The Spanish golden visa offers a legal path to residency through investment. This route targets non-EU citizens ready to inject capital into the Spanish economy. It’s not only about buying property. You can also invest in public debt, stocks or bank deposits. But attention: not every investment counts. Nor does every applicant meet the eligibility criteria.
Below, we break down the key requirements, step-by-step application process, and hidden risks you need to manage.
What types of investment qualify?
Spain defines five investment routes to access the golden visa. Each one has specific financial thresholds. You must provide proof of ownership and legality of funds.
Here’s a summary of the approved options:
| Investment type | Minimum amount |
|---|---|
| Real estate (residential or commercial) | €500,000 (free of mortgage) |
| Spanish public debt | €2,000,000 |
| Shares or investment funds in Spain | €1,000,000 |
| Bank deposit in Spain | €1,000,000 |
| Business project of general interest | No set minimum; must prove impact |
Property remains the most common route. However, business projects offer flexibility if they create jobs or benefit the local economy.
Who can apply for the Spanish golden visa?
Only third-country nationals can apply. EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are not eligible. Applicants must be over 18, in good health, and hold no criminal record. Financial solvency and health insurance are also required.
You must prove:
- Your funds are legal and come from outside Spain.
- You can support yourself and any dependents.
- You’ve never been refused entry into the Schengen Area.
Applications involving family members will need additional proof of economic dependency.
Can I include my family?
Yes. The visa allows reunification from day one. You can include:
- Your spouse or registered partner
- Children under 18
- Adult children still economically dependent
- Dependent parents
Each relative must meet the basic criteria: clean criminal record, full health coverage and financial support.
Do I have to live in Spain?
No. The golden visa doesn’t require full-time residence. One visit per year is enough to keep the permit valid. But if you want to apply for permanent residency or citizenship later, physical presence matters.
To gain citizenship after ten years, you must live in Spain at least 183 days per year, consistently. Otherwise, those years won’t count.
How do I apply?
The application process depends on where you are:
- Outside Spain: Apply through a Spanish consulate. You’ll get a one-year visa first.
- In Spain: Apply directly for a two- or three-year residence permit via the Large Companies Unit (UGE).
A power of attorney lets a representative handle the process. This is often safer, faster, and more efficient.
What documents do I need?
Documentation varies based on the type of investment. However, some core items apply to all cases:
- Valid passport
- Proof of investment
- NIE (foreign identity number)
- Clean criminal record (past five years)
- Full health insurance in Spain
- Bank statements proving legal source of funds
- Proof of financial means
These documents must be translated and, in many cases, apostilled.
How long does the process take?
Once you submit your full file, the administration usually responds within 20 business days. But delays occur, especially with incomplete applications or lack of apostilles.
You should prepare everything in advance and expect some back and forth. Background checks and document verification take time.
How long is the golden visa valid?
That depends on where you apply:
| Application origin | Initial permit duration | Renewal duration |
|---|---|---|
| From abroad | 1 year | 2 years per renewal |
| From Spain | 2 or 3 years | 5 years per renewal |
Renewals require two conditions:
- You maintain your investment.
- You’ve visited Spain at least once during the permit period.
If you sell the property or withdraw the funds, you lose your right to renew.
Can I work in Spain?
Yes. Unlike many other residence permits, the Spanish golden visa includes full work authorisation. This means you can legally work for a company or operate as a self-employed professional from the moment your residence permit is issued.
You don’t need to request additional permissions or go through separate immigration procedures to access the labour market. This simplifies the process and makes the golden visa especially attractive to entrepreneurs and remote professionals.
The same rule applies to your spouse or partner and any adult dependents included in your application. They are also authorised to work in Spain once their permits are issued. However, each family member must register individually with the social security system and comply with local labour regulations.
Keep in mind that if you plan to work in a regulated profession (like medicine, law, or architecture), you may need to validate your qualifications or obtain official recognition from the relevant Spanish authority. This process is separate from immigration matters but essential for certain careers.
