Spain Residency by Investment Programme

Spain’s Golden Visa Programme*, provision for which was made in 2013, is one of the industry’s most popular Residence by Investment Programmes.

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and thriving economy, Spain has become an attractive destination for investors looking to secure residency through a strategic investment. This programme allows eligible applicants to obtain a residence permit by making a significant investment in Spanish real estate, government bonds, or innovative businesses. 

Summary

MINIMUM INVESTMENT

€500,000

PERMIT RENEWAL

AFTER TWO YEARS, THEN FOR CONSECUTIVE FIVE-YEAR PERIODS

PHYSICAL PRESENCE REQUIREMENT

NONE

PROCESSING TIME

1 MONTH

Successful applicants can receive a range of benefits, including:

  • The right to live, work, study, and undertake business in Spain.
  • Ability to include family members in an application.
  • Residence valid for an initial two years, renewable for consecutive five-year periods.
  • Ability to apply for permanent residence after five years of “legal and continuous” residence.
  • Ability to apply for citizenship after 10 years of residence in Spain.

 

  • Aged 18 or over 
  • Non-EU, EEA, or Swiss national 
  • Clean criminal record 
  • Possess valid health insurance covering the applicant and any family members for the duration of residence 
  • Possess sufficient funds to support the applicant and any family members for the duration of residence  
  • Travel requirement to apply for the residence authorisation 
  • No physical residence requirement 
  • No interview requirement 
  • No language requirement for residence 
  • Applicants must provide evidence of sufficient means to support themselves for the entire period of residence, including evidence of €30,000 for the main applicant and €10,000 per family member. 

There are a number of investment options available under Spain’s Golden Visa Programme:

OPTION 01
PUBLIC DEBT SECURITIES
Investment Amount€1 million
Investment TypeInvestment in public debt securities
Required Official Certification Relevant financial entity, management company, or the Bank of Spain
Hold Period
Validity of residence
Required Official Certification Five years
OPTION 02
STOCKS AND SHARES
Investment Amount€1 million
Investment TypeInvestment in Spanish company stocks and shares
Required Official Certification If listed, financial intermediary registered with the National Securities Market Commission or the Bank of Spain, and if unlisted, accreditation of investment at Register of Foreign Investments
Hold Period
Validity of residence
OPTION 03
SPANISH INVESTMENT FUNDS
Investment Amount€1 million
Investment TypeInvestment in Spanish investment funds, close-end investment funds, or venture capital funds
Required Official Certification Relevant financial entity, management company, or the Bank of Spain
Hold Period
Validity of residence, at least 5 years
OPTION 04
BANK DEPOSIT
Investment Amount€1 million
Investment TypeBank deposit in a Spanish financial institution
Required Official Certification Relevant financial entity, management company, or the Bank of Spain
Hold Period
Validity of residence
OPTION 05
REAL ESTATE
Investment Amount€500,000
Investment TypeReal estate property
Required Official Certification Property Registry
Hold Period
Validity of residence
OPTION 06
BUSINESS PROJECT

Investment Amount€1 million
Investment TypeBusiness project that creates jobs, has a socio-economic impact on the area in which the activity is carried out, or contributes to scientific and/or technological innovation
Required Official Certification Directorate-General for International Trade and Investments
Hold Period
Validity of residence


The following basic fees apply:Administration Fee
Permit Renewal Fee

The process of obtaining residence in Spain is divided into stages. Investors do not immediately receive permanent residence and their status in Spain remains temporary for some time after the application is first submitted.

  • Step 1: Make the chosen investment.
  • Step 2: Investors outside of Spain must make a visa application at a local Spanish Consulate. The expected response time is 10 days.
  • Step 3: Upon receipt of a ‘residence visa for investors’ the investor must enter Spain to apply for the ‘residence authorisation for investors’ at the Large Companies Unit. The expected response time is 20 days.
  • Step 4: The investor must then give biometrics and receives a Foreigner’s Identity Card.
  • Step 5: The residence authorisation for investors is valid for an initial two-year period and can be renewed for consecutive five-year periods.

Who is eligible to apply?

Investors wishing to apply for Spain’s Golden Visa Programme must be non-EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals; be over the age of 18; have a clean criminal record in Spain and in all countries in which they have resided in the past five years; possess valid health insurance covering themselves and any family member; and demonstrate evidence of €30,000 to support themselves throughout the residence period plus €10,000 per family member.

Which family members can I include in my application?

The following family members are eligible to join the investor:

  • Spouse or common-law partner
  • Children of the investor under 18
  • Children of the investor over 18 who are financially dependent on the investor
  • Parents and grandparents of the investor who are dependent on the investor

Is there a physical presence requirement?

No physical presence is needed to maintain residence rights.

How long does the application take to process?

Visa applications can receive responses in 10 working days and residence authorisation applications can receive responses in 20 working days. Investors and their family members can therefore receive residence rights in Spain in around one month.

What is the duration of the residence permit?

The residence authorisation for investors is valid for an initial two-year period and can be renewed for consecutive five-year periods. After five years of legal and continuous residence in Spain an application for permanent residence can be made.

Are citizens from certain countries barred from applying?

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens are unable to apply under Spain’s Golden Visa Programme.

Is this programme for me?

The following persons may be a good fit for the programme:

  • Investors seeking to expand their asset base.
  • Individuals and extended families wanting to take up permanent residence in the EU.
  • Businesspersons and entrepreneurs seeking visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.

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