A special investment program in Spain allows individuals to obtain residency through investment. In order to obtain a Spanish Golden Visa, the applicant needs to commit to making an investment in real estate or capital investment, open a business or reside in the country as a highly qualified professional or following a corporate transfer. This type o visa is available to non-EU nationals who are over the age of 18 and who observe a set of other conditions.
The process of emigrating to Spain can be shortened and simplified when gaining residency through investment and this strategy is well worth considering for those entrepreneurs who are keen on making this type of investment in a Spanish city. Our immigration lawyers in Spain can help foreign investors interested in Spain citizenship by investment or in moving here based on a Golden Visa. They can rely on us for support during the entire immigration procedure. First, you will be issued a residence permit in Spain.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Nationalities accepted (EU/Non-EU) |
Program dedicated to NON-EU nationals |
|
Business investment option (YES/NO) |
YES, at least 1 million EUR |
|
Real estate investment option (YES/NO) |
YES, at least 500,000 EUR |
| Other investment options (if available) |
YES, bank deposit, acquisition of bonds or other financial instruments |
| Residence or direct citizenship option | YES, residency |
| Direct immigration with family mmebers (YES/NO) |
YES |
| Family members allowed to join the program |
Spouse/civil partner,minor children, parents older than 65 |
| Timeframe for obtaining citizenship/residency by investment | Permanent residency after 5 years, citizenship after 10 years |
| Dual citizenship permitted (YES/NO) | YES |
| Reasons to choose Spain | Good quality of life, free movement to other EU countries and the Schengen Area |
| Visa free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries) | Approx. 190 countries |
| Minimum requirement to maintain the investment (if any) | Yes, 5 years |
|
Other special conditions for the golden visa (if any) |
Yes, the initial visa is issued for one year and can be renewed for another 2 years. |
|
Steps to obtain a golden visa |
– select the investment option; – draft the necessary documents; – file the paperwork with the Spanish Embassy; – pick up the residence visa |
| Visa interview required (YES/NO) | No |
| Existence of start-up visa program (YES/NO) |
Yes, investors interested in investment immigration to Spain can also choose the start-up visa. |
| Possibility to acquire Spanish citizenship through the start-up visa (YES/NO) |
Yes, through the usual naturalization route |
| Requirement to live in Spain after obtaining the visa (YES/NO) |
No, there is no such requirement for the main investor, nor for dependents, however, those seeking to obtain permanent residency must live in the country for 6 months per year. |
| Timeframe to obtain the visa (approx.) |
The Spanish golden visa is issued in about 6 months. |
| Most popular pathway to obtain a golden visa |
Real estate purchase is the most popular way to obtain a golden visa for Spain. |
| Advantages of the golden visa scheme |
– no language requirements; – no living requirements unless seeking to obtain permanent residence; – access to EU healthcare and education systems |
| Support in applying for a golden visa (YES/NO) |
Yes, you can rely on our immigration lawyers in Spain for this purpose. |
The Golden Visa program in Spain
The following types of investments qualify for this type of residence permit:
- capital investment under the form of a deposit of 1 million euros in a Spanish bank account for at least 5 years;
- capital investment of at least 1 million euros under the form of shares in one or more local companies;
- capital investment worth a minimum of 2 million euros in Treasury bonds.
- Real estate: purchasing a property with a minimum value of 500,000 euros prior to making the application.
- Entrepreneurship: opening a business or starting an entrepreneurial project that is of general interest.
- Highly qualified professionals: individuals who are experts or considered highly qualified in a certain business sector.
- Educational and research: for foreigners who engage in research or educational activities in Spain.
- Intra-company moves: for professionals who are transferred within the same company that is also present on the Spanish market.
No matter the types of investment, it must be maintained for a minimum period of 5 years. If you need assistance in order to obtain residency by investment in Spain, our local lawyers are at your disposal.
