ~1.5 months |
| Los Angeles | Via BLS (low availability) | 12 months | 5 months | ~3 months |
| Miami | Via BLS (moderate) | 12 months | 6 months | ~3 months |
| New York | Via consulate (or BLS) | 3 months | 6 months | ~1.5 months |
| San Francisco | Via consulate | 3 months | 6 months | ~1 month |
| Washington DC | Via BLS (moderate) | 3 months | 6 months | ~1.5 months |
Consulates change their requirements without notice, and several ask for things this table can't hold — notarised affidavits, recent tax returns in Spanish, proof of no mortgage, payment by money order rather than card. Treat this as orientation, not a checklist: the checklist your case manager builds is for your consulate, your visa and your household.
The Parts Either Side of the Visa
Apostilles on US documents
FBI checks, birth and marriage certificates, diplomas — authenticated at state or federal level before Spain will look at them. We identify exactly which of your documents need one.
US apostille service →US tax questions
You keep filing with the IRS after you move. Dual taxation, the Beckham Law and Form 720 are worth understanding before you land, not after.
Tax advice →After you arrive
Your TIE card, registering with your town hall, health insurance and a Spanish bank account — the part that starts the day you land.
TIE & residency →Manage Your Entire Visa Journey in One Place
Manage documents, track progress, communicate with your case manager, and stay organised throughout your application process.
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Application Progress Tracking
See exactly where you are in the process, what's been completed, and what actions may be required next.
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Secure Document Uploads
Upload and store your application documents securely in one central location.
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Personalised Task List
Receive a checklist tailored to your visa type and application stage.
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Direct Communication
Stay connected with your case manager and receive important updates through your dashboard.
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Everything in One Place
Keep your documents, messages, tasks, and application progress organised in a single platform.
What our clients say
Real people, real results
Over 10,000 clients have used our platform to move to Spain. Read their stories — from first eligibility check to visa approval — all managed through the dashboard.
Ready to Start Your Journey to Spain?
Create your free account to check your eligibility, upload documents at your own pace, and track every step of your application — with a dedicated case manager beside you the whole way.
Success rate based on eligible applications.
Carlos is an AI assistant. For critical decisions, always verify with an official source or speak to an advisor.
