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Spain Investor Visa (Golden Visa)

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii
Mike Arnold

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 12, 2024

Next update

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

The Spain Investor Visa, also known as the Golden Visa, provides a fast track to residency in Spain for non-EU individuals who can invest a significant commitment to the country and the assets within it.

This visa allows for families of the investor to also move into the country, and provides for both short-stay and residency options.

 

Obtaining a Golden Visa through investment

There are several pathways to residency through the Spain Investor Visa. Each option requires a significant financial commitment, but, in return, grants you access to the European lifestyle and potential business opportunities.

A significant investment is classified as one of the following:

  • Public debt securities: Invest a minimum of €2 million in Spanish public debt securities to demonstrate your confidence in the Spanish economy, and provide a secure investment option.
  • Stocks or shares: Invest a minimum of €1 million in stocks or shares of Spanish companies actively engaged in business activities. This option allows you to participate in the growth of the Spanish corporate sector, whilst making you eligible for residency.
  • Investment or venture capital funds: Another avenue is to invest at least €1 million in investment or venture capital funds established in Spain, supporting the country's entrepreneurial ecosystem and innovation.
  • Bank deposits: You can also choose to deposit a minimum of €1 million in Spanish financial institutions – a straightforward and secure investment option.
  • Unencumbered real estate: Purchase unencumbered (meaning you have complete ownership, and there’s no debt or financial commitments) real estate in Spain with a minimum value of €500,000. This of course, provides the opportunity to own property in Spain, but you could also potentially benefit from rental income or capital appreciation.
  • General interest business project: If you have a business project that could be in the best interests of the country, you might qualify for the Golden Visa. Your project should have the potential to create jobs, generate significant socio-economic impact in the region where it’ll be carried out, or contribute to scientific or technological innovation.

 

Eligibility criteria for the Spain Investor Visa

To obtain the Spain Investor Visa, you’ll need to meet further criteria in addition to the investment requirement. These criteria should demonstrate that you’re a genuine investor and will contribute positively to Spain.

  • Clean criminal record: You'll need to prove that you haven't been involved in any criminal activity for the last five years. As well as this, you’ll need to present a responsible declaration of the absence of criminal records, found here.
  • Health insurance: You must obtain an insurance policy for either public or private health coverage. All risks should be covered, and the policy must be registered with theSpanish National Social Security.
  • Financial resources: You must provide evidence of sufficient financial means to support yourself in Spain. The minimum required amount is 400% of Spain's Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM) for the main applicant. As of 2024, the IPREM is €600 per month.

 

Family members

Obtaining a Golden Visa will allow you to bring your family to the country, provided they also meet the criteria set out for them. The following family members may be eligible to obtain a visa alongside you:

  • Spouse or unmarried partner: Your legally recognised spouse or unmarried partner.
  • Dependent children: Your dependent children under 18.
  • Dependent relatives in the ascending line: Dependent parents or grandparents who are part of your family unit (this means that they already live with you).

Additional financial requirements for family members:

Just as you need to prove sufficient income for yourself, you need to demonstrate that you can support your family whilst living in Spain. You’ll need to be able to prove financial means of an additional 100% of for each family member.

 

Documentation

To prove your eligibility for the Spain Investor Visa, you’ll need to submit various documents, as will your family. We’ve outlined these below, but this list may not be exhaustive, depending on your circumstances.

Required documents for the investor:

  • National visa application form: Each applicant (or their legal representative) must complete and sign theofficial visa application form.
  • Photograph: A recent, passport-size colour photograph with a light background, facing forward and without any obstructions to the face. You shouldn't be wearing dark or highly reflective glasses.
  • Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least one year beyond your intended stay in Spain and have at least two blank pages. It must have been issued in the last decade.
  • Documents accrediting the investment: Depending on your chosen investment option, you'll need to provide specific documents as evidence:
    • Financial investments:
      • Public debt: Certificate from the financial entity or Banco de España.
      • Stocks/shares: Declaration of investment or certificate from a financial intermediary.
      • Investment/venture capital funds: Documentation from the fund manager.
      • Bank deposits: A certificate from the bank outlining the sum of the deposit.
    • Real estate: Certificate from the Land Registry and deed of sale (if applicable).
    • Business project: Favourable report from the Economic and Commercial Office.
    • Investment via legal person: A report from the and proof of majority voting rights.
  • Proof of financial means: Documents that show you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members, such as bank statements, payslips, or proof of income.
  • Criminal record certificate: A criminal record certificate issued by your country or countries of residence for the past two years, along with a sworn declaration confirming the absence of criminal records for the last five years.
  • Health insurance: A certificate proving you have public or private health insurance contracted with an authorised entity in Spain.
  • Proof of residence in the consular district: Evidence of your legal residence within the jurisdiction of the Spanish consulate where you are applying.
  • Proof of representative's identity and capacity (if applicable): If applying through a representative, provide a copy of their ID or passport and a power of attorney or official document authorising representation.
  • Visa fee payment: Proof of payment of the visa fee.
  • An NIE number: A Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) is assigned to all foreigners engaged in activities related to Spain, and therefore requires identification in the country. You must apply for an NIE before applying for your visa, or else you risk your application being rejected. You can complete the application form online here before submitting it to the Spanish Consulate.

