Spain’s
Golden Visa

The Spanish Golden Visa is a success story.

Spain has become the number one Golden Visa provider in the European Union since it was introduced in 2013.

Out of all the visas available in Spain, it is hands down the one that offers the most perks, including one which is exclusive to it (explained below), and which strongly appeals to affluent investors.

Europe, the cradle of democracy, is chosen every year by thousands of wealthy non-EU individuals as it provides a clear and stable legal and tax framework that allows freedom, nurtures ingenuity, and upholds property rights.

Thousands of non-EU nationals have already secured their families’ future and well-being by benefiting from this special arrangement that rolls out the red carpet cutting through all the admin red tape.

Spain’s Golden Visa is a success story, be a part of it!

General staple requirements

Non-EU national.
The investor applicant must be of legal age (18 years old or over).
Hire private health insurance in Spain.
Clean criminal record (previous 5 years).
Be self-supporting (you will not claim benefits).
Not be already in Spain illegally at the time of making a visa application.
Have sufficient financial means to support both himself and his family whilst in Spain.

Specific requirement

You need to invest €500,000 in Spanish real estate, in your personal name or through a company. The first €500,000 need to be unencumbered, you may apply for a mortgage loan on the excess.

10 advantages of a Golden Visa

Golden Visas do not automatically make you a tax resident in Spain upon renewal, unlike every other visa in Spain. This is a unique tax advantage exclusive only to GVs. No other visa in Spain shares this unique trait. Only for this reason, affluent investors will find it most appealing if they do not fancy paying taxes in Spain.
Allows you to (legally) override the 90/180-day that limits stay in Spain (and by extension in the Schengen Area/EU). This visa allows you unfettered access to Spain. You can enter and leave the country when and as you please, even overriding Covid flight bans, as you will hold a select residency permit that (very) few people hold.
Clear rules. Initially granted for 3 years, then renewable every 5 years.
No minimum stay is required. You can spend as little as only one day in Spain, or the full year-round, at your choice.
Fast-tracked. Golden visa applications are greatly expedited by rapport with standard visa applications. Golden visas are granted in only 3 weeks.
Streamlined. Golden Visa applications are (greatly) streamlined, removing all the unnecessary admin red tape normally associated with standard visa applications, making applicants’ lives easier.
The whole family is included as dependents, even ascendants (such as grandparents).
You can work in Spain (optional).
Leads to permanent residency (optional).
Leads to Spanish citizenship (optional).

If you can afford one, it is hands down the best visa to have in Spain (along with a Digital Nomad Visa).

The good news is that you may already qualify unbeknownst to you! You see, Golden Visas apply retrospectively. If you have already invested in Spain €500,000 in real estate on or after the 28^th of September 2013, you may already pre-qualify for one!

Larraín Nesbitt Abogados have made true the dreams of hundreds of non-EU investors, and their families, assisting them to attain a Golden Visa since its inception in 2013. On applying for a Golden Visa, they assign you one of their immigration lawyers, who will be assisted by one of their in-house visa specialists, guiding and handholding you through the whole procedure. A Golden Visa takes only 3 weeks to attain through them.

Larraín Nesbitt Abogados offer Lionsgate Capital clients improved conditions on their standard Terms & Conditions.

Article by Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt

Director of Larraín Nesbitt Abogados

Raymundo has been practising law since 2003 and has set up his own practice, Larraín Nesbitt Abogados (LNA). He advises mainly Irish, UK, and non-UK domiciled clients, and his main areas of expertise are conveyancing, immigration, and taxation.