Spain - Golden Visa Residency
The Spanish golden visa residency program from 2003 offers people an opportunity to gain residency through investment and other means.
March 2026
average processing
Investment amount
From EUR 500,000
Visa free countries
Schengen Area
Passing Citizenship to Future Generation
Yes
About Program
Im Südwesten Europas gelegen, ist Spanien eine der beliebtesten Touristendestinationen der Welt – dank seiner reichen Geschichte, atemberaubenden Landschaften und lebendigen Kultur. Spanien steht nicht nur für Vergnügen: Das Land verfügt über eine robuste Wirtschaft, eine einladende Atmosphäre und eine hohe Lebensqualität, die namhafte Investoren anzieht. Mit einem florierenden Geschäftsumfeld stellt Spanien einen Leuchtturm dar für diejenigen, die einen Lebensstil mit Leidenschaft, Abenteuer und unbegrenzten Möglichkeiten anstreben.
Für diejenigen, die in diesem prosperierenden Land residieren möchten, bietet das seit 2003 aktive spanische Golden-Visa-Programm die Möglichkeit, durch Investitionen und andere Mittel Residenz zu erlangen. Inhaber eines spanischen Golden Visa können im Schengen-Raum reisen, in Spanien residieren und potenziell von Leistungen profitieren, die Bürgern zur Verfügung stehen, wie Gesundheitswesen und öffentliche Bildung. Kontaktieren Sie uns für eine personalisierte Beratung
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Program Benefits
Like other countries in the Schengen area, acquiring a Spanish Golden Visa through investment opportunities lets you enjoy many of the benefits that citizens have access to like unrestricted travel and business opportunities. With a variety of options to obtain residency, each option has its specific benefits with varying requirements to stay in the country, visit the Schengen area for different periods of time, and public services.
Visa-Free Travel to Schengen Area
For those with a Spanish Golden Visa, they can freely travel to the Schengen Area for different periods of time without losing their residency depending on which residency program they are under. The Schengen Area now includes 25 member states of the EU, after Bulgaria and Romania were admitted into the Area in December 2023. Besides, visa-free access is permitted into Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, plus micro states such as Andorra, Monaco and San Marino. Some neighboring countries such as Morocco or Montenegro provide visa waiver conditions for certain nationals with a valid long-term resident card.
Pathway to Spanish Citizenship
Spanish Permanent Residency holders can apply for citizenship after 10 years of residing in the country. Applicants have to pass a cultural and language test and get the same benefits that all citizens of EU countries hold.
A shortened 2-year effective residence rule applies for nationals of Latin America, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea, as well as nationals of any country of Sephardic Jewish ancestry.
Family Residency
Immediate family members, your spouse, and dependent children are also granted residency with a Golden Visa from Spain. Depending on which residency program you are under you may be able to include your parents as well if you can prove that they are dependent on you.
Descendants over 18 years of age are also eligible for residence, as long as single and financially dependent.
Civil Services
Those who have permanent Spanish residency can make use of healthcare provided by the state as well as enroll children in public schooling.
Multiple Investment Options
Spain offers a variety of residency options through investment. The earliest programs involve owning a non-profit residential home that one lives for the majority of the year and another involves investing in property or business that create jobs. A financial investment in either a Spanish mutual fund or a bank deposit is also eligible.
Requirement and Eligibility
Investment Amount
For a Golden Visa that grants permanent residency, a minimum of EUR 500,000 has to be made in real estate property. In the case of financial assets (bank deposit, company shares or mutual funds), the minimum amount is EUR 1 million.
Family Members
Husbands, espouse and civil partners of any gender are eligible as family members. Minor children are eligible too, as are children above 18 years, as long as they are single and financially dependent on the main applicant. Evidence of financial solvency must be submitted, depending on the number of dependent family members.
Permanent Residence
Permanent residence can be accessed after 5 years of effective residence in Spain for any type of residence permit.
Investment Options
About
Spain
Spain boasts vibrant cities, a pleasant climate, and a high quality of life. The Golden Visa program offers residency to investors, and the country is an ideal base for access to the EU. With strong tourism, real estate, and renewable energy sectors, Spain provides a robust environment for investment and lifestyle opportunities.
Capital
Madrid
Total Area
195,365 sq mi
Population
48,446,594
Language
Spanish
Real Estate Opportunities
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Timeline
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Citizenship
Residency
Acquisition Process
Obtaining residency through investment in Spain is relatively straightforward when done with the right agency. The process can take anywhere from a month to three months depending on the residency route chosen and how quickly the investment goes through. For a complete in-depth guide to acquiring a Spanish Golden Visa, speak with a consulting agency.
Step 1. Preliminary Due Diligence
The first course of action you want to take is to familiarize yourself with the Spanish residency programs through investment. The minimum amount is EUR 500,000 so it is important to get a good idea of where you want to put your money. An agent can offer helpful insight as to what investments best fit your needs.
