The Golden Visa for Spain is an attractive immigration programme for wealthy investors who wish to move to Spain and gain access to the Schengen Area. This opportunity is aimed at non-EU citizens who are willing to make a substantial financial investment in Spain.
In this article, we provide you with a detailed overview of what the Golden Visa in Spain is, who can qualify for it, and the benefits the programme offers.
Content
- What is the Golden Visa for Spain?
- Who is eligible for the Golden Visa and what requirements must be met?
- What are the benefits of the Golden Visa in Spain?
- What documents are required for the Golden Visa?
- Is the Golden Visa for Spain worth it?
What is the Golden Visa for Spain?
The Golden Visa in Spain is a special residence permit for non-EU citizens who are willing to make a significant investment in the country. It not only allows investors and their families to reside in Spain but also grants them the freedom to travel within the Schengen Area without needing additional visas.
The visa was introduced in 2013 to attract investors to Spain and bring economic benefits to the country. There are various ways to qualify for this programme, all of which require a substantial financial investment.
One particularly popular route is purchasing property in Spain worth at least €500,000.
Free movement within the Schengen Area
The Golden Visa not only allows investors and their families to reside in Spain but also grants them the freedom to move within the Schengen Area without needing to apply for additional visas.
The Schengen Area currently includes 29 European countries that have abolished border controls at their internal borders. Once you are within the Schengen Area, you can travel between these countries without passport checks – a benefit that is particularly important for frequent travellers.
You can find out more about the Schengen Area here.
Who is eligible for the Golden Visa and what requirements must be met?
Apart from the basic requirement of making a significant investment in the country, there are other important criteria that must be fulfilled.
Qualifying investment opportunities
There are five main types of investments that can qualify an individual for the Golden Visa:
- Property investment:
The purchase of real estate worth at least €500,000. This can be a single property or a combination of multiple properties, as long as the total value exceeds the €500,000 threshold. - Capital investments:
Investments of at least €1 million in Spanish companies or funds. - Deposit in a Spanish bank account:
A deposit of at least €1 million in a Spanish bank account. - Acquisition of Spanish government bonds:
An investment of at least €2 million in Spanish government debt. - Establishing a business:
The establishment of a business of “general interest” to Spain, which leads to job creation, promotes technological or scientific advancement, or makes a significant contribution to the Spanish economy.

Additional requirements
In addition to the required investment, other conditions must be met.
The applicant must have a clean criminal record, both in Spain and their country of origin. A valid health insurance policy for the applicant and their family is also necessary. The applicant must not be residing illegally in Spain or have violated Spanish immigration laws in the past.
Moreover, the applicant must prove that they have sufficient financial means to support themselves and their family during their stay. There is no specific amount set, but the rule ensures that there is no dependency on the Spanish social system.
What are the benefits of the Golden Visa in Spain?
The Golden Visa in Spain offers very attractive advantages for investors and their family members:
- Free access to the Schengen Area:
With the Golden Visa, investors and their family members can move freely within the Schengen Area without needing to apply for additional visas. You can read more about your travel freedoms within the Schengen Area here. - Work permit:
The Golden Visa not only grants a residence permit but also a work permit in Spain. This applies to both the applicant and their family members. - Fast processing time:
The process of obtaining the Golden Visa is relatively quick and straightforward. After submitting all the required documents, the application is usually processed within two to three months. - No minimum stay requirement:
Unlike many other visa programmes, there is no mandatory minimum stay. To maintain the visa, it is sufficient to travel to Spain once a year. This offers flexibility for those who do not wish to reside in Spain permanently. - Path to citizenship:
After ten years of lawful residence in Spain, Golden Visa holders can apply for Spanish citizenship, provided they meet the requirements (e.g., language skills and maintaining a fixed residence in Spain for at least six months per year).

Tax advantages
The Golden Visa itself does not offer direct tax benefits. However, investors may benefit from existing tax regulations in Spain, depending on their individual circumstances.
These include programmes such as the Beckham Law, which provides significant tax advantages for highly skilled professionals, or regional tax incentives in specific areas of Spain.
What documents are required for the Golden Visa?
When applying for the Golden Visa for Spain, it is essential to submit all necessary documents completely and accurately. The documents should be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator and notarised.
List of Required Documents:
- Valid passport:
The passport must be valid for at least one year. - Application form:
A fully completed and signed application form for the Golden Visa. - Proof of investment:
Documents proving that the qualifying investment in Spain has been made, such as a purchase contract for property or evidence of a deposit into a Spanish bank account. - Clean criminal record:
A certificate confirming that the applicant has not committed any crimes in the last five years. - Health insurance:
Proof of valid private health insurance in Spain. - Financial evidence:
Proof that the applicant has sufficient financial means to support themselves and their family in Spain. - Medical certificate:
A medical report confirming that the applicant does not have any serious health issues. - Biometric photos:
Two passport photos that meet current biometric standards.
Is the Golden Visa for Spain worth it?
Absolutely! The Golden Visa for Spain offers a remarkably straightforward and worthwhile way to obtain a residence and work permit in Spain while benefiting from the advantages of the Schengen Area.
With investments starting at €500,000, investors have the chance to secure their capital in one of Europe’s most desirable property markets and enjoy long-term residence permits for themselves and their families.
There’s no need to worry about the bureaucratic burden either: our team at Global Tax Saving can guide you through the entire Golden Visa application process. We handle all legal, tax, and organisational aspects, so you can focus solely on your personal preparations. With our support, the application becomes stress-free and convenient.
Unlock a life full of opportunities with the Golden Visa Spain – contact us for your personal consultation today!