The Spanish Golden Visa: Buying Property for Residency Rights

Update: The Spanish government announced plans to abolish the Golden Visa property route in April 2024. At the time of writing, the visa is still available, but legislation is being processed. We will update this guide as the situation evolves. Always take current legal advice before making a property investment decision based on visa requirements.

What Is the Spanish Golden Visa?

Spain's Golden Visa (Investor Visa — Visado de Inversor) was introduced under Law 14/2013 to attract non-EU investment. It grants a residence permit to non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment in Spain. The most common route is a property investment of at least €500,000.

Property Investment Route: The Basics

Minimum investment: €500,000 in Spanish real estate, free of mortgage and charges
Number of properties: can be spread across multiple properties, provided the total reaches €500,000 unencumbered
Mortgage: the amount above €500,000 can be mortgaged; the first €500,000 must be debt-free
Property type: residential, commercial, land — any type qualifies
Location: anywhere in Spain

What Rights Does the Golden Visa Give?

Right to live and work in Spain
Right to bring immediate family members (spouse and dependent children)
Initial visa: 1 year
Renewable residence permit: 2 years, then 5 years
Permanent residency: possible after 5 continuous years of residence
Spanish nationality: possible after 10 years
Travel in the Schengen Area without a separate visa

You do not need to actually live in Spain to maintain the Golden Visa — there is no minimum stay requirement to keep the investor permit (unlike standard residence visas, which require at least 183 days).

Tax Implications

Holding a Golden Visa does not automatically make you a Spanish tax resident. Spanish tax residency is triggered by spending more than 183 days in Spain in a calendar year, or if Spain is your main economic base. Tax residency has very significant consequences — especially if you have trusts, foreign assets or complex financial structures. Take tax advice before relocating.

What a Lawyer Needs to Do for a Golden Visa Purchase

Carry out full due diligence on the property (standard real estate checks)
Ensure the investment is properly structured to meet the €500,000 unencumbered threshold
Prepare the certification of the investment for the visa application
Liaise with your immigration lawyer on the visa application itself
Advise on tax residency risk and pre-residency tax planning