The Golden Visa for Spain is a residence permit issued to a non-EU national who intends to make a significant investment in the Spanish economy. In most cases, Spain Golden Visas are issued to someone who purchases real estate. However, they are also available to businessmen who invest in a Spanish company, which is why they are referred to as Spain Investor Visas as well.
Spain Golden Visa Requirements
You qualify to apply for the Spanish Residency by Investment Program if you fulfill all the following conditions:
- You have proof of having made one of the investment options.
- You are over the age of 18.
- You obtain valid health insurance in Spain.
- You have enough financial means to sustain yourself and any family members.
- You have a clear criminal history in any of the places you have lived in.
- You are not in Spain’s list of undesirable people.
- You have no rejected Schengen Visas.
To make sure you qualify, we advise you consult with a legal expert directly.
Investment Options for a Golden Visa in Spain
You can apply for a Golden Visa for Spain if you make one of the followweing investments:
Investment type | Investment amount | Golden visa type |
Investment in real estate property | At least €500,000 | Residency Visas for Acquisition of Real Estate (RIV) |
Investment in shares in a company or deposit in a Spanish bank | At least €1,000,000 | Residency Visas for Capital Investors (RIC) |
Investment in the Spanish public debt | At least €2,000,000 | Residency Visas for Capital Investors (RIC) |
You can also invest in a new business that will create employment opportunities for Spanish citizens, contribute to innovation in the fields of science or technology, and make a significant socio-economic impact.
The investment amounts for Spain’s residency program are somewhat different from the program requirements in Portugal.
Yet, nationals of the EU members states, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland do not need to apply for this visa. If you are a national of one of them, you can just move to Spain without the need of this visa.
Supporting Documents for a Spain Golden Visa Application
These documents you need to submit to support your application are:
- The Spanish long stay visa application form.
- Two Spain passport photos.
- Your valid passport. It must be issued within the last 10 years.
- Proof of country of residence.
- Proof of investment. All documents proving the type and amount of your investment as well as the origin of your money.
- Proof you have sufficient economic funds to support yourself and your dependents while in Spain.
- Spanish medical insurance purchased from an authorized Spanish provider such as Adeslas.
- Residency Visas for Acquisition of Real Estate:
- Certification containing information of the dominion and taxes of the Land Registry, which corresponds with the property purchased.
- Residency Visas for Capital Investors:
- A copy of a statement of investment made in the Registrar of Foreign Investments of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, in case of investment in unlisted or company shares.
- Certificate of a financial intermediary, duly registered with the National Commission of the Stock Market or the Bank of Spain in case of investment in listed shares.
- A certificate of the financial institution or the Bank of Spain, if the investment is made in government bonds.
- In the case of a bank deposit investment, a certificate from the financial institution.
- Police Clearance. Submit this document in original, photocopied and translated. It must be no older than 90 days at the time of application.
- A medical certificate, which confirms you do have any disease that poses risks to the public health.
If you’re unsure about the requirements or unable to provide any of the necessary documents, consultating with a professional can be helpful. Specialized advisors offer consultations to guide you through the process and help address any challenges you may encounter.
How to Apply for a Spain Golden Visa?
You should begin the application procedures after you have invested the required amount of money in Spain. You have to be committed to making the investment, although it doesn’t necessarily need to be finalized.
To apply for a Golden Visa for Spain you must go through these steps:
- Make one of the eligible investment options. You may need to travel to Spain with a regular Spain visa during this time to finalize your investment.
- Submit the application. You should lodge your application at the nearest Spanish Embassy in your country of residence within three months of making the investment. You can apply yourself or through a legal representative.
- Get your residence permit. Once you receive your visa, you have to travel to Spain and exchange it for a Residence Permit and submit your biometric information.
Although it is possible to submit the application yourself, most applicants have a team of lawyers and representatives, guiding them through the process. To get the necessary advice and assistance, we advise you seek the help of certified professionals.
Benefits of the Spanish Residence and Citizenship by Investment
Some of the benefits that derive from the Spanish Golden Visa are:
- You and your family members will receive Residence Permits, allowing you to live in Spain.
- You and your family members can travel to all Schengen Zone countries visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
- You do not need to live in Spain to renew the Golden Visa.