Law 14/2013, or the Entrepreneur Law, the Support to entrepreneurs and investors Law, is the one that offers residency visas on the base of these special investments, particularly for the purpose of aiding in the internalization of entrepreneurs. One of our immigration lawyers in Spain can provide investors with more information about this law and its categories of accepted investments. If you want to apply for the Spain golden visa program, we can advise you.
If you need information on the residence permit in Spain, you can obtain it from our lawyers.
Our Spanish immigration lawyers can provide comprehensive information on the conditions associated with obtaining a work visa. We can reply to all of your inquiries if you want to apply for a residence permit in Spain. No matter the way you decide to explore this option, our specialists will offer tailored solutions that respect your requirements and needs. The program is also a good option for obtaining a family reunion visa in Spain.
For the purpose of this article, we will continue to refer to real estate investments and how these can be granted based on the golden visa scheme.
The main requirements for those who wish to enter the Spain Golden Visa program are the following:
- make a real estate investment: the entrepreneur needs to make the investment in real estate and not in another field; the property can be residential or commercial and can be rented afterward;
- observe the investment value: the investment amount has to be 500,000 €, however, this does not have to be the value of a single property in Spain, the properties can be combined to amount to this investment value.
- commit to the investment: it is required that the investment takes place before the individual submits his visa application.
- prepare the funds: the funds, the 500,000 €, must be prepared and ready for investment in a Spanish bank account.
This can be a successful method of immigration to Spain from the USA or another country as long as entrepreneurs are able to comply with these conditions. We can also help you obtain Spanish citizenship through other types of visas.
You can find out how to obtain citizenship by investment in Spain from the infographic below:
Spanish Golden Visa application in 2024
Certain conditions apply when making the submission for this type of residence permit, as per the situation of the investor. He must have a clean criminal record, medical insurance as well as proof of income to be able to stay in Spain for an indefinite period of time. Another condition for the applicant is that he does not have any other Schengen-area refused visas.
The property with a minimum value of 500,000 euros must have been purchased at least 90 days prior to making the submission for the golden visa. The purchase is to be certified by the Property Register and the new owner will need to bring the adequate ownership documentation when making the submission for the visa.
Below, our Spain immigration specialists list the requirements that are common for all of the categories of investments included in the golden visa program:
- be at least 18 years of age;
- duly fill in the application form for the desired type of investment;
- bring two recent passport-size photographs;
- bring a copy of the passport which must be valid for at least six months after making the application for the residence permit;
- have overseas medical insurance with a minimum coverage;
- have a criminal record for the past five years issued by the authorities in the country of origin;
- visa fee payment proof;
- proof of financial means for a minimum period after the submission of the residence permit application; a certain monthly amount applies for the applicant himself and an additional amount for any family members if the application also includes them.
If you want to apply for citizenship by investment in Spain in 2024 and need information on how to choose the investment option, our immigration lawyers can advise you. They can also help you with setting up a company in Spain, a process that may take a few weeks.
Business investment as a way to obtain a Spanish Golden Visa
One of the most appealing ways of immigrating to Spain through a Golden Visa is by entrepreneurship. This option allows foreign citizens to buy shares in Spanish companies, be them private or public, but also to become shareholders in such companies. As mentioned above, at least 1 million euros is required as an investment option.
The particularities of obtaining a Spanish Golden Visa through this option imply a temporary residence permit issued for one year initially, and then, the right to the extended residency of 5 years with the condition for the investment to be maintained. Moreover, a successful applicant is not required to live in Spain and only needs to visit the country at least one time in a calendar year.
After the 5-year period terminates, the candidate will obtain permanent residency in Spain, and after 10 years, he or she can also apply for Spanish citizenship.
In order to obtain citizenship through the Spanish Golden Visa scheme, the following requirements must be met:
- the applicant is required to give up his or her former nationality;
- a clean criminal record and proof of self-sustenance are also mandatory;
- a citizenship interview is required;
- proof of speaking Spanish and knowledge of the local cultures and values are also required.
