Golden Visa
Spain
The Golden Visa is a residence permit in Spain designed to attract foreign investors. It is granted to individuals who make a significant financial investment in the country, whether in real estate, business ventures, or financial instruments.
Take advantage of the last chance
Apply for the Golden Visa now
On January 2nd 2025, the Spanish Congress finally published the law which eliminates the Golden Visa – 1/2025 ( Ley Orgánica 1/2025) .
Until when can I request my Golden Visa?
The new law will apply from April 2nd 2025, so Golden Visas can be requested until the beginning of April. Owing to the complexity of the documents necessary to apply for the Golden Visa, and because it is difficult to obtain these documents immediately, we advise you to apply for the Golden Visa as soon as possible.
Will the residence be renewed for those who already have a Golden Visa?
Yes, their right of residence will be renewed.
Frequently asked questions
If you know someone who wants to apply for this visa, to inform them that they have little time to apply for it, but that they can still do so. We advise doing it as soon as possible.
At Bennet & Rey, we will be keeping abreast of any legislative developments and will keep you informed.
What you need to know in order to Obtain Spanish Residency Through Investment?
La inversión más común es la adquisición de bienes inmuebles (casas o pisos) por un valor mínimo de 500.000 euros.
Sin embargo, también se puede optar por otras modalidades, como:
- Invertir más de dos millones de euros en deuda pública española.
- Realizar una inversión de al menos un millón de euros en acciones de empresas españolas o depósitos bancarios.
- Desarrollar un proyecto empresarial de interés general, que puede incluir generación de empleo o impacto social positivo.
The key requirements are:
- A criminal record certificate from the country where you have resided for the last two years. This document often takes the longest to obtain.
Note: Criminal record certificates must be apostilled (officially verified). We can help with the translation, but we recommend requesting this document early if you are considering applying for the Golden Visa. - A valid passport.
- Proof of investment (property deeds, bank certificates, etc.).
- Health insurance valid in Spain.
- Evidence of the legal origin of your funds.
- A NIE (Foreigner’s’ Identification Number), which we can arrange for you.
Yes! At Bennet & Rey, we can assist you in finding a property, whether an apartment or a house.
If you cannot come to Spain, don’t worry: we can represent you and act on your behalf with a notarised power of attorney. This includes purchasing the property in your name.
We will provide legal advice, negotiate with sellers or buyers, prepare the deposit money agreement (contrato de arras), and handle the sale contracts.
We will ensure all necessary certificates and deeds are in order and help you manage taxes. We will coordinate with notaries, property registries, banks, and appraisers to make sure your investment is secure.
One of the key benefits of the Golden Visa is the ability to include family members in your application.
Golden Visa holders can extend it to their spouse, children under 18, dependent adult children, and dependent parents. Each family member must meet basic requirements, such as having no criminal record.
The Golden Visa allows you to:
- Legally reside in Spain.
- Work anywhere in the country.
- Travel freely within the Schengen Area without additional visas.
The application process can be confusing for those unfamiliar with Spanish law. Here are some common concerns:
How Long Does the Process Take?
The estimated time is 20 business days from submitting all the required documents. However, times may vary depending on the complexity of the case.
How Do I Renew My Golden Visa?
The initial Golden Visa is valid for one year. It can be renewed for two-year periods as long as the investment is maintained.
Do I Need to Submit Another Criminal Record Certificate?
Usually, this is only required if the applicant has lived outside Spain since the last renewal. To avoid complications, we recommend obtaining a new certificate for each renewal.
You would lose the right to renew the visa. It is crucial to maintain the investment throughout the residency period.
Tax-related questions are common among our clients:
Does Becoming a Resident Automatically Make Me a Tax Resident?
Not necessarily. You are considered a tax resident in Spain if you spend more than 183 days per year in the country or have your primary financial interests based there.
What Taxes Will I Pay If I Buy a Property?
Real estate purchases are subject to taxes such as VAT or the Property Transfer Tax (ITP), depending on the type of property. You will also need to pay an annual Property Tax (IBI).
Yes, the Golden Visa grants both residency and work authorisation.
Yes, but you must reside in Spain for at least six months per year. The general residency requirement for nationality is ten years, though exceptions apply:
- One year for those married to a Spanish citizen.
- Two years for nationals of Hispano-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal.
The Spanish government has announced its intention to eliminate the Golden Visa for real estate investments, leading to these common questions:
When Will the Golden Visa No Longer Be Available?
There is no exact date, but legislative changes are underway. Investments meeting the requirements before the reform may be among the last to qualify. We believe applications will be accepted until December 31, 2024, though this is subject to confirmation.
Current visas are expected to remain valid, potentially for up to eight years, as long as renewal requirements are met.
- Personalised Attention: We will guide you through every step of the process.
- Trust: We are certified lawyers, members of the Madrid Bar Association, and experts in immigration law and in real estate.
- Time Savings: We handle document gathering and ensure all paperwork is in order.
- Representation: If you cannot travel to Spain, we can represent you with a notarised power of attorney.
- Multilingual Support: We speak Spanish and English to make you feel comfortable.