US citizens are well-positioned for the Spain Digital Nomad Residence: visa-free Schengen entry, an Apostille-ready FBI background check, and a strong remote-employer ecosystem. This page covers the US-specific steps before submitting your file.
Visa-free entry
Yes — 90/180 Schengen
Apostille convention
Yes (Hague 1961)
Tax treaty with Spain
Yes
Consulate jurisdictions
Multiple — based on US state of residence
Criminal record
FBI Identity History Summary (Channeler-issued, with apostille from the US Department of State).
Apostille / legalisation
Federal documents (FBI report, IRS letters) are apostilled by the US Department of State; state documents (birth, marriage) by the relevant Secretary of State.
Where to apply
Apply at the Spanish consulate covering your US state of legal residence (NYC, Boston, Washington DC, Chicago, Houston, Miami, San Francisco, LA, Puerto Rico).
Tax considerations
The US taxes worldwide income regardless of residence, so plan for dual filing. Spain’s special expat regime can lower Spanish taxation; you keep US filing duties (with FEIE / FTC).
Order the FBI background check early
Use a Channeler for fast turnaround. Allow 2–3 weeks for the report plus 1–2 weeks for the federal apostille.
Apostille all federal and state documents
Federal docs via US Department of State, state docs via Secretary of State of issuing state.
Get sworn translations into Spanish
Use a traductor jurado registered with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Choose your consulate
Apply where you legally reside. From inside Spain, file via UGE within your 90-day Schengen stay.
Build your forms
Use the TeletrabajadoresVisa builder to generate MI-T, MI-F (if any) and 790-038.
Use our free forms builder to generate immigration forms and prepare your document set faster.
Free Spain immigration forms builder
Generate MI-T, MI-F and supporting forms in minutes.
Complete Spain Digital Nomad Visa guide
Requirements, income thresholds and full timeline.
Document checklist
Every document you need for the application.
Apostille and sworn translation
How to legalise foreign documents for Spain.
Compare your situation with the applicant scenarios (freelancer, employee, family) to confirm your route.