The Spanish Golden Visa is a great option for non-EU citizens who want to obtain permanent residency and also be entrepreneurs in this country. They are also allowed to include close family members in the application. By close family members, we mean spouse and children.
If you are interested in emigrating to this country and obtain citizenship by investment in Spain and need support our local lawyers can help you apply for other visas.
The nomad visa in Spain is one of your best possibilities if you want to relocate and work remotely from this country for businesses in other states. If you choose to stay, you can submit a regular application for a residence permit. Our local immigration consultants can explain the requirements and application process specific to each type of visa, including for the remote work one.
Real estate investment under the Spanish Golden Visa in 2024
Another option for non-EU citizens interested in immigrating to Spain permanently is the acquisition of property here. As mentioned above, the value of the property must be at least 500,000 euros. This Spanish Golden Visa option also has its advantages in 2024. Among these, we mention that there are restrictions as to the type of property that can be bought (it can be a residential or commercial one) and it can be rented or leased by the new owner, therefore, it can be used for obtaining income.
Investors also have the possibility of buying more than one property in order to reach the 500,000 euros requirement. Joint investment is also allowed under the Spanish Golden Visa and even mortgages are permitted for the purpose of acquisition.
Our lawyers can explain all the benefits of buying real estate in order to obtain a Golden Visa. We also offer various services to those who immigrate to Spain.
Capital investment as a way to Spanish citizenship by investment
Non-EU citizens seeking to apply for Spanish golden visas have multiple options they can choose from when relocating to this country. One of them is related to capital investments. There are two options for investors interested in emigrating to Spain based on such investment:
- to invest at least 1 million euros in the purchase of shares in one or more local companies;
- to invest at least 2 million euros in the purchase of Treasury bonds.
Even if the amounts of money to invest are significantly higher compared to real estate purchases, these options usually target foreign citizens seeking to move here for entrepreneurship purposes.
Depositing at least 1 million euros in a Spanish bank account is another capital investment option for non-EU citizens interested in moving to this country. This type of investment is suitable for those who want to retire to an EU country and decide on Spain.
Our immigration lawyers in Spain are at your service with information and assistance in preparing the documents associated with all types of investment options. The Spain golden visa program is one of the most sought in Europe.
Immigrate to Spain with family members
As mentioned earlier, non-EU citizens moving to this country based on a Spanish Golden Visa can also bring family members along. All immigration procedures are handled by the Ministry of Interior which will handle all applications.
Compared to other countries, there is no additional amount of money required as an investment in order to bring family members to Spain under the Golden Visa. These too will be issued temporary residence permits followed by the permanent ones.
Why apply for a Spanish Golden Visa in 2024?
There are various ways through which Spain immigration can be ensured, among these employment or business, however, the Golden Visa Scheme is tailored to the needs of non-EU citizens who want to relocate to one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.
At the level of 2024, Spain also offers other advantages when immigrating based on the investor visa, as one is allowed to purchase real estate in any part of the country, compared to other EU states which permit the purchase in specific regions.
Those who want to immigrate to Spain based on a Golden Visa in 2024 must not worry about the procedure, as it can be explained by our specialists. They will also inform applicants of the documents they need to prepare.
The 2024 Golden Visa in Spain has not suffered any changes, however, where minor modifications have been brought, these will be presented by our lawyers.
Our immigration lawyers in Spain can handle the application documents and can help those who want to move here throughout the entire procedure. They will also answer any questions a candidate interested in Spain citizenship by investment might have.
How to choose the best investment option under the Spain golden visa program
Spain is one of the European countries to offer an impressive number of investment options to those who want to move here based on a golden visa and choosing between them can be difficult.
When choosing a suitable option, there are several aspects that need to be considered among which for some, the amount of money to invest is the most important. From this point of view, real estate investment is the most appropriate. For entrepreneurs, starting a business is perhaps an option that suits their lifestyle and qualifications.
