Spain has long been a dream destination for those seeking a blend of rich culture, Mediterranean lifestyle, and business opportunities. The Golden Visa Spain program makes that dream a reality by offering residency to international investors in exchange for qualifying investments.
Launched to attract global talent and capital, the program has become one of Europe’s most popular residency-by-investment routes. Beyond the promise of living in Spain, it opens doors to the wider Schengen Zone, healthcare, education, and even a pathway to citizenship.
What is the Golden Visa Spain?
The Golden Visa Spain is a residency-by-investment program introduced under Law 14/2013 (Entrepreneurs Law). It allows non-EU citizens to gain legal residency in Spain by making a significant economic contribution to the country.
Investors who qualify can live, work, and study in Spain while enjoying visa-free access across most of Europe. Unlike standard residency permits, this visa is designed with flexibility, enabling holders to maintain their status without a strict minimum stay requirement.
Benefits of the Golden Visa Spain
Holding a Spanish Golden Visa provides a wealth of advantages:
- Residency for Family: Spouses, dependent children, and even dependent parents can be included.
- Schengen Mobility: Visa-free travel across the 26 Schengen countries.
- Access to Services: Right to use Spain’s world-class healthcare and education systems.
- Lifestyle Upgrade: Live in one of Europe’s most vibrant countries with excellent weather, cuisine, and culture.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After a period of continuous residency, applicants may qualify for permanent residency and eventually Spanish nationality.
Eligibility Criteria of Golden Visa Spain
To qualify for Spain’s Golden Visa, applicants must meet certain requirements:
- Investment: Minimum threshold of €500,000 in real estate or other approved options.
- Clean Record: No criminal history in Spain or the applicant’s home country.
- Financial Stability: Proof of sufficient funds to support oneself and dependents.
- Insurance: Valid health insurance covering Spain.
- Age Requirement: Applicant must be over 18 years old.
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Investment Options for the Golden Visa Spain
Spain offers multiple routes for investors to qualify:
- Real Estate Investment – Purchase property worth at least €500,000. Popular among investors who wish to enjoy Spain’s real estate market and personal use.
- Government Bonds – Investment of €2 million in Spanish treasury bonds.
- Business Projects – Funding ventures that generate jobs, drive innovation, or contribute to Spain’s socio-economic development.
- Shares or Deposits – At least €1 million in Spanish companies or bank deposits.
Among these, real estate remains the most common pathway, as it allows investors to combine personal lifestyle choices with long-term value.
Golden Visa Spain Application Process
Applying for a Golden Visa in Spain involves several steps:
- Select Investment – Choose your preferred route (real estate, bonds, business, or shares).
- Prepare Documents – Passport, proof of funds, insurance, police clearance, and investment certificate.
- Submit Application – Apply at a Spanish consulate abroad or directly within Spain.
- Processing – Authorities review your case, typically within 20 working days.
- Approval & Residency Card – Once approved, collect your residency permit (TIE card) in Spain.
The process is relatively fast compared to other residency permits, making it attractive for investors who need quick relocation options.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Golden Visa in Spain?
Beyond the required investment, applicants must plan for extra costs:
- Legal & Advisory Fees – Hiring lawyers or consultants to manage paperwork.
- Taxes – Real estate purchases involve VAT, stamp duties, and notary fees.
- Application Fees – Modest government processing charges.
- Ongoing Expenses – Renewal costs and maintenance of investment.
On average, additional costs can add 10–15% on top of the core investment.
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Golden Visa Spain: Required Documents
When applying for the Golden Visa Spain, you’ll need to prepare a set of official documents to meet Spanish immigration rules. The key requirements include:
- Visa application form – Completed, signed, and filled in fully.
- Photograph – A recent, passport-size color photo with a light background and no accessories covering the face.
- Valid passport – Must be unexpired, valid for at least one year, and have at least two blank pages.
- Proof of investment – Depending on the type of investment:
- Unlisted shares or stocks: Declaration from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
- Listed shares: Certificate from a financial intermediary registered with CNMV or Banco de España.
- Government bonds: Certificate from a bank or Banco de España.
- Bank deposits: Certificate proving sole ownership of the funds.
- Real estate: Land Registry certificate and possibly the deed of sale.
- Business projects: Approval report confirming the project benefits for Spain.
- Proof of financial resources – Evidence that you can support yourself and your family.
- Criminal record certificate – From the countries you’ve lived in for the last two years, plus a declaration of no offenses in the past five years.
- Health insurance – Issued by a provider authorized in Spain.
- Proof of residence – Showing you live legally in the consular district, or evidence of attending classes there.
- If applying through a representative – Legal proof of the representative’s identity and authority.
- For accompanying family members – Documents confirming family ties (marriage or birth certificates), financial dependence, and legal status for adult children.
All foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, if not in Spanish, translated by an official translator. Criminal record certificates must generally be issued within the last six months unless otherwise noted.
Residency and Renewal Requirements
The initial visa is valid for 1 year (or 2 years if applying directly in Spain). Renewal is possible every 5 years, provided the investment is maintained.
- Physical Presence: Unlike many visas, Spain does not require long-term stays for visa renewal. Just one visit per year to maintain residency is enough.
- Family Renewal: Dependents included in the original application also renew alongside the main applicant.
Golden Visa Spain Income Requirements
One of the advantages of the Golden Visa Spain program is that it does not impose strict income requirements like other residency permits. Instead, the focus is on maintaining the qualifying investment—such as real estate, bonds, or company shares. However, applicants must still show they have sufficient financial means to support themselves and their dependents while living in Spain.
The benchmark often follows Spain’s IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which is the standard income indicator used for visa and permit applications. Typically, the main applicant should demonstrate financial resources of about €27,000 per year, plus around €7,000–€8,000 annually for each dependent. This proof can come from bank statements, savings, or ongoing income.
In addition, applicants must have valid private health insurance to cover their stay. While the Golden Visa emphasizes investment over income, showing financial stability reassures Spanish authorities that investors and their families will not become dependent on public funds.
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How Long Can You Stay in Spain with the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa Spain first gives you a one-year residency permit. After that, you can switch it to a two-year residence card, which you can keep renewing every two years as long as your investment—such as owning property—remains in place.
This setup means you can stay in Spain indefinitely if you continue holding the investment. If you decide to actually live in Spain full-time, after five years of continuous residence, you may apply for Permanent Residency.
One of the biggest advantages is flexibility: you don’t need to live in Spain full-time to renew your Golden Visa. However, if your goal is Permanent Residency, you’ll need to spend at least four years and two months in Spain during those five years. This makes the Golden Visa a great option for both long-term movers and those who prefer to visit part-time while keeping residency rights.
Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
The Golden Visa opens the door to long-term settlement in Spain:
- Permanent Residency: After 5 years of continuous residency, investors can apply for permanent residency, provided they’ve lived in Spain for at least half of that period.
- Citizenship: Normally available after 10 years of legal residence. However, citizens of certain Latin American countries, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea may qualify after just 2 years.
- Integration Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate Spanish language skills and cultural knowledge before being granted citizenship.
Spanish Golden Visa and Taxes
If you hold a Golden Visa Spain, you’ll need to be aware of certain tax rules. Your tax obligations mainly depend on how much time you spend in Spain each year. If you live in Spain for less than 183 days annually, you’re considered a non-resident and don’t pay taxes on worldwide income. However, you must still pay taxes on any income earned within Spain.
For those who invest in Spanish property, local property taxes apply regardless of residency. If you rent out the property, non-residents are taxed at a flat rate of 24.75% on rental income or other Spain-based earnings.
Understanding these tax responsibilities is crucial, as not following Spanish tax laws can lead to fines and may even affect your Golden Visa status. To stay compliant and make the most of your investment, it’s wise to seek professional tax advice.
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Comparison with Other EU Golden Visa Programs
How does Spain’s program compare?
- Portugal: Lower investment entry (€280,000 in some cases) but stricter stay requirements.
- Greece: Offers cheaper entry (€250,000 in property), but fewer pathways to citizenship.
- Italy: Investment-focused, with no real estate option.
Spain strikes a balance while requiring higher investments than Greece; it offers lifestyle perks and faster processing than some competitors.
Is Spain Ending Its Golden Visa Program?
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced that the country plans to remove the real estate option from its Golden Visa scheme. The goal is to make housing more about living needs than property speculation.
This move is similar to changes made in Portugal earlier. However, the program itself is not being fully scrapped—it will continue through other approved investment routes, just without real estate purchases as a qualifying option.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Golden Visa Spain
Spain’s Golden Visa often raises questions for investors and families. Below, we’ve answered the most common queries about eligibility, benefits, requirements, and how the program works.
Can I work in Spain with a Golden Visa?
Yes, the visa allows both residency and the right to work.
Do I need to live in Spain full-time?
No. Only one visit per year is required to maintain residency.
Can my family members apply with me?
Yes, spouses, children under 18, dependent adult children, and dependent parents can all be included.
What happens if I sell my investment?
You must maintain your qualifying investment to renew residency. Selling the asset may jeopardize your status.
Is the Golden Visa a direct path to citizenship?
No, but it creates a legal residency track that leads to permanent residency and, eventually, Spanish nationality.
Conclusion
The Golden Visa Spain program is one of Europe’s most attractive residency-by-investment options. With its balance of flexibility, family inclusion, and access to the Schengen Zone, it offers a practical solution for global investors looking to secure European residency. While the investment threshold is significant, the lifestyle, security, and long-term opportunities make it a valuable choice for those considering relocation or second residency.
