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Spain Golden Visa - Residency by Investment

Processing Time

3 weeks

REAL ESTATE

€500,000

VISA-FREE ACCESS TO

EU Schengen zone

Processing Time

3 weeks

CONTRIBUTION OR REAL ESTATE

€500,000

VISA-FREE ACCESS TO

EU Schengen zone

Spain Golden Visa

Residency by Investment

Overview of Spain Residency by Investment Program

In 2013, Spain launched its Golden Visa program to boost the economy. It allows foreign investors and their families to gain residency by investing €500,000 in rental-generating real estate. The initial residency permit lasts two years and can be renewed for five years. Investors are not required to live in Spain, and their family members can travel freely within the Schengen zone. The renewal process is online and accessible globally. After five years, investors can apply for permanent residency if they spend at least six months per year in Spain, and citizenship can be pursued after ten years.

Why choose Spain?

  • A warm Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days a year.
  • Rich history, vibrant festivals, and diverse traditions across regions.
  • Delicious food, from tapas to paella, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
  • A relaxed lifestyle that emphasizes work-life balance and community.
  • High-quality healthcare services, consistently ranked among the best in Europe.
  • A strong education system, with both public and international schools available.
  • Stunning landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and picturesque countryside.
  • World-renowned art and architecture, from Gaudí’s masterpieces to historic castles.
  • Friendly locals and a warm, inviting atmosphere for newcomers.
  • An efficient public transportation system for easy travel within cities and across the country.

Important Updates: Spain Golden Visa Final Deadline Approaching

If you are considering applying for the Spain Golden Visa to secure residency in one of Europe’s most sought-after countries, now is the time to act. The Spain Golden Visa Program offers a unique opportunity for investors, but be aware that the final deadline to apply is fast approaching. On April 3, 2025, the program will officially close, and this could be your last chance to benefit from its advantages. The program is being discontinued due to concerns over housing affordability, speculative real estate investments, its economic effectiveness, and security issues. Act now to secure your residency before the program ends.

Living in Spain

Business Environment

Spain features a diverse economy with strong infrastructure and strategic location within Europe. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona are economic hubs with support for entrepreneurs and foreign investments, offering numerous networking opportunities.

Education

Spain has a well-developed education system, providing options from public to private and international schools. The curriculum emphasizes multilingual education and critical thinking, with universities recognized globally for their quality.

Healthcare

Spain offers a high-quality, universal healthcare system that ensures access to medical services for residents. Public and private healthcare options are available, consistently ranking among the best in the world due to well-trained professionals and advanced technology.

Community

Community life is vibrant, with a strong focus on social connections and cultural engagement. Local festivals and events foster a sense of belonging, and newcomers can easily integrate through expat groups and organizations.

Lifestyle

The Spanish lifestyle emphasizes work-life balance, with leisurely meals and social gatherings. Rich cultural heritage is celebrated through festivals and cuisine, offering diverse experiences from bustling cities to peaceful countryside.

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Processing Time

3 weeks

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Contribution OR Real Estate

€500,000

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Visa-Free Access To

EU Schengen zone

Taxes

Investors are not required to become tax residents unless they live in Spain for more than 183 days a year, and they are only taxed on income generated within Spain. Those over 65 selling their primary residence are exempt from capital gains tax. Spain’s standard corporate tax rate is 25%, but new companies enjoy a reduced 15% rate for the first two years.

Cost of living in Spain

The cost of living in Spain varies by region, with major cities like Madrid and Barcelona generally being more expensive than smaller towns. Overall, Spain offers a relatively affordable lifestyle compared to other Western European countries, with reasonable prices for housing, food, and transportation. Basic necessities, entertainment, and healthcare are also generally accessible, making it an attractive option for residents and expats alike.

Key Facts

Capital

Madrid

Languages

Spanish

Currency

Euro

Population

47,519,628

Quick Facts

Feature Information
Investment Requirement Minimum of €500,000 in real estate
Criminal Record Must have a clean record
Eligibility Open to non-EU applicants
Family Residency Covers spouse and dependent children
Stay Requirement No minimum stay needed
Application Process No interview required
Language Requirement No language test necessary
Residency Benefits Residency in Spain with access to EU
Travel Freedom Visa-free travel within the Schengen zone
Path to Citizenship Eligible for citizenship after 10 years of residency

Spain Residence by Investment Options

Real Estate Investments

To obtain the Spain Golden Visa through real estate investments, applicants must invest a minimum of €500,000 in eligible properties, which can include residential, commercial, land with development potential, or industrial properties. The investment can be made in one or multiple properties, and they must be free of any liens or encumbrances. This option not only allows investors to secure residency but also provides the potential for rental income and property appreciation.

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for Spain Golden Visa?

  • The main applicant must not be unlawfully present in Spain.
  • The main applicant must be at least 18 years old.
  • The main applicant must have no criminal record in Spain or in any country of residence over the last two years, along with a declaration of no criminal record for the past five years.
  • The main applicant must not be denied entry to countries with which Spain has agreements.
  • The main applicant must have public or private health insurance from a company authorized in Spain.
  • The main applicant must have enough financial resources to support themselves and their family during their stay in Spain.

