Golden Visa in Spain: Eligibility, Cost & Recent Updates

Spain's Golden Visa scheme is among the most alluring and convenient ways to get a residency visa in Europe, allowing people outside the EU to stay, work, and move without any restrictions in the Schengen Zone. If you are looking for a "Golden visa in Spain" or simply considering an investment route to gain a resident permit in Europe, all the information is here in this guide.

Key Takeaways

• A minimum real estate investment of €500,000 with total costs ranging from €530,000 to €560,000, including fees, taxes, legal expenses, health insurance, and documentation requirements.
• Travel visas are free to 27 Schengen countries with no minimum stay requirements and you only need to visit Spain once a year to keep your residency.
• An inclusive package for the whole family consisting of the husband, dependent children, and parents, with all members enjoying equal rights to work and study throughout Spain.
• A well-defined route to permanent residence after five years and Spanish citizenship after ten years of legal residence and meeting integration requirements.
• A quick turnaround of less than a month with a straightforward application via Spanish consulates, which requires health insurance, a clean criminal record, and proof of legitimate investment funds.

What is Spain's Golden Visa?

The Spain Golden Visa is one way to give a non-European Union citizen the right to stay indefinitely in Spain if they make a substantial investment in the country. It started in 2013 and has been allowing the investors and their families to get a residence visa that can be renewed without their actual presence in Spain. Additionally, it opens up an opportunity to live in Europe by buying properties, starting up a business, or making money deposits, providing flexibility in living and easy travel in the Schengen Area of Europe with no need for a visa.

Spain Golden Visa Requirements & Eligibility

To confirm whether you can get a golden visa in Spain, the following conditions must be fulfilled:

• First of all, you should be a person who is not a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland and who is over 18 years of age.
• You should not have been convicted of any crime.
• You have to hold valid private health insurance.
• You should have the necessary financial resources available to you.
• Not to be illegally present in Spain.

Investment Options Detailed Analysis

Real Estate Investment: Buying a property valued at least €500,000 is the most standard way, which makes it possible for investors to acquire either one or multiple real estate properties.

Capital Investment: Make an investment of €1 million in shares of a Spanish company or bank deposits, or €2 million in government bonds.

Business Project: Prepare a business plan that will be beneficial for Spain in general, be a source of employment, or be a contributor to innovation.

Complete Cost Breakdown

How much does a golden visa in Spain cost? The next point to consider is:

• Property investment: €500,000 minimum
• Legal fees: €3,000–€6,000
• Property transfer tax: 6–10%
• Application fees: €60–€80 per applicant
• Health insurance: €500–€1,500 annually
• Translation and notarization: €500–€1,000

Total expenses usually range between €530,000 and €560,000.

Benefits of Spain Golden Visa

• Travel without a visa through 27 Schengen countries.
• You can stay as long as you want (visit once per year)
• Ability to extend the residency up to two years, then up to five years.
• Your family, including your spouse, children, and parents, can be part of the program.
• Right to use the Spanish healthcare services and attend schools.
• Process of getting a permanent residence after five years
• Opportunity of getting nationality after 10 years.

Family Inclusion and Dependent Requirements

The Golden Visa is also valid for your wife or husband, children who depend on the family and are under 18 years of age (or older if they are students), and parents who depend on you. They are given equal rights as residents, but they have to comply with the criteria of having their own health insurance and undergoing background checks.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding how to apply for a golden visa in Spain:

1. Make the necessary investment that qualifies you.
2. Get NIE (tax identification number)
3. Get a health insurance policy.
4. Prepare the necessary documentation.
5. File an application at the consulate in Spain or locally in Spain.
6. Go to a biometric data collection center.
7. Wait for the decision(usually 20 working days)
8. Collect a residence card.

Required Documents Checklist

• Photocopies of a valid passport
• Application forms that are completely filled out
• Certificate of no criminal record (apostilled)
• A policy of private health insurance
• Document confirming the investment
• Health certificate
• Marriage and birth certificates

Recent Updates and Changes (2025)

The golden visa regulations in Spain as of 2025 are still beneficial to investors. The authorities have kept the €500,000 real estate investment threshold but have also improved the security checks and raised the standards for paperwork. The waiting period has significantly decreased, most of the cases being closed within one month.

Tax Implications and Obligations

People with a Golden Visa who live in Spain for less than 183 days per year are considered non-residents for tax purposes and are only liable for the income generated in Spain. If you go beyond this limit, you will become a tax resident and will be taxed on your global income. Get advice from a Spanish tax professional to make the best use of your structure.

Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them

The majority of applications are declined due to a lack of documentation, the legal funds not being proven sufficiently, the health insurance established not being good, or the criminal record being an issue. Don't be denied by cooperating with competent law professionals, ensuring all your documents are correctly translated and have an apostille, and keeping funds with a clear paper trail.

Conclusion

The Spain Golden Visa is an excellent choice for those who want to reside in Europe but still require very little time on site. Having genuine Spain golden visa requirements and a wide range of advantages, the program is still one of the easiest on the continent to access.

DarGlobal offers investors access to unique high-end real estate properties worldwide, such as Painite Villas Design Inspired by Automobili Lamborghini, Tierra Viva, Design inspired by Automobili Lamborghini, and Marea, Interiors by Missoni. Besides luxuriousness, every development is designed to provide savvy returns and possibly even residency advantages in the world's most attractive places.

FAQs

How much does a Spain Golden Visa cost in total?

The total costs range between €530,000 and €560,000, which include the €500,000 property investment, legal fees, taxes, and associated expenses.

Can I get Spanish citizenship through the Golden Visa program?

Definitely, after living legally for ten years, you can apply for Spanish citizenship by meeting the integration and language conditions.

Do I need to live in Spain to maintain my Golden Visa?

No, you must only be in Spain once a year with no minimum stay requirement.

Can my family members work in Spain with the Golden Visa?

Yes, all Golden Visa holders and their dependents have the right to work and study in Spain, just like Spanish nationals, without obtaining additional permits.

What happens if I sell my property before getting permanent residency?

If you sell your investment property before you get permanent residency (after five years), you can lose your visa status, as it is required to keep the qualifying investment.