The Spanish golden visa comes with various requirements for each type of investment which is why one should consider every aspect of the application before starting the procedure. If you need information about each option, our immigration lawyers in Spain are more than happy to assist.
The Startup Visa – an alternative to the Spanish Golden Visa
Foreign entrepreneurs interested in starting their own business in Spain have another option apart from the Golden Visa Scheme. This is called the Startup or Entrepreneur Visa Program and is a cheaper alternative to citizenship by investment.
The program is new and allows foreign citizens to immigrate to Spain by starting a business. Just as under the Spanish Golden Visa Scheme, this one also has specific requirements and eligibility criteria the applicants must comply with.
Even if each application is treated on a case-to-case basis, applicants must comply with a few requirements which imply:
- the business to be created must bring a significant contribution to the Spanish economy;
- the applicant must have specific qualifications or managerial experience in the field the company will operate in.
In order to support the application, the candidate for the startup visa must submit various documents with the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Among these, a business plan, a thorough description of the project, a description of the product or service to be created by the company, a market analysis. Information about financing options, where these are necessary must also be included in the application file. Additionally, the entrepreneur must prove how the business will contribute to the economy.
Compared to the 2024 Spanish Golden Visa, this program has the advantage of not imposing a minimum amount of money as an investment. Also, the visa is issued for one year with the possibility of being transformed into a residence permit with a validity of 2 years, followed by renewal every other 2 years.
If you consider the Startup Visa a more suitable option, we invite you to reach out to our immigration lawyers in Spain for information.
Also, if you are planning to immigrate to Spain from USA, we are at your service with complete information on how to prepare for moving here. If you want to obtain residency by investment in Spain, we will guide you through the entire procedure.
The StartUp visa is also a way of obtaining Spanish citizenship.
Getting a visa to live permanently in Spain is easy. For details about our services, get in touch with us. You must submit a number of documents in order to apply for permanent residency in Spain. These suggest possessing a current passport, identification showing where you live, and enough cash to support yourself. The immigration officers must receive these before they may stamp the passport with the residency stamp. Contact us if you require assistance in obtaining it.
Additional information for those interested in Spain immigration
The recipient of a golden visa in Spain is granted a residence permit valid for one year, which can then be renewed for another two years, and again as needed. In order for the renewal to be possible, the holder must show that he continues to be the owner of the property initially purchased when the application was first made.
One of our Spain immigration agents can give you more details about this program or about the alternatives to gaining residency.
The golden visa is one of the manners in which individuals interested in emigrating to Spain can eventually acquire citizenship. The holder of a valid residence permit can apply after a period of ten years during which he has legally resided in the country.
Non-EU citizens who are interested in more information about this manner of living in Spain ling-term can contact us for complete assistance for immigration purposes. We also provide services to EU nationals who are subject to lighter requirements for staying in Spain but no nonetheless need to comply with a set of formalities after having arrived in the country.
According to a report from 2017, the golden visa program has been the recipient of approximately 3 billion euros since its inception at the end of September 2013. According to the same source, some of the other statistics are as follows:
- the approximate number of residence permits issued during this time was 3,351;
- approximately 94% of the applicants are real estate investors;
- approximately 40.9% of the applicants were highly qualified professionals.
Nationals from China have been the most numerous during this time, followed by those from Russia, Ukraine or Egypt, and Venezuela. The top cities for applicants for a golden visa are Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, and Alicante. You can find out more about the Spanish Golden Visa in the video below:
FAQ on the Spanish Golden Visa Scheme
1 . Do I need to move to Spain if I obtain a golden visa?
No, there are no residency requirements attached to the Golden Visa Scheme, however, you will need to come to Spain during the validity of the visa.
2 . Can I work under the Spanish golden visa?
Yes, you are allowed to work if you have moved to Spain with a golden visa. All you need is the residence permit obtained alongside the visa.
3 . What is the validity of a golden visa?
The golden visa has a 1-year validity and can be renewed for 2 years. Then, it can be renewed for 5 years more.
