How long can I stay in Spain as a US citizen?
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
Spain is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
The non EU-foreigners need the residence permit to inhabit in the Spain. To enter the Spanish country the foreigner will be required to show his valid passport and the corresponding visa. Residence permit is required in order to remain and live in Spain after a period of time exceeding 90 days..
Yes, you can still apply for residency in Spain like other non-EU nationals.
So, based on the above, if you are applying for residency in Spain in 2022 we recommend proving: A regular monthly income of at least €600 OR a lump sum/savings of at least €7000 in a Spanish bank account. All financial proof needs to be in Spanish and stamped by the issuing Spanish bank.
It is absolutely easy for US citizens to move to Spain. All you have to do is file the necessary paperwork to the relevant Spanish authorities, whether for employment purposes or otherwise. You can also choose to invest in Spain under the Golden Visa scheme and be on your way to permanent residency for life.
- A filled out visa application Modelo EX11.
- Visa fee of €80.
- Valid passport with 3 months validity and current residence permit.
- Proof of residence in Spain (Empadronamiento).
- Proof of funds, either via savings or employment.
- Spanish health insurance.
Which are the easiest countries to immigrate to from the US? Portugal, Malta and Spain are some of the easiest countries to relocate to from the United States. American citizens can either gain permanent residency or apply for citizenships via each country's Citizenship by Invest programs.
Yes, Americans can retire in Spain. Technically, you can enter the country and stay there for 90 days with an American passport. However, if you wish to spend more than 90 days there, you must get a visa. The best visa option for that is a Residence Visa without the right to work.
Nevertheless, there are other immigration alternatives, and a job is not required in all cases. For example, the student visa, the non-lucrative visa, or the golden visa are some permits that do not require to find a job in order to be obtained.
If you spend more than 90 days in Spain within a 180-day period—violating this rule— you will face penalties. You may be required to pay a fine, leave the country, and be banned from entering the Schengen Area for a specified period.
What is the 90 180-day rule in Spain?
What is the Schengen 90/180 rule? Under the terms of Schengen, non-EEA nationals cannot spend more than a total of 90 days within a total period of 180 days without a visa. Furthermore, once you've used up your quota of 90 days, you cannot return to Schengen until 90 more days have passed.
If you are a non-EEA national (including British) and wish to stay in Spain for longer than 90 days, you will need a visa. You should apply for the visa that suits your purpose from a Spanish Consulate in your home country.

You can stay in Spain for a maximum of 183 days per year (6 months) in order to not become a resident. If you spend an extra day (184 days and onwards), you will be regarded as a resident, hence paying resident taxes in the country.