The official name for the Spain Golden Visa is the Investor Visa. The program accepts investments in several areas, including real estate, shares of a Spanish company, or creating new jobs. The Spanish Golden Visa is a residence-by-investment (RBI) permit for non-EU nationals, leading to Spanish citizenship after ten years.
The Spanish Golden Visa is popular with international retirees looking to own a home in Spain.
Who can apply for a Spanish Golden Visa?
Non-EU citizens over 18 years old who have:
- No disqualifying criminal record in Spain or abroad.
- No rejected SCHENGEN visa applications.
Note: EU citizens don’t need a visa to live in Spain, but you must register your residence.
Spain Golden Visa Investment Options
Note: You must complete the investment before you start your application. You’ll need proof of the investment as part of your submitted application documentation.
| Investment Option | Amount | Investment Visa Class |
| Real Estate / Property | € 500,000 | Residency Visa for Acquisition of Real Estate (RIV) |
| Shares in Spanish Companies | € 1,000,000 | Residency Visa for Capital Investor (RIC) |
| Bank Deposit | € 1,000,000 | Residency Visa for Capital Investor (RIC) |
| Government Bonds | € 2,000,000 | Residency Visa for Capital Investor (RIC) |
| Business Project | No Minimum | Residency Visa for Capital Investor (RIC) |
Accepted Real Estate Types
- Personal or investment.
- Residential or commercial.
- Single property or multiple properties.
- Any property purchased after 2013.
Note: Your personal investment must exceed €500,000 beyond any mortgage in Spain used to buy the property/properties.
Explore: our complete guide to buying a property in Spain.
Spanish Company Shares
These can be in unlisted or listed companies.
Bank Deposit
A registered Spanish bank account must hold the deposit in the applicant’s name.
Business Project
This option is more flexible, and investment levels depend on the location and sector. The Consular Economic and Commercial Office will look at your project and decide if it has:
Minimum Investment Time
The investment must have a minimum five-year timeframe.
Need advice on how to get the Spain Golden visa?
Jason from Holborn Assets is a specialist in the Spain Golden Visa. If you would like to understand the investment opportunities available to you and the steps involved in getting the visa, book a time in his diary below.
Other requirements
- An approved Spanish Private Health Insurance policy.
- Funds to cover living expenses in Spain.
Where to apply
- Non-residents of Spain must apply in their home country, at their nearest Spain consulate or embassy.
- Long-stay visa holders or residents in Spain can apply in Spain.
Steps in the Investor Visa Process
Warning: We strongly suggest seeking advice from an experienced Spanish immigration lawyer before starting the process. There is significant risk as you must progress your investment before you submit your Spain Golden Visa application.
- Identify and advance your qualifying investment.
- Submit your application and supporting documentation.
- Receive visa approval – usually within 20 days.
- Travel to Spain and apply for your biometric residence card (TIE).
How long is the Investor Visa Valid
Investor Visa Validity: One Year
The visa is valid for one year; you must move to Spain within that time.
Investor Residence Permit Validity: Two Years + Renewable
Once in Spain, you will apply for a residence permit. This permit is valid for two years; you can renew it if you have the investment.
Permanent Residence (PR) & Citizenship
- Five Years: Qualify and apply for Permanent Residence (PR).
- Ten Years: Qualify and apply for Spanish citizenship by naturalization. Some groups can claim accelerated citizenship.
Family Members that are included
You can add some direct family members to your application.
- A spouse, civil partner, or common-law partner.
- Dependent children (under 18 or dependent due to health or mental conditions).
- Financially dependent children over 18.
- Grandparents and parents (in your care).
Note: You’ll need to show enough money to support all the family members you include. In addition, they’ll each require private health coverage and all clearances.
Healthcare for Golden Visa holders in Spain
As a Golden Visa holder, you do not automatically qualify for public healthcare in Spain. This is a common misconception. However, if you work (and you can legally work in Spain) and pay social security contributions, then you can access public healthcare. However, if you don’t contribute to social security, then you will need a qualifying private health insurance policy for as long as you hold the visa.
Next Steps for your Spain Golden Visa?
Are you ready to invest in your Spanish future? The process is complex, and applications are regularly rejected. Our Spanish Immigration Law partner shows you how to be approved or tells you not to invest. A 30-minute Spain Golden Visa consultation will save you time and money and give you peace of mind.
FAQ – Spain Golden Visa
Does Spain have citizenship by investment (CBI)?
No, the Spain Investor Visa is a residency by investment program. But you can apply for Spanish citizenship and a European Union (EU) Passport after living in Spain for ten years.
Do I have to live in Spain?
No, there is no residency requirement to renew the visa. However, you won’t get permanent residency or citizenship if you don’t live in Spain with a residence permit.
Does the Investor Visa make me a Spanish Tax resident?
No, not automatically. However, if you live in Spain for more than 183 days per year, you become a tax resident in Spain.
Does the Spain Investor Visa allow travel through Europe?
Yes, you can travel visa-free in the SCHENGEN zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Can I get residency in Spain if I buy a house?