4 . Can I get Spanish citizenship based on a golden visa?
No, you will first obtain permanent residence after 5 years of living here, while citizenship can be acquired after 10 years.
5 . How long does it take to obtain a golden visa in Spain?
The processing time of the golden visa application takes between 1 and 3 months to complete.
Investors who wish to know more about this type of residence permit, as well as the conditions for Spain immigration, can contact us.
Latest news on Spanish Golden Visa
Spain is one of Europe’s countries to have a golden visa program. Launched in 2013, it has undergone slight changes over the years, such as the introduction of new options for those interested in applying for it.
Since our articles provide a picture of the conditions to obtain a Spanish golden visa, below you can find out the latest information about the program, as well as a brief comparison with other schemes, given the latest developments in other European countries.
Not long ago, Greece and Portugal have decided to either bring changes or completely stop their residency by investment programs. Greece, for example, is considering increasing its minimum investment requirement from EUR 250,000 to EUR 500,000.
This is also the case in other countries, such as Cyprus which has closed the program starting with 2023.
This is not the case of Spain, however, whose program is still under development. We remind you that the minimum amount required to obtain a golden visa here is EUR 500,000, an amount for which you can purchase a property.
If you are considering moving to Europe, you can get in touch with our local specialists who can guide you on obtaining residency by investment in Spain.
The number of American citizens applying for golden visas is expected to increase
Europe is a safe place to move to, Spain being on top of the list when it comes to security combined with a good quality of life. This is why, if in 2022 the number of golden visa applications has stalled, it is expected to pick up in 2023. Most of the applicants are said to be from North America, however, other nationalities interested in the program can apply without restrictions. If you want to check your eligibility, you can discuss it with our golden visa agents.
Our lawyers have helped citizens from all over the world to move to this great country and start a new life here.
How many golden visas has Spain issued so far?
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Spain issued around 13,000 golden visas in 2021, which can make you wonder why such a limited number. Here are some of the reasons why, such residence permits are released in small numbers:
- applicants do not verify if they are eligible for the program – there are various requirements to meet;
- the sources of the funds are not clear – such sources are thoroughly verified by the authorities, any inconsistency leading to the rejection of the file;
- some applicants file incomplete documentation – this is one of the most important steps in being issued a golden visa in Spain and it is often overlooked.
How can you prevent this? First of all, get acquainted with all the requirements of the program. This will ease your situation a lot. Did you know that the visa is issued in 20 days, which makes this program one of the easiest to access in Europe? Get in touch with our local specialists and find out all the insides of this scheme and how to benefit from a safe application process.
Why is the Spanish golden visa program worth the effort?
Spain’s golden visa is currently one of the most appreciated in Europe and apart from enabling you to move into one of the most beautiful countries in the world, it also:
- allows you to freely move in the Schengen Area which comprises 26 states for up to 3 months without a visa;
- allows you to apply for permanent residency after 5 years and for citizenship after another 5 years;
- allows to hold the 3rd strongest passport in the world in 2023.
Through the family arraigo, Spanish citizens will also be able to reunite with their family members in 2024. This has the advantage of removing the requirement to demonstrate financial capability. The process will move considerably more quickly if parents are being brought in who are over 65 because it won’t be essential to show that they are being cared for by the gathered person.
Access to Spanish citizenship
The Spanish Golden Visa leads to Spanish citizenship more often than any other visa. If you fulfill the following requirements, you can obtain a Spanish passport after 10 years, provided the following requirements are met:
- over the course of 10 years, you have spent at least 183 days a year in Spain;
- you have at least a basic understanding of Spanish;
- you have minimum knowledge of the history and culture of Spain;
- you have no debts or criminal convictions in Spain.
Also, if you are a citizen of a former Spanish colony and apply for a Golden Visa, you will obtain citizenship in 2 years. Among these colonies are many of the current South American countries.
If you want to apply for a golden visa in Spain and need support, contact us!