Important update: Spain abolished the Golden Visa (residence visas for investors, including the €500,000 property route) with effect from 3 April 2025 (Organic Law 1/2025). It is no longer possible to apply. If you already hold one, or want to move to Spain, talk to us about your options.

What is the Spain Golden Visa?

Spain's Golden Visa grants a 3-year initial residency permit to non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment in Spain. Holders can live, work, and travel freely within Spain and the Schengen Area. After 5 years of residency, you can apply for long-term residency; after 10 years, for Spanish citizenship.

The programme is available to citizens of any country outside the EU/EEA, including British nationals, Americans, Canadians, and Australians. It has been particularly popular with buyers on the Costa del Sol.

2026 Investment Requirements

To qualify, you must make one of the following qualifying investments:

  • Real estate: Purchase of property with a total equity value of at least €500,000 free of mortgage.
  • Spanish government bonds: Investment of at least €2,000,000.
  • Shares in Spanish companies: Investment of at least €1,000,000.
  • Bank deposits: Deposit of at least €1,000,000 in Spanish financial institutions.
  • Business project: Investments creating jobs or with significant socioeconomic impact.

Update — April 2025: Organic Law 1/2025 repealed residence visas for investors with effect from 3 April 2025. The requirements in this section no longer allow new applications; they are kept for reference for people who already hold a Golden Visa.

Who Can Be Included?

The Golden Visa covers the main applicant and their family group:

  • Spouse or registered partner
  • Children under 18
  • Children over 18 who are financially dependent
  • Dependent parents (of both applicant and spouse)

All family members receive the same residency status and can live, work, and study in Spain.

The Application Process

The typical process for a property purchase Golden Visa:

  1. Obtain Spanish NIE numbers for all applicants.
  2. Open Spanish bank accounts and transfer funds.
  3. Complete the property purchase with your lawyer.
  4. Prepare the Golden Visa application: forms, photos, criminal records, medical insurance, proof of investment.
  5. Submit at a Spanish consulate (from abroad) or at the UGE office in Spain.
  6. Attend biometrics in Spain to receive the TIE residency card.

Processing typically takes 2–3 months from submission of a complete application.

Costs to Budget For

In addition to the qualifying investment, budget for:

  • Property purchase taxes and costs (10–13% of value)
  • Legal fees for property purchase (approx. 1%)
  • Golden Visa lawyer fees (typically €2,000–€5,000)
  • Government application fees (approx. €65–€150 per applicant)
  • Criminal record apostilles, translations, and medical insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

No. One of the key advantages is that there is no minimum stay requirement. You simply need to visit Spain at least once during the initial visa period and maintain your qualifying investment.
Yes. The Golden Visa permits the holder and family members to work in Spain without a separate work permit.
You must maintain the qualifying investment for as long as you wish to hold the residency. You can sell and reinvest in another qualifying property — your lawyer can advise on the correct procedure to ensure continuity.