Golden Visa Spain – A Complete Guide for 2026

What is a Golden Visa in Spain?

The Spain Golden Visa, also known as the investor visa, is an authorisation granted by the Spanish government to non-EU citizens who wish to stay in Spain for an extended period.

This type of visa allows applicants to live, work and study in Spain, and it offers a pathway to citizenship. It is a popular route to relocate to Spain, and since its introduction in 2013, it has become one of the most attractive options for foreign investors.

The Spanish government has established specific financial investment requirements for the investor visa, and applicants must meet these requirements in order to be eligible for the visa. Upon approval of their application, applicants will receive a residence permit allowing them to reside in Spain.

Note that by 3 April 2025, the Golden visa will officially be brought to a close. However, applications will still be accepted up until this date.

Key Facts – Residency by Investment in Spain with Golden Visa

Benefits of the Spain Golden Visa (Investor Visa)

The investor visa offers a range of financial, economic, and lifestyle benefits that make it an appealing choice for many foreign nationals. Following are some benefits you can enjoy:

1. You can live, study and work in Spain.
2. You can freely move through the rest of the Schengen area.
3. You can easily bring your family to the country.
4. You can get Spanish citizenship.

Investment Options to Get a Golden Visa in Spain

If you are considering applying for a Spanish Golden Visa, there are certain requirements that you must meet to qualify. The main requirement is that you must invest a certain amount of money into the Spanish economy to qualify. Following are some options where you can invest:

• Real Estate
• Public Debt
• Closed Investment Funds or Venture Capital
• Shares or Social Participation of Spanish Capital Companies
• Bank Deposits
• Establish a New Business

Real Estate

Real estate is one of the most popular ways to obtain an investor visa for Spain. The minimum investment in real estate that must be made is 500,000 Euros plus taxes, although the investment can be higher.

You can choose to buy one or multiple properties to reach the amount necessary to obtain a visa.

When it comes to taxation, there are certain taxes and expenses associated with the purchase of real estate that must be taken into account.

These include the value added tax (VAT), property transfer tax, Notary fees, property registration fees, and certain municipal taxes.

The investor must bear all these expenses and comply with all applicable laws related to the purchase of property in Spain.

Public Debt

To qualify for the Golden visa through this option, you must make an investment of at least 2 million Euros in Spanish public debt securities. This investment can include bonds, treasury bills, and other government-issued securities.

Closed Investment Funds or Venture Capital

Investing in Spanish closed investment funds or venture capital is another attractive option. To be eligible for the investor visa in Spain, you need to invest one million Euros.

Closed-end investment funds are those that have a fixed number of shares and are managed by a fund manager. Venture capital funds are also a viable option for those seeking a Golden Visa for Spain. These funds are typically focused on high-risk investments, such as start-ups and early-stage companies, but offer potentially higher returns for investors.

Both of these types of investments come with risks, however, so it is important to ensure that you do your research and fully understand the potential rewards and risks associated with each investment option before making your decision.

Shares or Social Participation of Spanish Capital Companies

You need to invest a minimum of 1 million Euros in Spanish stocks or shares of companies that have made actual business activity.

Investment can be made in both listed and unlisted shares. However, you have to provide proof of the investment through a certificate or declaration. This should be done through the relevant documentation that can prove their investment and its source.

Bank Deposits

Bank deposits are considered one of the safest investments available. They come with a certain level of security and assurance that the money will remain in the country, helping the Spanish economy. This type of investment requires a minimum of 1 million Euros in deposits held with Spanish financial institutions.

Investing in bank deposits is an excellent option for those looking to obtain a visa for Spain. It requires minimal effort to set up and maintain and comes with a certain level of security that other investments cannot provide.

However, careful consideration should be given to the various banking fees and interest rates associated with this type of investment before making any decisions.

Establish a New Business

Setting up a new business in the territory of Spain is also a possibility to gain an investor visa. There is no minimum amount required for this option. However, the business project in Spain should have one of the following features:

• The creation of jobs
• Socio-economic impact
• A valuable contribution to science or technology

When establishing a business to qualify for a Golden visa, the applicant must show that his/her business will bring economic and social benefits to Spain.

This can be done by creating job opportunities for the Spanish population, helping to improve the socioeconomic status of the local area, or making a significant contribution to scientific or technological progress.