Many holders of the Spanish golden visa choose to launch their own companies or work remotely for foreign employers. In both cases, Spain recognises their right to work, provided their tax and legal obligations are fulfilled.
If your goal is not only to reside but also to build a professional life in Spain, the golden visa gives you a secure and flexible legal base to do so.
What taxes do I have to pay?
The visa itself doesn’t make you a tax resident. But if you spend over 183 days in Spain per year, you become liable for global income tax.
You also must declare assets held abroad, including your investment.
Some common taxes include:
- IBI (property tax) for real estate
- Non-resident income tax
- Transfer taxes or VAT depending on the property type
A good tax plan from day one avoids problems later with Hacienda.
Is it still available?
That depends on the investment type. As of April 2025, the Spanish government has repealed the real estate option for new applicants. If you’ve already applied or received approval before the reform, your permit remains valid.
Other investment routes—public debt, shares, bank deposits or business projects—remain in place for now.
Still, things may change fast. If you are considering the golden visa, it’s not the moment to hesitate.
Frequently asked questions about Spanish golden visa
Can I buy several cheaper properties to meet the Spanish golden visa threshold?
Yes, you can combine multiple property purchases to reach the €500,000 minimum. The law allows applicants to buy several residential, commercial or mixed-use units. What matters is that the total investment—excluding taxes and financing—reaches the legal threshold and remains free of mortgage. However, each property must be registered and documented correctly, and you must prove full legal ownership. This flexibility lets investors diversify geographically, which is especially useful if you’re targeting both rental income and long-term capital gain.
Is it possible to apply for the Spanish golden visa if I already own property in Spain?
Yes, but only if your existing property meets the conditions. If you acquired a property in Spain after September 28, 2013 (the date when the law took effect), and the investment was at least €500,000 without a mortgage, it may be eligible. You will need to prove full ownership, provide a certificate from the Land Registry, and demonstrate that the property was purchased with legally obtained funds. If you financed part of the purchase, only the mortgage-free portion counts toward the golden visa. Ownership prior to the law’s introduction doesn’t qualify.
Can I rent out the property used for the Spanish golden visa?
Yes, the law allows you to rent out your property. This applies to both short-term and long-term leases, as long as the rental complies with local regulations. Renting your property does not affect your eligibility for the Spanish golden visa, nor does it interfere with your right to renew the permit. However, you must still prove you retain full ownership and that the property remains mortgage-free up to €500,000. Income earned from rent may be subject to Spanish taxation, depending on your fiscal residency.
What happens if my dependents want to study or work under the Spanish golden visa?
Dependents included in your Spanish golden visa application can study in Spain without needing an additional permit. If they wish to work, they must request individual work authorisation, which is usually granted once the residence permit is in effect. Adult children must still prove economic dependence to be included. Once they begin working, that dependence status may change, affecting future renewals. For higher education, universities in Spain welcome international students under residence permits, and tuition fees are typically lower for residents.
What law governs the Spanish golden visa and which body handles applications?
The Spanish golden visa falls under Law 14/2013, also known as the Entrepreneurs Law (Ley de apoyo a los emprendedores y su internacionalización). This legal framework was created to attract foreign talent and investment. The processing body depends on your location at the time of application. If applying from Spain, your file goes to the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (Large Companies and Strategic Collectives Unit). If applying from abroad, your request is handled by the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country. This distinction affects timelines and required documentation, so legal guidance is strongly recommended.
Start strong, not late
A golden visa sounds straightforward—but only when everything works as it should. One missing apostille or delayed certificate can derail the entire process. And with regulatory changes in motion, there’s no time to waste.
This is a high-stakes decision. Investment, relocation, family rights and tax status depend on it. Errors are expensive.
Immigration Lawyer Barcelona helps you take this step with confidence. From choosing the right investment to handling all the paperwork, they guide you legally, securely, and without setbacks.
If Spain is part of your future, act with clarity. Let your golden visa be the first smart move—not your first problem.
