RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT

Spain

Spain, located in the southwestern corner of Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its vibrant cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, Spain boasts a unique blend of modern and traditional lifestyles. The country offers diverse landscapes, from the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast to the mountainous regions of the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada. With a temperate climate, a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and world-renowned cuisine, Spain is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe. As a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, Spain also provides seamless access to the broader European region, making it an appealing destination for investors, tourists, and expats alike.

More About Spain Golden Visa

Spain is an enticing destination for individuals seeking a vibrant lifestyle, excellent healthcare, and access to the broader European region. As a resident of Spain, one can enjoy unrestricted travel across Europe, thanks to its membership in the Schengen Area. Spain is known for its high quality of life, including a well-developed healthcare system, diverse cultural experiences, and excellent educational institutions. Spanish residents also benefit from one of the longest life expectancies in the world, making it an ideal location for both families and retirees.

  • Population: 47.2 million
  • Language: Spanish (official)
  • Economy: Spain has a capitalist economy with a balanced mix of manufacturing, services, and agri-food industries, contributing to its economic strength.
  • Currency: Euro (€)

With its temperate climate, welcoming culture, and robust economy, Spain offers a stable and prosperous environment for residents and investors alike.

Spain’s Golden Visa program, officially known as the Residency by Investment Program, offers a straightforward path to obtaining residency for non-EU nationals through qualifying investments in the country. Established in 2013, the Golden Visa provides investors and their families with the right to live, work, and study in Spain, as well as travel freely within the Schengen Zone.

Investment

Minimum investment of €500,000

Processing Time

Typically around 20 days for the immigration process.

Key Benefit

The right to reside, work, and study in Spain, along with the freedom to travel throughout the EU and the Schengen Area."

Benefits of Spain Residency by Investment

High Quality of Life

Spain offers a high quality of life, characterized by a pleasant climate, excellent healthcare, a rich cultural heritage, and a relaxed lifestyle. Residents enjoy a balanced work-life dynamic, access to world-class education, and a safe, welcoming environment. This combination makes Spain an attractive destination for individuals and families seeking comfort, well-being, and stability.

The program allows applicants to include their spouse or unmarried partner, financially dependent children of any age (with adult children required to be full-time students), as well as financially dependent parents of the main applicant and/or their spouse, provided they are 65 years or older.

Residents under Spain’s Golden Visa program gain full access to the country’s high-quality public healthcare system, which is renowned for its comprehensive services and advanced medical facilities. This ensures that both the main applicant and their family can benefit from world-class medical care. Additionally, residents can take advantage of Spain’s public education system, offering excellent primary, secondary, and higher education institutions, providing a solid foundation for children and young adults to thrive academically.

Spain is home to a wide range of excellent international schools, offering tuition in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Mandarin. These institutions provide a global education, following internationally recognized curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British and American systems. With a focus on academic excellence and cultural diversity, these schools ensure that students receive a high-quality education in a language of their choice, making Spain an ideal destination for families seeking a multicultural and multilingual learning environment for their children.

After maintaining continuous residency in Spain for 10 years, investors may become eligible for Spanish citizenship, provided they fulfill the required criteria. This includes demonstrating proficiency in the Spanish language, passing a cultural knowledge test, and proving integration into Spanish society. Obtaining citizenship allows individuals to enjoy additional benefits, such as the right to vote, access to public services, and the ability to travel freely within the EU.

Spain Residency Program Requirement

 

Through the Residence by Investment program, individuals and their immediate family members can obtain a temporary residence permit in Spain in less than a month. Following the general immigration rules and requirements, those who hold this investment-based residency can apply for permanent residency after five years of continuous residence in Spain, paving the way for the possibility of obtaining Spanish citizenship thereafter.

To be eligible for the Spain Residency-by-Investment Program, you must satisfy One of the following investment options, along with additional requirements:

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT

The purchase of real estate valued at a minimum of €500,000, which can include one or multiple properties, is one of the key investment options available under the Spain Residency-by-Investment Program. This investment can encompass residential, commercial, or mixed-use properties, providing flexibility for investors. By investing in real estate, individuals not only gain a foothold in the Spanish market but also contribute to the local economy, while enjoying the benefits of residency in a country known for its rich culture and high quality of life.

