The two visa paths
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) — for retirees and those with passive income. Required: $33,000+/year passive income per applicant + 25% per dependant. No US work allowed. Renewable.
Digital Nomad Visa — for remote employees and freelancers. €2,762/month income, employer letter, qualifying degree or experience. Optional Beckham-style flat 24% tax for 4 years.
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Start matchingFATCA and US tax reality
US citizens are taxed worldwide. You will file Form 1040 + FBAR + FATCA Form 8938 every year regardless of where you live. The US–Spain tax treaty prevents double taxation but does not exempt filing. Budget $1,500–$3,500/year for cross-border tax preparation (Greenback, MyExpatTaxes).
The eight underestimated items
- Daily banking friction with US accounts (FATCA closures)
- Time-zone work calls until 2am if employed East Coast
- Cell phone with both numbers (Google Voice + Spanish SIM)
- Streaming geo-blocks (VPN is mandatory)
- Pet relocation paperwork (90 days minimum)
- Schools start September — not August or January
- Real-estate cycle is sluggish vs US
- Voting absentee setup before you go
See our residency options 2026 and Digital Nomad Visa guide.
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