- If you do live in Spain, you become eligible for permanent residence after five years.
- You can apply for Spanish citizenship after ten years of residence.
- You and your family members can make use of Spain’s health and education system.
Spain Residency Through Real Estate (Buying A House)
The most common type of investment route to Spanish residency is through buying property worth at least €500,000. This can be a single unit or several units which amount to half a million.
You have to prove you have acquired ownership of the property/properties through a certificate issued by the Spanish Land Registry, which states the purchase amount.
Getting Permanent Residency in Spain
When your initial residence permit is about to expire, you can apply for its renewal. You can get another 5 years in Spain, and you can endlessly apply for the renewal of your residence permit, as long as you meet the initial requirements.
Getting Spain Citizenship by Investment
A Spanish Golden Visa leads to Spanish Citizenship more than any other visa, that is why the program is also known as Spain Citizenship by Investment. You will be able to get Spanish passports after 10 years in Spain with a Golden Visa, given that you meet the following:
- You have remained in Spain for at least 183 days per year, in 10 years.
- You speak Spanish at least of basic levels.
- You have a basic understanding of Spanish history and culture.
- You have no criminal convictions or debts in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring Family Members With Me?
You can include the following family members in your application as well:
- Your spouse
- Your unmarried minor children (under 18) as well as any adult children who are dependent.
- Dependent elderly parents.
How Long Can I Stay in Spain?
The residency by investment is initially valid for one year. Then, you can apply to convert your visa into a residence permit for investors and get a two years valid residence permit.
Can I Travel in Europe?
Yes, you and your family members can travel through Schengen Zone visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, non-Schengen countries in Europe have their own visa requirements, so free travel is not always guaranteed.
Do I Need Health Insurance Cover For Spain?
Yes, it is a requirement during the visa application process to obtain health insurance. If you have a Golden Visa, and you do not intend to live in Spain, you will have to take out private health insurance through a company which is allowed to operate in Spain. If you will live in the country and pay taxes, then you and your family members can make use of its health system.
Do I Need to Pay Taxes?
If you are not a full-time resident in Spain, then you do not need to pay income tax. You are considered a resident only if you live there for more than half the year (more than 183 days).
However, regardless of your residence status, if you have purchased a property in Spain, you still have to pay the relevant taxes, such as municipal and rental income taxes.
If you are not a full-time resident, you have to pay 24.75% on rental income or any other income obtained in Spain.
Do Nationals From Former Spanish Colonies Get Citizenship Quicker?
Yes, if you are from a former Spanish colony (one of the following countries), you can get Spanish citizenship in as little as two years of residence as opposed to ten:
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Venezuela
If you are from one of the aforementioned countries, you can become a Spanish citizen within two years, provided that you have traveled to Spain at least eight times within that period.
Is It Possible to Get a Loan to Apply for Spain Golden Visa?
No, you cannot apply for a Golden Visa if you acquire the money via a loan. You must make the initial investment in full, through your own funds and you must be the sole owner of the investment.
However, if you purchase a property worth more than €500,000, then you can use loans and financing to pay for the amount exceeding €500,000.
Is It Possible to Make a Joint Investment to Get a Spain Investment Visa?
Even if you make a joint investment or purchase, each individual investment has to meet the minimum requirements. As such, if you decide to purchase a property, each person involved has to invest€500,000. It is not possible to split the investment into smaller amounts, as you would not be eligible for the residency by investment program.
Can I Use a Mortgage?
No, you will not qualify for the residency by investment program in Spain if you use a mortgage to pay for a property in Spain, at least not for the minimum requirement. You have to make a payment of at least €500,000 in full from your own funds, but for anything that exceeds that amount, you may be able to use a mortgage or financing.
How Long Do I Have to Stay In Spain To Renew the Residence Permit?
There are no stay requirements in order to renew a residence permit. You only have to travel to Spain when you need to apply for renewal.
However, if you intend to apply for permanent residence, then you must live in Spain for at least five years without interruption (at least six months out of the year). If you ever plan to apply for Spanish citizenship, then you have to live in Spain for at least ten years.
Can I Lose The Residence Permit?
Yes, if you cannot prove you have maintained your investment in Spain, then you will lose your status will be revoked. For example, if you sell your property or liquidate your investment.