Golden Visa FAQs

What is a Golden Visa?

Spain’s Golden Visa, also known as the investor visa, was designed to attract investors to the country. It is a Spanish residency scheme that permits non-EU citizens to live and work in Spain by making a significant capital investment in the country.

Who can apply for a Golden Visa?

Anyone who invests the below amounts in the following areas:

• Financial assets, making an initial investment of a value equal to or greater than:
  • Two million euros in Spanish public debt securities; or
  • One million euros in shares or equity investments in Spanish capital companies with a real and continuous business activity.
• One million euros in investment funds, closed-end investment funds or venture capital funds that are incorporated in Spain, and included within the scope of Law 35/2003 or 22/2014.
• One million euros in bank deposits in Spanish financial institutions.
• The acquisition of real estate with an investment value of 500,000 euros or more per applicant.

The most popular avenue is the acquisition of real estate.

How do I apply for a Golden Visa and how long does it take?

It is possible to apply through a Spanish consulate/embassy in your home country, but the ideal scenario is to apply using your independent lawyer in Spain. You will need to be in the country at the time of application (on a legal basis, not having overstayed the 90-days) and you lawyer will apply on your behalf through the UGE-CE (Unit of Large Companies and Strategic Sectors) online portal. If you apply from Spain, you will be granted a residency permit of 3 years in the first instance; whilst doing it through a Spanish consulate will only get you an initial 1-year permit.

What documents do I need for my Golden Visa application?

• Documents accrediting the investment in Spain (escritura and ownership and charges certificate if property investment)
• ACRO certificate – this needs to be officially translated and legalised
• Marriage or birth certificates if applying with family members – these need to be officially translated and legalised
• Private medical insurance certificate
• Proof of sufficient financial means – bank certificate from Spanish bank account, latest tax declaration
• National visa application forms and Modelo 790 fee paid

How long is a Golden Visa valid for?

The Golden Visa is valid for as long as you keep your investment in Spain.

Do I need to live in Spain to keep a Golden Visa?

No, you just need to visit the country at least once every 6 months to keep it active, as well as keep your investment in the country.

Can I work in Spain with a Golden Visa?

Yes, both in your home country or in Spain. Bear in mind, that if you stay in Spain for more than 183 days that you will become a tax resident of the country.

What happens if I sell my investment property or stop making the required investment?

You will lose access to the Golden Visa, as you will not be able to prove that you still qualify when it comes to renewing.

Can I include my family on a Golden Visa?

Yes, you can apply with your spouse, children (under 18) and/or dependent adults.

Can I apply for Spanish citizenship with a Golden Visa?

Once you have had Spanish residency for 5 years, you can convert your residency to permanent Spanish residency (should you wish to live here permanently), and after 10 years, you can gain Spanish nationality.

How much does it cost to apply for a Golden Visa?

We charge €2,000 plus IVA (the Spanish equivalent to VAT, currently at 21%) and disbursements for an individual application or €2,500 plus IVA and disbursements for a family application.

The anticipated disbursements are:

Visa application fee: €73.26 (per person)

Ownership & charges certificate: €25 approx.

Do I need to speak Spanish to apply for a Golden Visa?

No

Is Spain going to stop the Golden Visa programme?

Yes. it was officially announced in the latest Spanish government bulletin (BOE Act 1/2025) that the end date to Spain’s Golden Visa scheme will be on 03 April 2025 this year.

Applications will be admitted up until this date the latest to complete on an investment, specifically in real estate, would be by mid-February latest to ensure its registration at Land Registry, which can take up to a month or more.