How to Get a Golden Visa for Spain in 2025

A Spanish ‘Golden Visa’ can be obtained by investment in exchange for purchasing real estate or securities of Spanish companies, opening a business, and so on. To acquire a residence permit in Spain you will need a minimum of €500,000 to meet the requirements of the investment programme, as well as the necessary documents that are mentioned below in this article.

The ‘Golden Visa’ comes with a number of benefits for foreign investors, including the ability to conduct international business and obtaining a residence permit.

Spanish Golden Visa by Investment – Things to Know

1. Who Can Apply

Any foreign national who is over the age of 18, with no criminal record and with health insurance and a proven source of funding, whether salary or investment income, can apply for a Spanish Golden Visa. The following individuals can apply for a residence permit as well:

• Investor’s spouse
• Investor’s parents, subject to financial dependence
• Children under 18 years of age
• Children over the age of 18 if they are unmarried and financially dependent on the investor

The application process for a residence permit can take anywhere between 3-6 months and is initially issued for three years, and can be extended for five years upon renewal.

2. Minimum Investment Requirements

To obtain a Golden Visa, an investor must purchase residential or commercial property with a minimum value of €500,000. This can be done as part of one transaction for one property or an investor can purchase multiple properties to the value of the above amount.

Important: As of 3rd April 2025 the “Golden Visa” scheme is to be abolished.

3. Additional costs

Any additional costs during the Spanish Golden Visa process are mainly incurred when buying a property. In addition to the investment amount, you will need to pay the Spanish property tax, stamp duty, the property registration fee, notary fees, and health insurance cover. The amount of tax you pay depends on the type of property you purchase and varies between 10-30% of the transaction value.

Investment Options for Obtaining a ‘Golden Visa’

1. Buying a property worth €500,000 or more

This is the most popular option, and is also the minimum investment threshold for which you can qualify for an investment visa in Spain. In general, investors prefer to buy residential property compared to commercial. There are several reasons for this, as you can holiday any time of the year in your very own property by the Mediterranean Sea, which means you don’t have to pay the extortionate costs of hotel rooms, and you can also live, work, and do business in a country with a warm climate all year round.

Buying a property can become a lucrative investment, as you can rent your home on a long-term basis, which means you can claw back some of your invested funds. Given that the infrastructure in large cities and on the coast is well-developed, the demand for rental properties remains high.

If you decide to resell your residential property, then the ‘Golden Visa’ will not be valid.

2. Investment in Business

Another option for obtaining a Golden Visa is to become an investor in a business project in Spain. In order to qualify, the project must support growth of the economy, create jobs for the local population and contribute towards the development of the chosen area. The minimum business investment amount to apply for a Golden Visa in this case is € 1,000,000.

3. Government Bonds

A minimum of € 2,000,000 will be required to purchase government bonds. However, there are other options with a minimum threshold of € 1,000,000, including buying shares in Spanish companies or investing in units of venture capital and investment funds. The holding period for securities is from 5 years.

4. Bank Deposits in Spanish Financial Institution

Another way to acquire a Spanish residence permit is to deposit € 1,000,000 in one of the Spanish banks and maintain the balance for a period of at least 5 years.

The Process of Applying for a Residence Permit

Obtaining a Golden Visa has several steps and takes about 3-6 months to process successfully.

The main steps include:

1. Consultation with an Astons expert to select a suitable investment option.
2. Collection and preparation of personal documents.
3. Legal formalities within the chosen investment option. For instance, in case of real estate purchase, you will have to provide proof of an investment in property in Spain and a copy of the property deed.
4. Obtaining a NIE (tax ID).
5. Opening a bank account.
6. Additional payment of any taxes and fees, and health insurance when buying a property.
7. Submission of documents for the application of a residence permit within 10 days after signing all legal documentation and paying the relevant taxes.
8. Passing the security check and receiving approval for the residence permit (within 21 days).
9. Submitting biometrics through the Migration Service of Spain (for all applicants).
10. Issuance of a residence card (TIE) in person within 30 days.