For those looking to establish a business in Spain to qualify for a Golden visa, it is essential to carefully research the necessary steps and regulations. This includes gathering information about tax liabilities, registering the company with the relevant authorities, obtaining all the necessary licenses and permits, and opening a Spanish bank account.

Spain Golden Visa Requirements and Documentations

Investment Proof

Depending on your investment, this may require providing evidence of the purchase price of the property, the payment of taxes, or documentation of any investments held with a financial institution.

For example, if you are investing in real estate, you may need to provide a copy of the deed of sale and other documents related to the purchase, such as a copy of the tax return filed with the Spanish government.

In addition, if you are transferring funds from overseas to invest in Spain, you may need to provide proof of the transfer as well. This could include bank statements and other related documents.

National Visa Application Form

You need to fill out the national visa application form to apply for the visa. This form is used to provide information about your identity, nationality, address, the purpose of your trip, and other personal data. You will also need to provide information about your current occupation and family members.

It is important to provide accurate information on the National Visa Application Form. Any discrepancies or errors could lead to delays in your application or even outright refusal of your application.

Proof of Residency

When applying for a Golden Visa in Spain, you must provide proof that you are a resident of a country outside the European Union. This can be a copy of your valid passport or national identity card from your home country.

Two Passport Photos

The photos must be taken against a light background and should measure 35mm x 45mm. It is important to note that the photos must be recent (no more than six months old).

The facial expression should be neutral, with both eyes open, and no glasses or hats should be worn in the photo. The photos must not have been altered in any way and should be of high quality.

Valid Passport

You need an original passport with a photocopy of pages that contain biometric data. It should have a minimum validity period of 1 year and contain two blank pages. Moreover, the passport should not have been issued more than 10 years ago.

Proof of Health Insurance in Spain

Health insurance in Spain can be purchased through private companies, as well as government-run social security programs. You will need to provide proof of your health insurance policy or certificate to meet the requirements of the Golden Visa application.

Criminal Record Check Certificate

This certificate must be issued by the authorities of the applicant’s home country, and it cannot be older than 3 months.

Applicants from the UK will need to submit an ACRO Certificate which can be obtained from the Criminal Records Office.

This document needs to provide evidence that the applicant has no criminal convictions in the UK, so the authorities in Spain can process the application correctly.

The certificate must be translated into Spanish, and all documents submitted must be originals or certified copies.

Evidence of Sufficient Funds

You must prove that you have the financial means to live and support your family in the country.

This includes having enough money to cover your living expenses, such as rent, bills, food, and medical insurance. The exact amount required depends on the size of your family and the location of your residence.

In addition, you should provide evidence that the funds were obtained through legal means. To do this, you must submit copies of documents such as tax returns, wage slips, and bank statements.

Payment of the Visa Fee

One is obliged to pay the visa fee at the same time they submit the application, which must be in the local currency.

Proof of the Representative’s Identity and Capacity

If you are applying for a Golden Visa in Spain through a third party, then you will need to provide evidence of the third party’s identity and capacity. This proof will be used to confirm that the representative is authorized to apply on your behalf.

Eligibility Criteria & Requirements

How to Apply for Golden Visa?

For a Golden Visa, one can apply from inside or outside Spain. The procedure to apply is as follows:

• Check If You Are Eligible
• Gather the Required Documents
• Submit Your Application at the Consular Office
• Book an Appointment
• Attend Your Appointment
• Wait for the Decision

Check If You Are Eligible

• Must be of legal age (18+)
• Proof of investment
• Proof of identity and residency
• No history of criminal record
• Medical insurance in Spain
• No Schengen visa refusals in the past

Gather the Required Documents

You need the necessary documents when applying for the Golden Visa. If any document is missing then your application will be denied.

Submit Your Application at the Consular Office

After gathering all the documents, you may be required to submit your application along with the required documents at a Spanish Embassy or Consulate.

Book an Appointment

When your documents are verified, you will receive an email to continue the process. It is time to book an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy.

Attend Your Appointment

Only one person is allowed per appointment. Family members will have to have separate appointments to apply for a visa.

Wait for the Decision

The Consular Office will review your application and let you know if it has been accepted or denied.