Step 2. Registration and Notary
To begin acquiring real estate and conducting investments, you first have to register in Spain as a foreigner. This can be done abroad and requires notarizing your documents, opening a bank account, and providing proof of finances.
Step 3. Acquiring Investment
The four primary ways of acquiring residency through investment are through purchasing property or investing money into the country.
Purchasing a property that is worth at least EUR 500,000 is the most affordable option and earns your residency in 2-3 months.
By depositing a million Euros into a Spanish bank, you can acquire residency in a month. It is important to note however that it can take up to three weeks to open a bank account depending on which bank you work with.
Another method of acquiring Spanish residency through investment is buying a million Euros worth of shares in a domestic company. This has to be done through a Spanish broker and the money must come from a Spanish bank account.
A method with non-objective criteria is going through with a business plan. An approved business plan that generally requires at least EUR 250,000 of investment in the initial state can be approved and grant you residency.
Step 4. Final Application Process
After the investment is finalized, you and your family have a few options to receive residency. An appointment can be made at a consulate, which may take up to a month, to submit the application. This method gives applicants a one-year visa which can be turned into a three-year visa afterwards.
If you and your family go to Spain to submit the final application at the Ministry of Migration, the 3-year visa will automatically follow once the application is approved.
Once approved, passport photos and biometrics are submitted, and you will be a resident of Spain.
Have questions? We have answers
How much do I have to invest to get a Spanish Golden Visa?
For permanent residency through investment, a minimum of EUR 500,000 investment must be made into real estate. However, a Spanish Golden Visa may not be necessary for your needs and you could be able to get by with an entrepreneurial visa or a digital nomad visa that has much more lenient demands to be granted residency.
Taxation
The Spanish civil residence does not automatically lead to tax residence. In principle, tax residence is triggered based on effective residence in Spain of at least 183 days per year. Investors are taxed on the basis of their assets in Spain, through the Non-resident Annual TaxReturn at 24% of their annual income. However, if the property is not rented, to stimulate rentals, the Spanish government will still apply a “fictitious rent” equal to 1-2% of the property’s cadaster value. For investors planning to effectively live in Spain, the risk of high taxation may be avoided by using local corporate vehicles, registering in nearby low-tax jurisdictions (e.g. Andorra, Gibraltar), or by applying for the “Beckham Rule” for expatriates (which guarantees a tax cap for 6 years). A customized international tax plan is strongly encouraged in such cases.
What are the benefits of Spanish residency through investment?
The benefits include the right to live, work, and study in Spain, access to public healthcare and education systems, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and the opportunity to apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years. (2 years only for particular cases and nationalities).
Is the Spain Golden Visa still available in 2026?
No, the Spain Golden Visa programme is permanently closed. The Spanish government officially terminated the Golden Visa through Organic Law 1/2025, which took effect in April 2025. The programme will not be reinstated.
Key facts about the closure:
- Reason: The Spanish government cited housing affordability concerns, arguing that foreign investment was inflating property prices in major cities
- Existing holders: Current Golden Visa holders may retain their residency for the duration of their existing permits but cannot rely on the programme for renewals under the old framework
- No replacement: Spain has not introduced an alternative investment-based residency programme
If you were considering Spain for residency by investment, several excellent European alternatives remain available:
- Greece Golden Visa: From EUR 250,000 (regional zones)
- Portugal Golden Visa: From EUR 250,000 (cultural/fund investment)
- Malta MPRP: Permanent residency from EUR 68,000 + property
- Hungary Guest Investor Programme: From EUR 250,000
Contact Mirabello Consultancy for guidance on the best alternative to the Spain Golden Visa.
What happened to the Spain Golden Visa programme?
The Spain Golden Visa was permanently closed in April 2025 through Organic Law 1/2025, passed by the Spanish Parliament. This ended one of Europe's most popular residency-by-investment programmes after more than a decade of operation.
Timeline of the closure:
- 2013: Spain launched the Golden Visa programme, offering residency to non-EU investors purchasing property worth EUR 500,000 or more
- 2024: The Spanish government announced plans to end the programme, citing concerns about housing affordability and speculative foreign investment in major cities like Barcelona and Madrid
- April 2025: Organic Law 1/2025 took effect, officially terminating the programme
- No successor programme: Spain has not introduced any alternative investment-based residency route
The closure reflects a broader European trend: Malta's MEIN citizenship programme was struck down by the ECJ, Portugal eliminated its real estate route, and the EU has increasingly pressured member states to restrict Golden Visa schemes. Mirabello Consultancy monitors these developments closely to help clients identify the best remaining options.
What are the best alternatives to the Spain Golden Visa in 2026?
With the Spain Golden Visa permanently closed, several European residency-by-investment programmes offer comparable or superior benefits for those seeking Schengen Area residency.