Starting investment for Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship is $ 100,000

Starting investment for Spain Residency is €500,000

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    Spain Golden Visa Required Documents

    A crucial step in the application process for the Spain Golden Visa is collecting the necessary documentation. Applicants will need:

    • A valid passport
    • Evidence of a qualifying investment, such as a property purchase of at least €500,000. 
    • A clean criminal record, demonstrated by a Criminal Record Certificate from the applicant’s country of residence and any country where they have lived in the last five years
    • Proof of adequate financial resources to support themselves and their dependents
    • Health insurance that is valid in Spain

    All documents need to be officially translated into Spanish and apostilled, and each investment route has its own specific document requirements. Our consultants are available to guide you throughout the process.

    How to obtain Spain Residency by Investment Visa (Golden Visa)?

    How to Apply: Step-by-step procedure

    1. Start by reaching out to Migrate World for expert guidance on Spain’s Golden Visa program, as well as other similar programs, to determine the best option for you and your family.
    2. Next, travel to Spain to explore real estate options and choose your investment. You should appoint a lawyer to handle the conveyancing process on your behalf. With Power of Attorney (POA), the purchase can be finalized at the notary, even if you’re not physically present.
    3. After completing your real estate investment, you can proceed with your Golden Visa application. This can be done either in Spain or through your consulate, and the initial one-year temporary visa is usually issued within a month.
    4. Finally, you can visit Spain to finalize the Golden Visa application and secure your residency permit, which is initially valid for two years. The permit can be renewed every five years as long as you maintain your investment.

    Program Summary

    Learn more about the country and it's citizenship by investment.

      Family Members Eligible for the Residency in Spain

      The following family members may apply for the residency alongside the main applicant:  

      • The spouse or person with an analogous family relationship.
      • Minor children who are economically dependent on the main applicant. 
      • Dependent parent

      Golden Visa Price

      The cost of the Spain Golden Visa includes more than the initial €500,000 investment. Applicants should account for legal fees, government fees for visa processing, translation and apostille services, health insurance, and property maintenance if investing in real estate. These additional costs contribute to the total expense of obtaining the visa.

      Application Timeline

      The overall timeline for the process depends on how long it takes to gather all necessary documents. However, once the application is submitted, applicants can expect a response within:

      • 10 working days for visa applications
      • 20 working days for residency permit applications

      For citizenship, applicants must meet specific requirements and cannot be exempt. The most common way to apply is through residency, which requires continuous legal residency before applying. The required residency periods vary based on nationality or personal circumstances:

      • 10 years: General period
      • 5 years: For refugees
      • 2 years: For nationals from Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal
      • 1 year: For certain cases, such as being born in Spain, being married to a Spanish national for one year, or having Spanish parents or grandparents.

      Each situation has unique conditions, so it’s important to check the specific requirements that apply.

      Comparing Residency by Investment Countries

      Similar Citizenship by Investment Programs

      Validity and Renewal for Spain Residency

      The initial residence authorization for investors is valid for three years. However, if the property purchase is not completed, the authorization is granted for a maximum of 6 months. After this initial period, foreign investors who wish to stay in Spain longer can apply to renew their residence authorization for additional five-year periods, as long as they continue to meet the necessary conditions.

      Spain Golden Visa Benefits

      • Visa-free travel to all Schengen area countries
      • Investors and their dependents can live, work, and study in Spain
      • Flexibility to keep residency status without being required to live in Spain
      • Eligibility to apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years
      • Legal family dependents can also obtain residency permits
      • Profitable real estate investments that provide rental income

      Read more: 

      How can the Migrate World Help You?

      Migrate World can guide you through every step of the Spain Golden Visa process, from selecting the right investment route to handling paperwork, translations, and legal requirements. Our team offers expert advice, ensures your application is complete, and provides ongoing support to make the process smooth and stress-free.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      The Spain Golden Visa is a residency by investment program that allows non-EU investors and their families to obtain residency in Spain by making a significant investment, typically in real estate.

      The minimum investment required is €500,000 in real estate. This can be in one or multiple properties, and the properties must be free of liens or encumbrances.

      Eligible applicants must be non-EU citizens, at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, possess sufficient financial means to support themselves and their dependents, and have public or private health insurance valid in Spain.

      Yes, the Golden Visa allows the main applicant's family members, including a spouse, dependent minor  children, and dependent parents, to apply for residency alongside the main applicant.

      No, there is no minimum stay requirement.

      The Golden Visa offers residency in Spain, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and a pathway to apply for Spanish citizenship after ten years of residency.

      Yes, once you obtain permanent residency or citizenship, you can sell your property if you wish. However, you must maintain the investment for the initial residency permit.

      The Spanish government announced the new law in its official Gazette in January, stating that the Golden Visa program will officially conclude on April, 2025.

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