Looking to move to Spain? Act now to secure your residency!
If you're considering a move to Spain, you still have a window of opportunity — three months— to take advantage of one of the most straightforward routes to residency.
Here's how you can do it:
To obtain permanent residency in Spain, you need to invest €500,000 in a property. This investment will allow you to secure your residency before the new regulations take effect on April 3rd, 2025.
Steps to follow:
1. Engage a lawyer: start by working with a qualified lawyer who specializes in Spanish real estate and immigration law. They will help you navigate the legal requirements and ensure a smooth process.
2. Choose a real estate agency: select a reputable real estate agency that can guide you through the buying process. They should have a deep understanding of the market and provide you with professional support in finding the right property.
3. Complete your investment: make your property investment before the deadline.
4. Ensure that all necessary documentation is in order, and that the property is duly registered in the Land Registry.
Below you will find all the detailed information about the Golden Visa, the benefits and all essential information about important changes ahead.
On January 3rd, Organic Law 1/2025, enacted on January 2nd, was published, introducing significant reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the Public Justice Service. Notably, the twenty-first final provision of this law amends Law 14/2013, dated September 27th, which focused on supporting entrepreneurs and their internationalization.
This amendment will lead to the elimination of investor visas in Spain. The new regulation is set to take effect three months later, on April 3rd, 2025, at which point all investor visas will be abolished.
The elimination of the investment residence visa signifies a major shift in Spain's immigration and economic policies. This move aims to address concerns about housing accessibility and align with European standards regarding security and financial transparency. For current and prospective investors, this amendment necessitates a strategic shift: only those who have applications in process or currently hold an authorization will be able to benefit from the existing framework.
Given the time required to finalize an investment, the urgency is now greater than ever for those seeking to secure an investor residence in Spain. It is advisable for individuals interested in these opportunities to act promptly before the new regulations come into effect.
What will be with the ongoing applications?
The new regulations regarding the Golden Visa program include transitional provisions designed to safeguard existing rights. Here's what you need to know about the treatment of ongoing applications:
Applications in process:
Applications submitted before the law takes effect on April 3, 2025, will continue to be processed under the regulations that were in place at the time of application. It is essential to ensure that the investment has already been completed to initiate the process.
For real estate investments, the property must be properly registered in the Land Registry. Given that the processes of purchasing, selling, and registration can take up to two months, it is crucial to start the visa or residency application before the new regulations come into effect—not just the investment process.
Renewal of existing visas:
Visas and authorizations that have already been issued will remain valid until their expiration date. Renewals will be processed according to the regulations that were in place when the original visa was granted.
However, it is important to handle these renewals diligently and seek appropriate guidance, as any complications or refusal to renew could prevent the possibility of reapplying for an investor visa or residency.
What is Golden Visa?
Spain has been a member of the European Union since 1985 and joined the Schengen Area in 1995. The combination of its high quality of life and a growing economy makes Spain a desirable destination for those considering relocation. Today, both families and businesses view Spain as a prime option for future investments.
For non-EU citizens aiming to achieve their professional or personal aspirations in Europe, the Spain Golden Visa Program presents an excellent opportunity. This program enables individuals to live, study and work in Spain, and it also paves the way for permanent residency and, ultimately, citizenship. After residing in Spain for 5 years under this temporary residence permit, you can apply for permanent residency. Once you have held permanent residency for 5 years, you may then pursue citizenship through naturalization, provided you meet specific requirements.
What are the requirements to obtain the Golden Visa in Spain?
The Spain Golden Visa Program offers various investment opportunities, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs.
You can invest a minimum of €500,000 in real estate, €2 million in Spanish government bonds or €1 million in shares of Spanish companies.
In addition to the financial investment, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including being at least 18 years old and having a clean criminal record, as well as obtaining health insurance, either private or public.
Here are the detailed eligibility criteria:
1. You must be at least 18 years old.
2. You should not be an illegal resident of Spain.
3. You must not have a criminal record within the last five years.
4. You should not be listed as an undesirable person in Spain.
5. You must have private health insurance that covers your stay in Spain.
6. You should demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself without needing to work in Spain.
7. You must not have had residence applications denied by certain countries, including Spain.
8. You should not have any serious illnesses as specified by regulations from 2005.
What are the investment options for the Golden Visa I Spain?
