CITIZENSHIP​

Spain’s Golden Visa programme, officially known as the “Investor Residency Permit,” was introduced in 2013 to attract foreign investment and boost the economy. This programme allows non-EU nationals to obtain residency in Spain through qualifying investments; offering a pathway to eventual permanent residency and citizenship.

Key Features of Spain’s Golden Visa Programme:

Investment Options:

• Real Estate Investment: Purchase property in Spain with a minimum value of €500,000. The investment can be in a single property or a combination of properties.
• Capital Investment: Invest at least €1 million in Spanish bank deposits, Spanish government bonds or shares of Spanish companies.
• Business Investment: Create a business project in Spain that is deemed to create jobs, promote socio-economic development or contribute to scientific or technological innovation. There is no minimum investment amount specified, but the project must fulfil these criteria.

Residency Requirements:

• Initially, there is no minimum stay requirement to maintain the Golden Visa, making it a flexible option for international investors. However, to get permanent residency and/or citizenship, there are more stringent residency requirements.
• Permanent residency can be applied for after five years of temporary residency, provided applicants have lived in Spain for at least six months each year.
• Spanish citizenship can be applied for after ten years of continuous residency, during which the applicant must fulfil specific residency requirements: including physical presence in the country for most of each year.

Application Process:

• Document Preparation: Collect necessary documents, including proof of investment, passport, a clean criminal record, health insurance and proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself and any dependents.
• Investment: Make the qualifying investment in line with the chosen option.
• Application Submission: Submit the Visa application either in Spain or at a Spanish consulate in your home country.
• Approval Process: The government reviews the application and, upon approval, issues a residency permit. The initial visa is granted for one year.
• Residency Permit: After one year, a residency permit can be obtained, which is renewable every two years as long as the investment is maintained.

Benefits:

• Visa-Free Travel: Golden Visa holders can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Family Inclusion: The main applicant’s spouse, dependent children (regardless of age), and dependent parents can also obtain residency permits.
• No Minimum Stay Requirement: Initially, there is no minimum stay requirement to maintain the Golden Visa.
• Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship: After five years of maintaining the investment and fulfilling residency requirements, investors can apply for permanent residency. After ten years, they may apply for Spanish citizenship.
• Access to Public Services: Golden Visa holders have access to Spain’s public healthcare and education systems.
• High Quality of Life: Spain offers a high standard of living, with a pleasant climate, rich cultural heritage, excellent cuisine and a strong family ethos.

Residency Renewal:

• In order to renew the residency permit, the applicant needs to maintain the investment and provide proof of continued compliance with the programme’s requirements.