How to obtain residency?

The Investor Visa, also known as the "Golden Visa," allows non-EU nationals to obtain residency in Spain through significant capital investment in the Spanish economy/ The initial residence permit is granted for 3 years and can be renewed for subsequent 5-year periods, provided the investment is maintained. After 5 years, holders may apply for permanent residency, and after 10 years, for Spanish citizenship.

Benefits

  • Right to Work and Reside: The visa grants the holder and their family members the right to live and work in Spain.
  • Family Inclusion: Spouses and children under 18 (or dependent adult children) can be included in the application.
  • No Minimum Stay Requirement: There is no obligation to reside in Spain to renew the permit; a single visit during the residence period suffices.
  • Schengen Area Access: Visa holders can travel freely within the Schengen Zone.

Requirements

  • Minimum Investment:
  • real estate purchase worth minimum €500,000.
  • €2 million in Spanish government bonds.
  • €1 million in share capital of Spanish companies or bank deposits in Spanish financial institutions.
  • Applicants must be over 18 years old.
  • Clean Criminal Record: No criminal history in Spain or previous countries of residence.
  • Health Insurance: Public or private health insurance valid in Spain.
  • Financial Means: Sufficient funds to support oneself and dependents (if relocate with you) during the stay.
  • Not Previously Refused Entry: Applicants must not have been refused entry to Spain or other Schengen countries.
How to get visa
  1. Finalize the qualifying investment.
  2. Prepare necessary documents, including proof of investment; criminal record certificate from your country, translated into Spanish with an apostille; health insurance valid in Spain, covering the entire period of stay; medical Certificate confirming no dangerous diseases for public health; passport valid for at least 1 year; proof of financial means to support yourself and your family (if they are relocating with you).
  3. Submit the application: Submit your application for a visa through the nearest Spanish Consulate/Embassy in your country or through the Spanish Migration Office (if you are already in Spain).
  4. Processing time: usually takes between 10 to 20 business days.
  5. Residence card issuance: Once the visa is approved, you will receive a residence card, with the possibility of renewal if the investment is maintained.
  6. Opportunities for Family Members. The investor visa allows you to bring family members: spouses, dependent children, and parents (if dependence is confirmed).

Term

  • Application processing time 10 to 20 business days

Costs

  • Investment Amount: Minimum €500,000 for real estate; higher for other investment types. ​
  • Additional Expenses: Legal fees, taxes, property registration, and administrative costs.
  • Visa Fees: Vary depending on the consulate; typically around €60-€80.

Additional Information

  • Real Estate Investment: The €500,000 must be free of liens or encumbrances; any amount exceeding can be financed.
  • Tax Implications: Residency does not automatically imply tax residency; spending more than 183 days in Spain per year may subject one to Spanish taxes.
  • Program Status: As of April 2024, the Spanish government announced plans to terminate the Golden Visa program for real estate investments. Potential applicants should verify the current status of the program before proceeding.
Legal acts

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Documents

LIST OF DOCUMENTS FOR THE "GOLDEN" VISA

  1. Passport: Scan of all pages after entering the territory of Spain.
  2. Certificate of No Criminal Record: Scan of the original with an apostille from the country of citizenship and countries where you have lived for the last 5 years.
  3. Proof of Financial Means: 400% IPREM for the main applicant,
  4. 100% IPREM for each family member. Health Insurance: Issued for a year without co-payments and with a waiting period in a Spanish insurance company.
  5. Proof of Investment

5.a. REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

  • Certificate of Ownership and Liens from the Property Registry: Certificate confirming the ownership or encumbrances from the Property Registry of Spain.

5.b. INVESTMENTS IN SHARES AND DEPOSITS Accreditation of Investment, depending on the specific case:

  • Unlisted shares or participation in public life: Investment declaration, registered with the Registry of Foreign Investments of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.
  • Listed Shares: Certificate from a financial intermediary registered with the National Securities Market Commission or the Bank of Spain.
  • Government Debt: Certificate from a financial institution or the Bank of Spain confirming that the applicant is the sole owner of the investment for a period equal to or exceeding 5 years.
  • Investment or Venture Capital Funds: Certificate from a management company registered in Spain, properly registered with the National Securities Market Commission, confirming an investment of no less than one million Euros in the fund or funds under its management.
  • Bank Deposits: Certificate from a financial institution confirming that the applicant is the sole owner of the bank deposit.

5.c. INVESTORS IN BUSINESS PROJECTS

  • Report from the Directorate-General for International Trade and Investments of the Ministry of economics and competitiveness, which indicates that provided business-project covers spheres of the general interest: In case the investor appoints a representative in Spain to manage the business project, he needs to provide a report of the Main Directorate of International Trade and Investments, confirming the necessity of this representative’s interposition in managing the project If family members are joining, documents confirming kinship, certificates of no criminal record for all persons over 18, and health insurance must be provided.