Spain Golden Visa
Spain Golden Visa: A Gateway to European Residency and Lifestyle
The Spain Golden Visa, launched in 2013, is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU citizens to obtain legal residency in Spain in exchange for a qualifying investment. It provides access to live and work in Spain, enjoy visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone, and eventually apply for permanent residency or citizenship under specific conditions.
Known for its simplicity, family inclusion, and lifestyle appeal, the Spain Golden Visa has become a popular choice among global investors.
Investment Options
To qualify for the Spanish Golden Visa, applicants must make one of the following minimum investments:
- Real Estate Investment:
- Purchase property worth €500,000 or more (can be residential, commercial, or land).
- Multiple properties allowed to reach the threshold.
- Mortgages allowed only on amounts exceeding €500,000.
- Business Investment:
- Invest in a Spanish company that generates employment, fosters innovation, or contributes to the local economy (no fixed amount, but must be significant).
- Capital Transfer:
- Transfer of €1 million into a Spanish bank account or €1 million in shares of Spanish companies.
- Or €2 million in Spanish government bonds.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Available to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.
- Clean criminal record (no serious offenses in the last 5 years).
- Valid medical insurance and sufficient financial resources.
- Proof of investment must be shown before applying.
- No requirement to live in Spain to renew the visa.
Family Inclusion
The Golden Visa covers immediate family members, including:
- Spouse or legal partner
- Dependent children (no age limit if financially dependent)
- Dependent parents
All family members receive the same residency rights as the main applicant.
Key Benefits of the Spain Golden Visa
- Fast-track Residency: Residence permit issued within 20–60 days.
- Schengen Mobility: Visa-free travel in 27 European countries.
- No Minimum Stay Requirement: Maintain visa even without residing in Spain.
- Work and Live: Permission to work and reside in Spain for investors and their families.
- Renewable: Initially valid for 1 year (or 3 if applying in Spain), renewable every 2 years.
- Permanent Residency: Eligible after 5 years of residence (must spend at least 6 months per year in Spain).
- Citizenship Pathway: Eligible for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of residence (or 2 years for citizens of Ibero-American countries, Philippines, Andorra, or Equatorial Guinea), with language and integration requirements.
Important Considerations
- Real estate must be purchased before the application.
- Documents must be translated into Spanish and officially certified.
- Taxes and property fees apply—factor in additional 10–15% of the investment for closing costs.
- Applicants can live outside Spain but must reside in the country to qualify for permanent residency or citizenship.
The Spain Golden Visa is ideal for investors looking for flexible EU residency, high quality of life, and potential long-term citizenship. Whether you’re investing in a vibrant city like Madrid or Barcelona, or seeking tranquility on the Costa del Sol, Spain offers an attractive balance of opportunity, lifestyle, and global mobility.