Would you like to live in Spain? The first requirement if you would like to settle in Spain is getting a residency. However, this is not as easy as it seems since there are many conditions and requirements that must be met.
In 2014, Spain introduced the Spanish investor visa permits (also known as the “Golden Visa”). It is granted to non-EU nationals that fulfill several requirements and make a financial investment in Spain. Requirements for obtaining the Spanish Investor Visa: 1. Non-EU citizen 2. Investments at least 500.000 € in real estate, stocks or alternative investments 3. Business investment of at least 2 million €
Spain’s Golden Visa program is incredibly popular in 2018. Here’s a guide to getting your residency as soon as possible.
How To Get Golden Visa In Spain
A Golden Visa for Spain, officially known as the Spain Investor visa, is a residence permit issued to non-EU citizens who make a significant investment in Spain, such as buy real estate, invest in a company, or create employment opportunities.
Who Can Apply for a Spain Golden Visa?
You qualify to apply for a Spain Golden Visa if you fulfill all the following conditions:
- You have proof of having made one of the investment options.
- You are over the age of 18.
- You obtain valid health insurance in Spain.
- You have enough financial means to sustain yourself and any family members.
- You have a clear criminal history in any of the places you have lived in.
- You are not in Spain’s list of undesirable people.
- You have no rejected Schengen Visas.
If you qualify, there are lawyers and Golden Visa professionals who are willing to assist and guide throughout the whole process of obtaining a Golden visa for Spain.
Companies like La Vida, which specialize in Golden Visa programs, have experts on hand, offering consultation and assistance on international real estate investment. Their experts can let you know whether you are a fit for the Spanish Golden Visa (through a free consultation), and arrange your trip to Spain to see your options first-hand. Unless you are an expert on Spanish legal and financial matters, you’ll need legal help to settle your investment.
What Are the Investment Options for a Golden Visa in Spain?
You can apply for a Golden Visa for Spain if you make one of the following investments:
| Investment type | Investment amount | Golden visa type |
| Investment in real estate property | At least €500,000 | Residency Visas for Acquisition of Real Estate (RIV) |
| Investment in shares in a company or deposit in a Spanish bank | At least €1,000,000 | Residency Visas for Capital Investors (RIC) |
| Investment in the Spanish public debt | At least €2,000,000 | Residency Visas for Capital Investors (RIC) |
You can also invest in a new business that will create employment opportunities for Spanish citizens, contribute to innovation in the fields of science or technology, and make a significant socio-economic impact.
The investment amounts for Spain’s residency program are somewhat different from the program requirements in Portugal.
Yet, nationals of the EU members states, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland do not need to apply for this visa. If you are a national of one of them, you can just move to Spain without the need of this visa.
When and Where to Apply for the Golden Visa to Spain?
You should begin the application procedures after you have invested the required amount of money in Spain. You have to be committed to making the investment, although it doesn’t necessarily need to be finalized. The earliest you are permitted to apply is three months in advance of your intended trip to Spain.
You can apply for a Spanish Golden visa from your country of residence, by lodging your application at the Spanish embassy or consulate. You can also file an application in Spain if you are here with a long stay visa.
Documents to Submit When Applying for a Spain Golden Visa
These documents you need to submit to support your application are:
- The Spanish long stay visa application form. You can access it here.
- Two passport photos.
- Your valid passport. It must be issued within the last 10 years.
- Proof of country of residence.
- Proof of investment. All documents proving the type and amount of your investment as well as the origin of your money.
- Residency Visas for Acquisition of Real Estate:
- Certification containing information of the dominion and taxes of the Land Registry, which corresponds with the property purchased.
- Residency Visas for Capital Investors:
- A copy of a statement of investment made in the Registrar of Foreign Investments of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, in case of investment in unlisted or company shares.
- Certificate of a financial intermediary, duly registered with the National Commission of the Stock Market or the Bank of Spain in case of investment in listed shares.
- A certificate of the financial institution or the Bank of Spain, if the investment is made in government bonds.
- In the case of a bank deposit investment, a certificate from the financial institution.
- Police Clearance. Submit this document in original, photocopied and translated. It must be no older than 90 days at the time of application.
- Proof you have sufficient economic funds to support yourself and your dependents while in Spain.
- Medical Insurance purchased from an authorized Spanish provider.
- A medical certificate, which confirms you do have any disease that poses risks to the public health.
- Residency Visas for Acquisition of Real Estate:
The experts at La Vida can assist you in obtaining all the required documents for your visa application, through their inside knowledge of Spanish laws and experience with local banks, developers, agents and lawyers.
How to Apply for a Spain Golden Visa?
To apply for a Golden Visa for Spain you must go through these steps:
- Make one of the eligible investment options. You may need to travel to Spain with a regular Spain Visa during this time to finalize your investment.
- Apply for a Golden Visa. You should lodge your application at the nearest Spanish Embassy within three months of making the investment. You can apply yourself or through a legal representative.
- Submit the application along with the document file.
- Get your residence permit. Once you receive your Spain Golden Visa, you have to travel to Spain and exchange it for a Residence Permit and submit your biometric information.