Investment Options for the Spain Golden Visa
To acquire the Spain Golden Visa, applicants can choose from several investment pathways, each with different requirements. Here are the available options:
Investment Type | Minimum Amount |
Real Estate Investment | €500,000 |
Business Development | €1 million |
Capital Transfer | €1 million |
What is the option for real estate?
The real estate investment route of the Spain Golden Visa requires a minimum investment of €500,000 in Spanish property. You have the flexibility to choose between residential or commercial properties or even a combination of both.
An added advantage of this option is that the property can be rented out, providing potential income while you hold the investment. Additionally, multiple buyers can pool their resources to invest in a single property, making it more accessible for those who may not meet the full investment threshold on their own.
It’s also worth noting that any portion of the investment exceeding the minimum requirement can be financed through a mortgage, allowing for greater financial flexibility in your investment strategy. This makes the real estate investment option an attractive choice for many looking to establish residency in Spain.
What is the application process?
The application process for the Spain Golden Visa is relatively straightforward. Here’s a brief overview of the essential steps involved:
Step 1: Choose your investment option
Begin by selecting your preferred investment option from those outlined in the “Investment options for the Spain Golden Visa” section. If you need assistance, our team of Golden Visa experts is available to help you evaluate your options.
Step 2: Prepare and submit your application
Once you've made your choice, the next step is to prepare and submit your application for a Schengen Visa.
Step 3: Provide biometric data
After submitting your application, you’ll need to visit Spain to provide the necessary biometric data. This stage typically takes about two months to complete.
Step 4: Await authority review
The final stage involves waiting for the authorities to review your application. The approval or rejection process generally takes around 20 days.
Step 5: Receive your Spain Golden Visa
Once approved, you will receive your Spain Golden Visa and can start enjoying the various benefits it offers.
What documents need to be submitted to apply for the Golden Visa in Spain?
To apply for a residency visa through the Spain Golden Visa program, you will need to provide several essential documents in addition to the application form. Here’s a list of the required documentation:
1. Valid passport: a passport that is valid for at least one year.
2. Proof of sufficient funds: a document demonstrating that you have adequate financial resources to cover your living expenses during your stay.
3. Medical insurance coverage: a document confirming that you have valid medical insurance.
4. Schooling confirmation (if applicable): a document from the relevant authorities affirming the enrollment and schooling of your children, if applicable.
It's important to note that all documents must be translated into Spanish and properly legalized to ensure compliance with the application requirements. Gathering these documents in advance will help streamline your application process for the Golden Visa.
What are the benefits of the Golden Visa in Spain?
1.Visa-free travel to Schengen countries
Golden Visa holders can travel to other Schengen countries without needing a visa, allowing them to spend up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
2. Residence Permits for the Whole Family
The Golden Visa extends to the investor’s spouse, unmarried dependent children and dependent parents, enabling the entire family to obtain residence permits in Spain.
3. No requirements for language proficiency, education, or business experience
Applicants are not obligated to demonstrate proficiency in the Spanish language, submit educational qualifications or prove business experience to qualify for the visa.
4. Moving to Spain and creating a “Safe Haven”
Golden Visa holders can enter Spain at any time, even amid travel restrictions, offering a secure option during emergencies.
5. No residency requirements for Golden Visa holders.
Neither the investor nor their family members are required to reside in Spain to maintain their residency status. The only obligation is to visit Spain when it’s time to renew the residence permit.
6. Access to European education and healthcare
Children of investors can attend both private and public Spanish schools and universities. The entire family can benefit from Spain’s high-quality healthcare system, as well as medical services available in other Schengen countries.
7. Working and doing business in Spain
Investors and their family members can obtain work permits in Spain. This allows entrepreneurs to transfer existing businesses or establish new ventures within the country.
8. EU Citizenship in 10 years
An investor can apply for permanent residency after five years of living in Spain. Following an additional five years, they may apply for Spanish citizenship, paving the way for EU citizenship.
9. Citizenship for newborns in 1 year
A child born in Spain to Golden Visa holders can become a Spanish citizen after residing in the country for just one year, significantly shortening the standard 10-year naturalization process.
These benefits make the Spain Golden Visa a highly attractive option for investors and their families looking to establish a connection with Spain and enjoy the advantages of residency in a vibrant European country.
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