Being the proud owner of a Spanish ‘Golden Visa’ opens up a whole range of advantages for a comfortable and stable life for the investor. You and your immediate family will have access to the following:

• The opportunity to conduct international business.
• Open bank accounts in any of the Schengen countries.
• Top medical care in Spanish clinics – this is free of charge for children and the elderly.
• Excellent European standard secondary and higher education for children.
• Obtaining permanent residence after 5 years of residing in the country.
• Obtaining Spanish citizenship after 10 years of residing in the country.
• Visa-free travel to the Schengen area or exemption to receiving ETIAs.

To obtain the highly coveted residence permit by investment in Spain, you can contact our Astons experts. Our team will accompany you throughout all stages of the investment programme and in obtaining a Golden Visa. They are on hand to advise you, help you with the application and prepare all the necessary documents in the quickest and most efficient time possible.

FAQ

What is a Golden Visa in Spain?

A Spanish ‘Golden Visa’ is a programme that offers a residence permit in exchange for investment. For example, an investor can purchase property or purchase securities of Spanish companies to obtain a visa.

Who is eligible for a Golden Visa in Spain?

Any foreigner who can invest a minimum of €500,000, who is over 18 years of age, with no criminal record and with a health insurance cover and a proven source of funding, whether salary or investment income, can apply for a Golden Visa.

What types of investments qualify for a Golden Visa in Spain?

To qualify for a Golden Visa you can invest in property, local businesses, government bonds, or deposit the required bank sum into any of the Spanish banks.

Can my family members also obtain a Golden Visa residence permit?

Yes, the Golden Visa can be obtained by the investor’s immediate family members, including their spouse, parents, minor children and children over 18 years of age if they are unmarried and financially dependent on the investor.

What is the validity period of a Golden Visa and can it be extended?

The Golden Visa in Spain is issued for 3 years and can be extended for 5 years. After 5 years you can obtain permanent residence, and after another 5 years you can apply for Spanish citizenship.

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

No, you do not have to live in the country 183 days in Spain to keep your Golden Visa.

Can I work in Spain on a Golden Visa?

Yes, you can officially work in Spain and run an international business – in fact the government encourages this.

What are the costs associated with obtaining a Golden Visa in Spain?

To obtain a Golden Visa, the minimum investment threshold is €500,000. This amount can be used to buy residential or commercial property. There are additional costs associated with buying property, including taxes and expenses between 10-30% of the transaction value.

What documents are required to obtain a Golden Visa?

To obtain a Golden Visa you will need to provide a passport, TIN or ID card, proof of residence address, KYC form, EX-15 form, 790 form, bank statement, proof of source of funds, health insurance, criminal record certificate, and a bank balance certificate.

How long does it take to get a Golden Visa in Spain?

The application processing time can take anywhere from 3-6 months.

What are the main advantages of owning a Golden Visa?

As a Golden Visa holder, you and your immediate family members will have access to:

• The opportunity to conduct international business.
• Open bank accounts in any of the Schengen countries.
• Top medical care in Spanish clinics. This is free of charge for children and the elderly.
• Excellent European standard secondary and higher education for children.
• Obtaining permanent residence after 5 years of residing in the country.
• Obtaining Spanish citizenship after 10 years of residing in the country.
• Exemption to receiving an ETIAs.

What difficulties are most often encountered in obtaining a Golden Visa?

Obtaining a Golden Visa requires a larger investment amount than other EU countries, for example, Greece or Cyprus. It is possible to be refused a visa due to non-compliance with the programme conditions. For example, if the applicant has provided incomplete or false information, hidden a criminal record or bought a property for a smaller amount. To avoid this, it is better to seek expert help immediately.

Can I sell my investments after receiving a Golden Visa?

Yes, you can do it 5 years after obtaining a permanent residence permit. If you decide to sell your assets earlier, the Golden Visa will not be valid.