Specific requirements for family members:

Family members accompanying the main applicant must provide:

  • Proof of family relationship: Documents like birth or marriage certificates or other legal proof of an unmarried partnership.
  • Proof of financial dependence and civil status (for adult children): Documents demonstrating their financial dependence on the main applicant and their marital status.
  • Proof of care (for relatives in the ascending line): Evidence that the relatives are under the care of the main applicant.

All foreign documents must be legalised and translated into Spanish by an official translator before submission - you can find a full list of legally sworn translators here.

These translations should be submitted alongside the original documents.

It's a good idea to get help from an expert so your application has the best chance of success.

 

Duration

The Spain Investor Visa, upon approval, grants an initial residency permit valid for one year. This initial period will allow you to establish your presence in Spain, manage your investments, and potentially explore further business opportunities.

After the initial one-year period, you can renew your residency permit for an additional two-year period, but only provided you maintain your investment and continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

After five years of continuous legal residency in Spain, you’ll be eligible to apply for permanent residency, and eventually, Spanish citizenship.

The Investor Visa, therefore, offers a pathway to long-term residency and potential citizenship in Spain, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of living in this vibrant European country for years to come.

 

How to apply

The application process for the Spain Investor Visa involves several key steps:

Step 1: Prepare your application

  • Check requirements: All the requirements, as outlined above, must be met before any stage of this process is started. It can pay to work with a consultant who can help ensure you check all the boxes.
  • Gather documents: Compile all the necessary documents as outlined above, ensuring they are complete, legalised and translated into Spanish (if necessary). Include both originals and translations in your application.
  • Complete the application form: Fill out the National Visa Application form thoroughly and accurately.
  • Apply for an NIE number: You must apply for an NIE before applying for your visa, or else you risk your application being rejected. This allows the Spanish government to identify individuals in Spain. Learn more about the NIE here.

Step 2:Submit your application

  • Schedule an appointment: Book an appointment at your nearest Spanish Embassy or Partner.
  • Attend your appointment: You must apply in person at your appointment. If you're unable to attend, you can authorise an accredited representative to submit the application for you. Bring all your original documents and copies to your appointment.
  • Pay for your application: The visa application centre staff will review your application and collect the visa fee (which can be found here). You'll be provided with a receipt containing a code that allows you to track the status of your application online here.

Step 3: Receiving your decision

  • Await approval: The Spanish Consulate will review your application. It's possible that they'll request additional documents or a personal interview, so be prepared.
  • Receive decision: A decision on your visa application should be made within 10 days, which is the full legal term. It's possible that this term could be extended, for example, if there are errors in your application or the consulate needs more information. You will be notified by mail if so.

If your visa is refused, you'll be told in writing. You can submit a posted appeal to the Consular office for reconsideration at any time in the month that follows the decision.

  • Collect your visa: If your application is approved, you must collect your visa in person or through your representative within one month of its approval. The Consulate will inform you about the passport and document return procedure.

 

Spain Investor Visa fees

Applying for the Spain Investor Visa comes with several fees that you’ll need to factor into your plans. The visa fee is mandatory and payable when submitting your application.

The exact visa fee amount varies, depending on your country of origin and skillset. A full breakdown of the costs can be found here, or you can contact an immigration consultant, who will help you break it down further.

Additional costs:

In addition to the visa fee, you might incur other expenses during the application process:

  • Translation and legalisation costs: If any of your documents are not in Spanish or English, you might need to have them translated – the service is usually completed for a fee.
  • Health insurance: You'll need to secure comprehensive health insurance that meets the Spanish requirements, which may involve additional costs depending on your chosen provider and coverage level.
  • Other costs: Depending on your circumstances, you may face other costs, such as obtaining a police clearance certificate or securing a Spanish NIE number.

It's important to be aware of these potential additional costs and budget accordingly when planning your Investor Visa application.

 

Talk to a visa consultant

As you can see, getting a Golden Visa is a great way to live in Spain, but the paperwork and legal details can be confusing. This shouldn’t stop you from making the move into this new chapter of your life.

Enlisting the help of a visa consultant can help in many ways, including to:

  • Help you choose the right investment and prepare your application
  • Make sure your investment helps you reach your goals
  • Handle the paperwork so you can focus on your new life

Remember: Always check the official Spanish Consulate website for the latest information. Rules can change, so stay informed.

 

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