All you need to know about The Spanish Golden Visa

The Investor Residence Visa (visado de residencia para inversores), also known as the Spanish Golden Visa, has proved popular since its introduction in 2013. The Visa opens the door to non-EU citizens wishing to invest in Spain and enjoy the benefits of residence for themselves and family at the same time.

In this article, we answer the most common FAQs to do with the Spanish Golden Visa. Bear in mind, however, that these are for information purposes only and no substitute for professional advice. We have a more complete page on Golden Visa requirements here.

At Costaluz Lawyers, we have wide experience in dealing with visas and residence permits for foreigners in Spain, including the Investors Visa. Get in touch for a free consultation now.

What is the Spanish Golden Visa? (Program Ended)

It’s a visa that allows you and your dependents to live in Spain legally in exchange for investment by you in Spanish assets. As detailed below, these assets range from a property in Spain to bank deposits.

What are the investment requirements for the Spanish Golden Visa? (Program Ended)

To qualify for the Golden Visa, you need to invest in one of the following:

• €2 million in Spanish public debt;
• €1 million in shares in companies in Spain in active business;
• €1 million in investment funds in Spain;
• €1 million in bank deposits in Spain;
• €500,000 in property in Spain;
• A business project in Spain of “general interest” that fulfils one of the following conditions: it creates jobs; has a significant socio-economic impact in the area, or makes a relevant contribution to scientific or technological innovation.

Read more: Can I still get the Golden Visa for Spanish residency if I invest jointly in a property?

What nationalities can apply for the Spanish Golden Visa? (Program Ended)

Only nationals from outside the EU may apply for the Spanish Golden Visa.

What are the benefits of the Investors Visa?

Residency for you and your dependents is the main advantage of the Spanish Golden Visa. The initial Visa allows you to live in Spain and travel within the Schengen zone for a year.

After 12 months, you should apply for a residence permit (automatically granted). If you renew the permit for at least ten years, you can apply for Spanish citizenship, providing you continue to fulfil the investment conditions of the Spanish Golden Visa.

Do I have to live in Spain during the first year?

No, you are not obliged to physically live in Spain for the year, nor do you have to be tax resident. However, if you want to apply for the residence permit (after one year), you have to prove that you entered Spain at least once during the previous year.

What are the personal requirements for the Visa?

In addition to fulfilling the investment requirements (see above), you must also:

• Be over 18;
• Have no criminal record in Spain or anywhere you have lived for the last five years;
• Be allowed entry into the Schengen zone and have not been denied entry at any time in the past;
• Have public or private health insurance in Spain;
• Prove that the funds you are using to invest in Spain come from legitimate sources and comply with international money laundering regulations;
• Prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any family dependents while you live in Spain.

Note that all documents should be translated in Spanish.

What sort of property investment counts for the Spanish Golden Visa? (Program Ended)

You must invest at least €500,000 (this program has ended) in Spanish property. You may buy as many properties as you like, but their total value must be a minimum of €500,000.

Find out more about buying a property in Spain.

Can I include costs in the price?

No. The costs and fees associated with buying a property in Spain (typically between 10 and 12% of the purchase cost) do not count towards the total €500,000. Nor do mortgage loans from Spanish banks.

Do I have to buy the property before I apply for the Visa?

No. You can make the application with a contract for the purchase of a property in Spain, but you must also include a statement from a Spanish bank certifying that you have deposited at least €500,000.

Who else can benefit from my Spanish Golden Visa? (Program Ended)

You and your dependents can get Spanish residence permits. Dependents are defined as:  

• Your spouse or common-law partner
• Your dependent children (if they are over 18 you may have to prove they are dependent on you economically – for example, they are students)
• Dependent parents (you may have to prove this dependency).

How do I apply for the Spanish Golden Visa? (Program Ended)

The application process depends on whether you are already in Spain or are outside the country.

Outside Spain – you must apply for the Visa at a Spanish consulate or embassy. You can see a list of locations for Spanish embassies here. You should apply at least 90 days before you plan to travel to Spain

Inside Spain – you apply to the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (Large Companies Unit). More information can be found here.

Do I have to apply in person?

No, you don’t. You can name a representative to do all the paperwork for you. This is highly advisable since it saves you time and stress and most importantly of all, ensures your application meets all official requirements.

Costaluz Lawyers offers this service. Contact us to find out how we apply for your Spanish Golden Visa on your behalf.

What are other residency options in Spain?

The Investors Visa is by no means the only residency option open to foreigners wishing to live in Spain.

We provide information about the others and offer comprehensive advice on how to go about getting work and residence permits. Get in touch for a free consultation now.

Alternatives to the Golden Visa (2026)

With the Golden Visa real estate route closed, foreign nationals still have several pathways to Spanish residency. Here are the most popular alternatives:

1. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

The Non-Lucrative Visa is the most popular route for retirees, remote workers with passive income, and those who do not need to work in Spain. You must demonstrate sufficient financial means (typically EUR 28,800+ per year based on IPREM thresholds) and private health insurance. No minimum investment is required.

• Best for: Retirees, early retirees, individuals with passive income or savings
• Key requirement: You cannot work for a Spanish employer (passive income and dividends are permitted)
• Path to residency: Renewable annually; leads to permanent residency after 5 years

2. Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, introduced under Law 28/2022 (the Startup Law), is designed for remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies or freelancers with predominantly non-Spanish clients. It offers residency plus potential access to the Beckham Law flat tax regime.

• Best for: Remote employees, freelancers, digital entrepreneurs
• Key requirement: At least 80% of income from non-Spanish sources
• Tax benefit: May qualify for Beckham Law (24% flat rate for 6 years)

3. Investor Visa (Non-Real-Estate)

The Golden Visa programme was not entirely eliminated. Investment routes other than real estate remain available:

• EUR 2 million in Spanish public debt
• EUR 1 million in shares of active Spanish companies
• EUR 1 million in Spanish investment funds
• EUR 1 million in Spanish bank deposits
• Business projects of general interest that create jobs or contribute to innovation

4. Entrepreneur Visa

If you have an innovative business project that will create employment or have significant socio-economic impact in Spain, you may qualify for the Entrepreneur Visa under the same Startup Law. This requires a favourable report from ENISA (the national innovation agency).

5. EU Family Reunification

If your spouse or family member is an EU citizen or a legal resident in Spain, you may be able to obtain residency through family reunification without any investment requirement.