Investing a minimum of €1 million in Spanish financial institutions through investment funds, bank deposits, or shares of publicly listed companies is another viable option under the Spain Residency-by-Investment Program. This route allows investors to diversify their portfolios while supporting the Spanish economy. By allocating funds into reputable financial entities or thriving companies, individuals not only enhance their financial security but also gain the opportunity to live and work in Spain. This investment path provides access to Spain’s dynamic market and its robust economic landscape, while facilitating residency for the investor and their family.

Investing a minimum of €2 million in government bonds is a robust option available under the Spain Residency-by-Investment Program. This investment involves purchasing bonds issued by the Spanish government, which are generally considered to be low-risk and provide a steady return. By choosing this route, investors contribute to the country’s public financing while securing their residency in Spain. This investment strategy not only enhances financial stability but also enables individuals and their families to enjoy the benefits of living in a country renowned for its rich culture, diverse lifestyle, and access to the wider European market.

 

As part of the application process, applicants must submit documentary evidence of their investment to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Spain Residency-by-Investment Program. This documentation can include property purchase agreements, bank statements, investment fund certificates, or proof of government bond acquisition, depending on the chosen investment option. Ensuring that all relevant documents are accurate and complete is essential, as they will be scrutinized by immigration authorities to verify the legitimacy and value of the investment. Providing clear and thorough documentation not only expedites the application process but also strengthens the applicant’s case for residency.

Application Procedure and Time Frame

Client Onboarding Process
MONTH 1

Our onboarding process begins with Form 1, which allows us to conduct initial due diligence for the RIF Trust. Once this screening is successfully completed, we will provide you with a Client Agreement (CA). It is important that you review and sign this agreement before we move forward.

Next, you will need to sign a Power of Attorney (PoA). This step is essential for obtaining your NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), which is the Foreigner Identity Number used by the Spanish tax authorities.

Application Review and Submission
MONTHS 3-4

Next, you will need to sign a sales and purchase agreement for your qualifying property investment. Following an in-person appointment, you can expect to receive a one-year Golden Visa from the Spanish consulate in your home country within 20 days.

Additionally, you will need to schedule a biometrics appointment to obtain your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), which is your Spanish Identity Card.

Residency Issued
MONTHS 5-7

Finally, you will need to collect your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), or Resident Card, in person. This residence permit is valid for three years, after which you can renew it every five years, provided you continue to meet the qualifying conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions for Spain Residency By Investment Program

What is the Spain Residency Program?

The Spain Residency Program, also known as the Golden Visa program, allows non-EU citizens to obtain residency in Spain through qualifying investments, such as real estate, investment funds, or government bonds.

Eligibility is open to non-EU citizens, along with their immediate family members, including spouses or partners, dependent children of any age (provided adult children are full-time students), and financially dependent parents aged 65 or older.

Applicants can choose from several investment options, including:

  • Purchasing real estate with a minimum value of €500,000.
  • Investing a minimum of €1 million in Spanish financial institutions through investment funds, bank deposits, or shares in publicly listed companies.
  • Acquiring government bonds valued at a minimum of €2 million.

The initial review of the application typically takes around 20 days after submission. Upon approval, applicants receive a one-year Golden Visa, which can then be renewed.

There is no minimum stay requirement to maintain your residency status; however, obtaining the first residence permit does require an initial visit to Spain.

Yes, the program allows you to include your spouse or partner, dependent children, and financially dependent parents in your application for residency.

The initial residence permit is valid for three years. You may renew it every five years, provided you continue to meet the qualifying investment conditions.

Residents may apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of continuous residency. However, Sephardi Jews and citizens from Equatorial Guinea, Latin America, and the Philippines can apply after just two years of effective residency.

Required documents typically include:

  • Proof of the qualifying investment.
  • A signed Client Agreement.
  • A sales and purchase agreement for real estate (if applicable).
  • A completed application form and associated fees.
  • Biometrics appointment confirmation for the TIE.

After your residency permit is issued, you will need to collect your TIE in person and schedule a biometrics appointment to complete the process.

Yes, most foreign nationals may face restrictions regarding dual citizenship in Spain. It’s advisable to consult with a legal expert to understand your specific situation.

Yes, the Golden Visa allows you to live and work in Spain, providing you with greater flexibility and opportunities within the country.