What Is the Golden Visa Spain Program?
The Golden Visa Spain is a residency-by-investment program for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who make a qualifying investment in Spain. In return, they can obtain a residence permit for themselves and close family members.
It is especially popular among:
- Investors buying property in Spain
- Business people looking to expand into the EU
- Families who want a Mediterranean base with Schengen travel access
Key Benefits of the Golden Visa in Spain
Compared to traditional long-stay visas, the Golden Visa offers several advantages:
- Residency rights in Spain for you and your family
- Freedom to travel within the Schengen Area (up to 90 days in 180)
- Possibility to live, work, or study in Spain
- No strict minimum-stay requirement to keep the permit (unlike many ordinary visas)
- Pathway to long-term residence and, eventually, Spanish citizenship (subject to conditions)
Who Can Apply for Golden Visa Spain?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national
- Make a qualifying investment in Spain (property, financial assets, or business)
- Have a clean criminal record
- Have health insurance that covers you in Spain
- Can prove legal origin of funds used for the investment
Investment Options for the Golden Visa Spain
Spain offers multiple investment routes that can qualify you for the Golden Visa. The exact amounts and rules may change over time, but the main paths are:
1. Real Estate Investment
The most popular route is investing in Spanish property.
- Minimum investment usually from €500,000 (without mortgage)
- Can be a single property or multiple properties
- Residential, commercial, or a combination
2. Capital Investment
- Investment in Spanish company shares or investment funds
- Large deposits in Spanish banks
- Investment in Spanish government bonds
3. Business Investment
You may also qualify by launching or supporting a business project in Spain that:
- Creates jobs
- Generates significant economic impact
- Contributes to scientific, technological, or social innovation
Many applicants choose the real estate route because it combines investment with the personal benefit of owning a home or rental property in Spain.
Documents Typically Required for Golden Visa Spain
Exact requirements depend on the consulate and your investment route, but you can expect to provide:
- Valid passport and recent photos
- Completed visa or residence application forms
- Proof of qualifying investment:
- Property purchase deed and Land Registry certificate (for real estate)
- Bank certificates or financial portfolio documents (for capital investments)
- Business plan and official approvals (for business projects)
- Proof of funds for living expenses (for you and dependents)
- Criminal background certificate from your country of residence
- Medical certificate (if requested)
- Private health insurance valid in Spain with comprehensive coverage
- Marriage certificate and birth certificates for dependents (if applying as a family)
Golden Visa Spain Application Process
1. Choose and Complete Your Investment
First, decide your route—property, financial, or business. In most cases, you must complete the investment (for example, signing the property deed) before applying for the visa.
2. Collect All Required Documents
Gather legal documentation, property or financial contracts, background certificates, health insurance proof, and family records if applying together.
3. Apply at the Spanish Consulate or in Spain
You can typically apply:
- At the Spanish consulate in your home country, or
- Directly in Spain as a residence permit, if you are already there legally
4. Receive Your Visa or Residence Permit
If approved abroad, you first receive a visa to enter Spain, then convert it into a residence card. If applying from within Spain, you may receive a residence authorization directly.
Validity and Renewal of the Spanish Golden Visa
Golden Visa permits generally start with a shorter period and can then be renewed:
- Initial visa: often 1 year (if applied from outside Spain)
- First residence permit: often up to 2 years
- Renewals: can be issued for longer periods (for example, 5-year cards)
To renew, you usually need to:
- Maintain the qualifying investment
- Keep a clean legal record
- Maintain valid health insurance
Golden Visa Spain vs Non-Lucrative and Other Visas
Spain offers several residence options besides the Golden Visa:
- Non-lucrative visa: for people with passive income or savings, no work in Spain
- Digital nomad visa: for remote workers employed or contracted outside Spain
- Student visa: for long-term study
- Work permit: for employees and highly qualified professionals
The Golden Visa stands out because it links residency to investment and often has more flexible stay requirements.
Is the Golden Visa Spain a Good Option for You?
The Golden Visa Spain is most attractive if you already plan to invest significantly in property or business and want:
- A legal base in Spain for you and your family
- Schengen travel flexibility
- Long-term relocation or retirement options in Europe
However, it is still a serious legal and financial decision. You should:
- Get advice on Spanish tax rules and property laws
- Plan your investment carefully (location, liquidity, returns)
- Ensure your health insurance fully covers your time in Spain
For many families and investors, the Golden Visa is not just a residency tool—it’s a long-term lifestyle and security strategy built around Spain’s quality of life, healthcare, and access to Europe.