Application Process & Timeline

What is the Golden Visa Processing Time?

The processing time frame for the Spain investor visa is quite efficient. After submitting your application, it takes 10 to 20 days for the authorities to make a decision.

Once you have received approval from the authorities, you can then apply for your visa within one month.

It is important to note that the processing times may vary depending on the current situation of the country and the individual circumstances of your case.

The authorities may require more documents or evidence before they can make a final decision. Additionally, it is advisable to submit all relevant documents promptly to avoid any delays in processing.

Duration of the Residence Permit in Spain on Golden Visa

After successfully applying for the Golden visa, you will receive a permit to work and reside that is valid for up to one year (except if you applied via acquisition of real estate by means of a deposit contract, in which case it will last 6 months). After this period of time elapses, you can apply for a residence permit.

This permit lasts for a period of up to 3 years.

After the initial period has expired, you may request renewals of the permit indefinitely. After 5 years, you may be eligible for a permanent residency.

To have your visa renewed, you will need to prove that you have maintained your qualifying investment and have visited Spain at least once during the year.

What Family Members Can be Included in Golden Visa Application?

When applying for Golden visa, the applicant may be able to include family members on the visa application. Those eligible to apply for a visa are:

• The applicant’s spouse or common-law partner
• Dependent children (under 21 years of age)
• The dependent elderly parents

The main applicant and their family members must fulfill the requirements for the Golden Visa.

Does a Golden Visa Holder Need to Pay Taxes in Spain?

If you are a Golden visa holder in Spain, you may need to pay taxes depending on how long you have been living in the country.

If you have been living in Spain for more than six months of the calendar year, you are considered a resident and will be subject to taxation on all your worldwide income.

If you are only living in Spain for fewer than six months, then you would likely not be subject to tax in Spain.

Regardless of whether or not you are a resident, all income earned in Spain is always subject to taxation.

This includes income from investments, property rentals, and business activities. Depending on your specific circumstances, additional taxes may apply.

Alternative Pathways to Spanish Residency

There are several alternative pathways to Spanish residency, each suited to different personal and financial situations.

Non-Lucrative Visa

This option is ideal for individuals who have sufficient financial means to support themselves without working in Spain. Applicants must demonstrate a stable passive income or savings, along with private health insurance. It’s particularly popular among retirees or remote earners who do not need to engage in local employment. While it does not allow work initially, it can later be converted into a work permit under certain conditions.

Digital Nomad Visa

This route is introduced as part of Spain’s efforts to attract remote workers. This visa allows non-EU citizens who work for foreign companies—or run location-independent businesses—to reside in Spain while continuing their professional activities abroad. It requires proof of employment or freelance contracts, a minimum income threshold, and often some evidence of professional experience or qualifications. Compared to the Golden Visa, it involves much lower financial commitment but is tied to ongoing work.

Work Visa

For those interested in employment within Spain, the Work Visa is a straightforward alternative. This typically requires a job offer from a Spanish employer who must sponsor the applicant. The process can be more bureaucratic, as employers often need to demonstrate that the role could not be filled by a local or EU worker, but it provides a direct path to residency through employment.

Entrepreneur Visa

This visa is designed for individuals planning to start innovative businesses in Spain. Applicants must present a viable business plan that contributes to the Spanish economy—often in terms of innovation, job creation, or technological advancement. This option can be attractive for startup founders but requires approval from Spanish authorities evaluating the business’s potential.

How Can IAS Help?

No matter which investment option you choose, make sure you research the requirements and regulations thoroughly before making any commitments. Because the Spanish government ensures that all applicants meet strict criteria, investors should consult with a specialist advisor to make sure their application is successful.

The good news is The Immigration Advice Service can help guide you through the process, ensuring that you meet all the requirements and have the most up-to-date information about the Spanish Golden Visa.

At IAS, we offer personalized consultation and advice on the best course of action for your specific situation. We will assess your eligibility and prepare a plan of action to make sure your application meets all the criteria.

Our knowledgeable staff will also assist you with document collection, preparing legal documents, and filing your application with the Spanish government.

So why wait? Get in touch with us today at +44 (0)333 414 9244, or contact us online to get expert advice on how to successfully apply for an investor visa in Spain.