What is the Golden Visa Spain?
The Golden Visa, also known as the ‘visa for investment in Spain,’ was a residence route linked to qualifying investments. Spain ended the property-based Golden Visa route on 3 April 2025, so this guide is retained as historical context rather than current immigration advice.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that there are two types of permits:
Visa
When the applicant is outside of Spain, they obtain permission to reside and optionally work throughout the national territory. This permit is valid for one year. Once this process is completed, the applicant can apply for a residency authorization.
Residency Authorization
When the applicant is legally in Spain, they can obtain a 3-year permit to reside and work throughout the national territory if desired.
Before that change, foreign investors planning a qualifying real estate purchase could apply under the investor-residence framework, subject to the legal requirements in force at the time.
Who can apply for the Golden Visa?
Historically, the real-estate route applied to individuals purchasing one or several properties totaling a value of 500,000 euros or more.
It’s important to highlight that a key requirement is that the property must be free of encumbrances, meaning the applicant cannot have used a loan to purchase the property.
Requirements to obtain the Golden Visa
Before 3 April 2025, obtaining the visa or residency authorization required meeting general requirements that proved the qualifying property purchase.
In the case of residency authorization, it’s important to note that the holder is not required to reside in Spain. The holder only need to be able to present the necessary documents and travel to Spain at least once a year to apply for the permit.
To review all the requirements and necessary documents, you can refer to the Residence for Investors and Entrepreneurs (PRIE) official portal.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
The Golden Visa offered a range of advantages to eligible applicants while the real-estate route was in force. One historical benefit was the possibility of including immediate family members within the same application framework.
This visa enabled a joint application that could encompass the family: spouse or registered partner, children of the holder, or dependents in the first degree of the holder or their spouse or partner. Additionally, there was no requirement to be a tax resident, and the process was designed to be swift.
Historically, the Golden Visa could grant the right to live and work in Spain for an initial period, with renewal options subject to the rules then in force. Anyone relying on an existing application or renewal should seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer.
If you need help with the property side of a relocation to Barcelona, feel free to get in touch with us. Our team can assist with real estate decisions and coordinate with independent legal professionals for current visa options.