How to get a job in Spain as a US citizen: Five different routes & key tips

Suddenly everyone wants to know about jobs in Spain for Americans.

Hardly surprising, right? And when it comes to the advantages of living in Spain vs the US, there are plenty. Still, while there are a few options available for US citizens looking to find work in Spain, making the move is not an easy process.

One of the most popular routes is to teach English as a foreign language, also known as TEFL. As one of the most highly regarded TEFL providers in the whole of Spain, we have lots of experience helping US citizens gain work in this wonderful country.

Here’s our guide to the five main routes you can take to secure work in Spain, along with a few hints and tips to help you get your Spanish visa.

How to work in Spain as a US citizen

1. Spanish student visa

Obtaining a student visa is one of the simplest ways to get employment in Spain as a US citizen. To qualify for a student visa, you need to sign up to a course that has a minimum of 20 study hours a week, with a duration of 7-12 months.

At TEFL Iberia, we designed our Developing Teacher and Spanish Programme to meet this requirement. We’re experts in the process, have lots of experience navigating the complex bureaucratic system in Spain and help each and every one of our students from the US to secure their student visa before they arrive.  

Pros

• A lot easier to obtain and less costly than a standard employment visa.
• You don’t need a job offer to obtain a student visa in Spain.
• You’ll have the right to live and work in Spain for one year.
• Grants you automatic access to the social security system, with a right to free healthcare.
• Puts you on the ladder to long-term residency.

Cons

• Recent rule changes to Spanish student visas (2025) have cast some doubt on future regulations. 
• Not ideal for those wondering whether it’s worth pursuing a career in TEFL or those who don’t wish to pursue studies in Spain.

2. Spanish employee visa

This is one of the most common routes, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult. You’ll first need to have a job offer from a company in Spain. Once you’ve received a formal job offer, your prospective employer will apply for an employment visa on your behalf.

Pros

• Grants you the right to live and work in Spain, typically for one year.
• Give you automatic access to the social security system, with free healthcare rights.
• Puts you on the ladder to long-term residency.

Cons

• You need to already have a job offer, making it very difficult to obtain this visa. 
• Your prospective employer needs to demonstrate that you have unique abilities that differentiate you from Spanish or EU job applicants. One example is if the job requires a native English speaker.
• Some employment visas could restrict your ability to change jobs.

3. Digital nomad visa

The country’s first visa specifically for freelancers and remote workers, the Spanish digital nomad visa is open to non-EU citizens, including all United States citizens and Green Card holders.

To qualify for a digital nomad visa, you’ll need to demonstrate that you earn at least €2,400 per month – if you’re moving to Spain with a partner, you’ll need to meet a higher income threshold.   

Pros

• Entitles you to live and work in Spain for up to three years, but can be renewed beyond this.
• Could entitle you to tax benefits under the Beckham law.
• Opens the door to long-term residency.

Cons

• The application process is lengthy and complicated.
• As a self-employed person in Spain, you’ll be obligated to pay high social security fees within the autónomo system.
• You may face difficulties overcoming the country’s notorious bureaucracy without expert help and advice.

4. Non-lucrative visa

Designed for those who already have a substantial income and don’t wish to work in Spain, the Spanish non-lucrative visa, or Spanish non-working visa enables you to live in Spain without being employed here.

You need to demonstrate sufficient financial means to be eligible – as of 2025, this threshold is an annual income of €28,800. Although not a typical pathway for US citizens wanting to work in Spain, the non-lucrative visa can put you in a better position to secure a Spanish employment visa through a job offer, as you’ll already be legally residing in the country. 

Pros

• Entitles you to live in Spain for up to one year, which can be extended up to a maximum of five years.
• After living in Spain for five years you can apply for permanent residency.
• You are entitled to invest in Spain and buy property.

Cons

• Doesn’t automatically permit you to work in Spain.
• Doesn’t qualify you for healthcare in Spain – you need to apply for specific health insurance.
• Can involve a complex and extensive amount of paperwork. 

5. Entrepreneur visa

Designed to entice those looking to start their own innovative companies in Spain, the entrepreneur visa is similar to a self-employment visa, enabling non-EU entrepreneurs to set up a business in the country. It enables you to live and work in Spain for an initial three years, which can be extended.

Pros

• Entitles you to base your business in Barcelona – one of Europe’s major startup hubs.
• The Spanish government offers lots of support programmes for startups
• Simplified work authorisation process compared to Spanish employment visa. 

Cons

• You need to prove that your business offers unique, innovative benefits that aren’t currently offered in Spain. 
• You’ll also need to prove that your business will be of financial interest to Spain, contributing to the development of the local economy.
• Involves creating a detailed business plan outlining the level of innovation and the scalability of your business. 
• Because of these reasons, very few Spanish entrepreneur visas get approved.

Key tips for securing a visa to work in Spain

When applying for a Spanish visa:

Get your documents in order

Make sure you’ve got all the documents you need before you apply. Different visas require different documents, but typically you’ll require:

• Passport, valid for at least 6 months
• Visa application forms
• Passport photos
• Criminal background check
• Medical certificate
• Medical insurance

Learn Spanish

Having a decent grasp of Spanish is a huge advantage when it comes to getting a visa to work and live in Spain. It will make it easier to navigate the application process and help you settle. 

Consult the experts

Get help from specialists in obtaining Spanish visas. Our dedicated student visa programme is designed to help US citizens and other non-EU students secure a student visa in Spain.  

Apply in advance

Processing a visa application can take a long time. Give yourself around 3 months to gather all the necessary documents, make the application, get an appointment at the consulate and get your visa approved.

Working in Spain: FAQs

What’s the easiest way to get work in Spain as a US citizen?

Through a student visa. Many American citizens enroll in a TEFL academy, learning the skills, experience and confidence to launch a career teaching English as a foreign language. A high-quality TEFL course provider can assist you in obtaining a student visa, which entitles you to live, work and study in the country for 12 months. 

Is it difficult to get a visa in Spain?

It depends which visa you apply for. 

For example, if you sign up to a TEFL course at a respected TEFL academy, you’ll be helped every step of the way. At TEFL Iberia, our dedicated student visa programme supports our students to get visas, making sure they hit the ground running when they arrive at our campus in Barcelona.

Other forms of visas can be very difficult to get and require certain criteria, such as reaching a threshold of regular income. Also, navigating the bureaucratic process on your own can be very challenging.

Is Spain getting rid of the golden visa?

Yes, they’ve already scrapped it.

A visa for those investing a large amount in Spanish property, the Spanish golden visa was abolished at the start of April 2025.

Can I get a visa in Spain if I start a business?

Yes. Many people obtain an entrepreneur visa in Spain, otherwise known as “the startup visa”.

Want to find out more about getting a job in Spain as a US citizen? Contact TEFL Iberia today.