Top alternatives:
- Greece Golden Visa: From EUR 250,000 (Zone C regional/heritage conversions). Provides Schengen access, no minimum stay requirement, and a path to citizenship after 7 years. Athens properties start from EUR 800,000
- Portugal Golden Visa: From EUR 250,000 (cultural contributions) or EUR 500,000 (investment funds). Real estate route was eliminated, but fund-based and cultural options remain. Citizenship possible after 5 years
- Malta MPRP: From EUR 68,000 to EUR 98,000 plus property (purchase EUR 375,000+ or lease EUR 14,000+/year). Permanent residency in an EU member state with Schengen access
- Hungary Guest Investor Programme: From EUR 250,000 (real estate funds). Launched July 2024, offering 10-year residency in the Schengen Area
Each programme has distinct investment thresholds, residency requirements, and paths to citizenship. Mirabello Consultancy provides personalised comparisons to help you select the optimal alternative.
Can I still renew my existing Spain Golden Visa after the closure?
The situation for existing Spain Golden Visa holders following the April 2025 closure is governed by the transitional provisions of Organic Law 1/2025. Current holders should carefully review their specific circumstances with legal counsel.
Key considerations for existing holders:
- Current permits: Existing Golden Visa residency permits remain valid for their stated duration
- Renewals: The transitional framework may affect renewal eligibility. Holders should consult with immigration lawyers regarding their specific permit expiry dates and renewal rights
- Property obligations: If your residency was tied to a property investment, maintaining that investment may be relevant to your continued residency status
- Path to permanent residency: If you have held your Golden Visa for 5+ years, you may be eligible to apply for long-term EU residency or Spanish permanent residency under standard immigration rules
- Citizenship pathway: Those who have lived in Spain for 10+ years may apply for Spanish citizenship through regular naturalisation channels
Mirabello Consultancy recommends that existing holders seek immediate legal advice to protect their residency status and explore long-term options.
Why did Spain close its Golden Visa programme?
Spain closed its Golden Visa programme primarily due to housing affordability concerns. The Spanish government argued that foreign property investment under the Golden Visa was contributing to rising house prices in major cities, particularly Barcelona and Madrid.
Key factors behind the closure:
- Housing crisis: Spain faced significant housing affordability challenges, with prices in Barcelona and Madrid rising substantially. The government linked foreign investment purchases to this trend
- Political pressure: Housing affordability became a major political issue, and ending the Golden Visa was positioned as a measure to protect domestic buyers
- EU alignment: The closure aligns with a broader EU trend of restricting Golden Visa and Golden Passport programmes, driven by concerns about money laundering, tax evasion, and security risks
- Limited economic impact: Critics argued that Golden Visa investments represented a small share of total foreign property purchases and that the programme's economic benefits did not justify its perceived costs
This closure is part of a wider European pattern. Portugal eliminated its real estate route, Malta's citizenship programme was challenged by the ECJ, and the European Commission has consistently called for stricter controls on investment migration.
How does the Greece Golden Visa compare to the former Spain Golden Visa?
The Greece Golden Visa has become the leading European alternative following the Spain Golden Visa closure, offering Schengen residency at a lower entry point with comparable lifestyle benefits.
Key comparison:
- Minimum investment: Greece starts from EUR 250,000 (Zone C) versus Spain's former EUR 500,000. However, Athens (Zone A) now requires EUR 800,000
- Schengen access: Both provide identical Schengen Area travel rights (up to 90 days in 180 days across 27 countries)
- Residency requirement: Greece has no minimum stay. Spain required only one entry per year
- Path to citizenship: Greece requires 7 years of physical residence for citizenship. Spain required 10 years (5 for certain nationalities)
- Property market: Greece offers strong capital appreciation potential, particularly in Athens and island properties. However, note that Airbnb rentals on Golden Visa properties are now prohibited
- Processing time: Greece takes 3 to 12 months (significant backlog with approximately 50,000 pending cases). Spain typically processed in 2 to 3 months
Contact Mirabello Consultancy for a personalised assessment of whether Greece or another programme best matches your needs.
Can I get EU residency through property investment after Spain's closure?
Yes, several EU member states continue to offer residency through qualifying property investments, despite the Spain Golden Visa closure. The European landscape has evolved but attractive options remain.
Current property-based EU residency options:
- Greece Golden Visa: Property from EUR 250,000 (Zone C) to EUR 800,000 (Athens). Schengen access, no minimum stay, citizenship after 7 years of residence
- Malta MPRP: Property purchase from EUR 375,000 or lease from EUR 14,000/year, plus government contributions. Permanent EU residency with Schengen access
- Hungary: Real estate fund investment from EUR 250,000. New programme launched July 2024 offering 10-year Schengen residency
- Cyprus: Property from EUR 300,000. EU residency (not yet Schengen). Citizenship after 8 years
- Portugal: Real estate route eliminated, but fund investments from EUR 500,000 and cultural contributions from EUR 250,000 remain available. Citizenship after 5 years
Mirabello Consultancy specialises in matching investors with the right European residency programme. Book a free consultation to explore your options.