Yes, the Spain Investor visa (a residency by investment program) includes residential property. The house’s value (after mortgages) must be at least €500,000. See our guide to buying a qualifying property in Spain for more details.
Can I use the Golden Visa to Retire in Spain?
The Spain Golden Visa is a popular choice for people who retire in Spain and want to own their own home.
For the business project route noted above, are you aware of any projects that the government has deemed to meet the criteria (“significant socio-economic impact on the geographical area in which the project is to be carried out, or its significant contribution to scientific or technological innovation”) and on that basis provided a long-stay visa for a foreigner? I have not been able to dig up any information so far.
Thank you.
Hi Mike. The investment category is much less prevalent than real estate, and each case is unique and assessed as such. If you don’t want to start with a chat with a great Spanish immigration lawyer, the Spanish government has a website with lots of information on investing in Spain. All the best, Alastair
When buying real estate ie house/a can we buy more than one property to amount in excess of euros 500000 or deis it have to be a property, singular.
Also my partner Sue, we are not married or Civil Partnership. Is putting 50% in to our new house that we are buying shortly to live in. How do we deal with that please. Thank you
Hi Roger. You can buy more than one property as long as the total value of the assets exceeds €500,000. The second question is more complicated. The individual contribution needs to exceed €500,000, but the primary visa applicant can include a common-law partner on the application. I’d strongly suggest speaking to our Spanish immigration law partner to determine the best way to manage this. We also have a free Webinar on November 15th – you can see the recording of that here: “Which Golden Visa should I choose? Spain or Portugal?“
My ancestors came from Spain originally. They were part of the Spanish conquistadors who landed in Mexico. The original ancestor was my great great great great grandfather who was a General in the Spanish military. His progeny stayed in Mexico until the Mexican revolution made the Spanish population move out. My grandfather moved his family to Chicago in around 1915.
Does my 1/2 Spanish ancestor merit me any advantages in moving to Spain?
Thank you
Hi Robert. Unfortunately, Your ancestry won’t give you any advantage in moving to Spain. If you did have Mexican citizenship you’d qualify for accelerated Spanish citizenship but you’ll still need a Spanish residence permit to live in Spain while you qualify. All the best, Alastair
Thanks for the great article. Once I’m granted the visa for acquisition of RE or RIC, is there are time limit to acquire the RE or make the investment? Would I be able to arrive, rent first while researching for a property? Thanks, Pedro
Hi Pedro. You need to progress the investment before your application, and you must submit the application in your country of residence before moving to Spain (unless you are already a resident of Spain with a different immigration permission, for example, a Spanish non-lucrative visa). This process is why we strongly suggest meeting with an expert Spanish immigration lawyer or Golden Visa specialist before starting the process. All the best, Alastair
I have a entrepreneurship plan that will bring $ in from tourists . I also plan on hiring locals . Does this merit me a entrepreneurship visa and with this visa can I bring my children. How soon does it become a PR
Hi Janell – if your business plan, experience, and funding model are solid, then you have a good chance of an entrepreneur visa. Our Spanish immigration lawyer will be able to assist with crafting your application. All the best, Alastair
Hi Alastair,
I have a question about this statement, which says that ‘Financially dependent children over 18’ could be included .in the application.
My son is 22 years old, he is a student and lives with us in our house, works part-time, but his salary is not covering all the expenses, because he spends half of the time for his study.
Could he be considered as a ‘Financially dependent child over 18’? And what proof whould be needed to confirm that?
Thank you,
Andrei
Hi Andrei. As your case is ambiguous, I’d suggest speaking with our Spanish Immigration Lawyer partner for the best way to approach this application. All the best, Alastair
Hello. I heard the Golden Visa is ending, is this true? Is there an end date where it is “too late” to apply?
On the investment, if looking for a home around $500-600k do you have to put down $500k to satisfy the requirement or can you put down less as long as the total purchase (with mortgage) is $500k+? Basically could I put down say $300k and get a mortgage for the rest?
Thank you!
Hi Mark. Yes, as of May 2024, the Spanish government intends to pass legislation to amend or terminate the Golden Visa program. However, until that legislation is passed, they’ll still accept applications. The investment must be more than €500K, the minimum cash amount toward the purchase (so you could top up with a mortgage for a house over €500K). Regards, Alastair
Do you need to have the 500k upfront for investment? or can you start a business in country and make up the difference in the 5 year period under the entrepreneur visa
Hi Matthew – there is no specific value for the new business investment Golden visa (Residency Visa for Capital Investor (RIC)). As per the article, “investment levels depend on the location and sector. The Consular Economic and Commercial Office will look at your project and decide if it has a “significant socio-economic impact on the geographical area in which the project is to be carried out or its significant contribution to scientific or technological innovation.”. I’d suggest speaking with a Spanish Golden Visa expert before starting this process to ensure the best chance of success. The Entrepreneur Visa is a different immigration pathway managed under different legislation. Our immigration lawyer partner will be happy to help you select the best option. All the best, Alastair