Spain

The country’s fast developing economy and access to the Schengen area make Spain an ideal relocation destination for families, as well as businesses. The country offers a European standard of living including high standards of education and health care. Spain has been a member of the EU and in the Schengen area.

Though Spain does not offer a typical “Citizenship by Investment” program, it does offer what is known as the “Golden Visa” program. The Golden Visa program is like any other investor visa program, wherein, the investor or applicant gains the right to become a resident in Spain and enjoy the high standard of living it has to offer.

There are several benefits to the Golden Visa program.

• A path to permanent residency and eventual citizenship. Applicants can apply for permanent residency after living in the country for a period of 5 years under the investor visa program. Once they obtain permanent residency, the next step is citizenship.
• The investment required to qualify for the visa is just €500,000.
• Investors/applicants who reside in the country for less than 183 days in a year are not required to pay taxes.
• Dependents are covered under the program.
• Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Called the “California of Europe”, it is home to pristine beaches, tantalizing coastlines, and vibrant culture. It manages to attract over 70 million tourists every year, which puts it in 3rd place on the list of “World’s Most Visited Countries”.
• Spain is also recognized for its robust economy. It is considered as a country with a high-income economy and tremendous human development. It ranks number 10 in the world in regard to the quality of life. 70% of the economy is based on the service sector. The remaining 30% is supported by agriculture, construction, fishing, and farming.

Aside from the actual investment, there are a few other requirements that investors/applicants are expected to meet.

• The applicant/investor must be a non-EU national. The program is typically aimed at wealthy investors from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
• The applicant/investor must 18 years old or more.
• The applicant/investor must have no criminal record. They must submit the necessary evidence to prove this, such as a police record.
• The applicant/investor must possess enough financial assets to support themselves and, if applicable, their families during their tenure as temporary residents. They must also prove this with the necessary documentation.
• The investor must be in good health and possess medical insurance. They must also submit proof for this in the form of relevant documentation.

There are 4 investment options that are listed under the Golden Visa program. 

• Real estate purchase

The investor/applicant must purchase a piece of property in Spain. The property must be valued at €500,000 or more. 

• Bank deposit

The investor/applicant must deposit €1,000,000 in a bank account that is opened with a Spanish bank. The amount must remain untouched for a period of 5 years. 

• Shares

The investor/applicant must invest €1,000,000 in shares (non-trading or publicly traded) belonging to a Spanish company for a period of 5 years. The investor/applicant is allowed to split the investment between multiple companies.

• Treasury bonds

The investor/applicant must invest €2,000,000 treasury bonds (Spanish). The bonds must be held for a period of 5 years.

• Start up a business in Spain that must meet the following requirements:

• To create jobs.
• With an important impact on the country or region at a socioeconomic level.
• That represents a scientific or technological novelty

• Is Spain a tax haven for investors who consider choosing the Spain Golden Visa Program?

Spain implements taxation to the global income of its citizens. However, investors should note that Spain provides some advantageous tax incentives and business opportunities in order to draw foreign investments into the country. Therefore, though it requires some meticulous calculations, it is possible to decrease Spanish taxation to favorable levels.

• How many family members can apply for residency along with the Main Applicant?

All family members (Spouse and dependent children) as well as the main applicant can be extended Spain Residency investment application .

• What documents must be submitted to obtain a visa and/or investor authorization?

Updated passport.

Public or private health insurance with an entity operating in Spain.

Certificate of criminal record.

Accreditation of economic means.

Accreditation of the realization of the investment.

• HOW LONG DOES SPAIN’S GOLDEN VISA LAST?

It’s a two-step operation. First of all, you need to comply with the requirements of the Spanish Investor Visa to receive a visa provided by the Spanish Consulate or Embassy. It permits you to travel to Spain, with multiple entries and exits, for one year. During this year, you are expected to fly to Spain and apply in person for your residence permit.

Make Spain your second home 

Visa-Free Countries

47,450,795
POPULATION
US$41,736
GDP nominal (per capita)
US$1.942 trillion
GDP (purchasing power parity)

CAPITAL CITY
Madrid
TIME ZONE
CET (UTC+1)
TOTAL AREA
505,990[5] km2
LANGUAGES
Spanish
CURRENCY
Euro €
MAIN INDUSTRY
Service industry, tourism
SCHENGEN/ EU
Member

KEY ADVANTAGES

• Member of the EU and Schengen area
• Fast developing economy
• Aimed to support entrepreneurs investing into Spain

PROGRAM MATCH

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Disclaimer
The materials contained in this page are provided for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide legal or other professional advice. Processing times and costs will vary depending on a number of factors. CitizenMatch is not responsible for any changes to the time and cost estimates; we can provide specific information on an individual basis. All rights reserved.