Spain Residence by Investment Program
Spain’s unique blend of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich historical heritage makes it a standout destination for investors. The Spain Residence by Investment Program, also known as the Spanish Golden Visa, offers a streamlined path to residency for those making a significant economic contribution to the country. This program allows individuals and their immediate family members to obtain a temporary residence permit within a month, with the potential to achieve permanent residency after five years and Spanish citizenship thereafter.
Benefits of a Spanish Golden Visa
- High Quality of Life: Enjoy Spain’s exceptional lifestyle, which includes access to a robust public healthcare system and high-quality education.
- Family Inclusion: Include your spouse or unmarried partner, financially dependent children of any age (with adult children required to be full-time students), and financially dependent parents of 65 years or older.
- EU Mobility: Benefit from Spain’s position within the European Union, with the possibility of applying for Spanish citizenship after two years of effective residence for Sephardic Jews, Ibero-American citizens, and those from Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and the Philippines.
- Education and Healthcare: Access excellent schools with various language options, and high-quality public healthcare.
- Diverse Landscapes: Experience Spain’s majestic landscapes, from its beaches to its historic cities.
Requirements for Spanish Golden Visa
To qualify for the Spain Residence by Investment Program, applicants must choose one of the following investment options:
- Real Estate Investment: Purchase property or properties with a minimum value of EUR 500,000.
- Financial Investment: Invest a minimum of EUR 1 million in Spanish financial institutions, such as investment funds, bank deposits, or listed company shares.
- Government Bonds: Invest a minimum of EUR 2 million in Spanish government bonds.
Proof of investment must be provided as part of the application process.
Procedures and Time Frame
The application process involves two stages:
- Initial Application: Apply for a Spanish residence visa in your home country, which allows you to reside and work in Spain for one year.
- Residence Permit Application: Apply for a Spanish residence permit. If you are already in Spain on a tourist visa, you can apply for the residence permit directly, bypassing the first phase.
- Processing Time: Residence permits are typically issued within a 20-day consideration period and are initially valid for three years. They can be renewed for additional five-year periods, provided the investment is maintained.
- No Minimum Stay Requirement: there is no obligation to stay in Spain to maintain residence status, an initial visit is required to obtain the first residence permit.
Citizenship
- General Requirement: Applicants may apply for Spanish citizenship after ten years of legal residence.
- Special Provisions: Sephardic Jews and citizens from Equatorial Guinea, Latin America, and the Philippines can apply for citizenship after two years of effective residence. Note that dual citizenship restrictions may apply to most foreign nationals.
Spain’s Residence by Investment Program offers a flexible and beneficial route to living in one of Europe’s most appealing countries, with significant advantages for investors and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Spain Residence by Investment Program?
The Spain Residence by Investment Program, commonly known as the Spanish Golden Visa, provides residence to individuals and their families through substantial economic contributions to Spain.
What types of investment options available for the Spain Residence by Investment Program?
Investment options include purchasing real estate, investing in Spanish businesses or financial institutions, or buying government bonds.
What are the advantages of acquiring Spanish residence through investment?
Benefits include the right to live, work, and study in Spain, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and access to high-quality living standards.
What is the investment requirement for the Spain Residence by Investment Program?
The minimum investment required starts at EUR 500,000 for real estate purchases.
How long does the application process take?
The processing time is in general around 20 days.
Is it possible to include family members in the application?
Yes, that’s correct. Under the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation Program, the main applicant can include:
- Spouse: The applicant’s partner.
- Dependent Children: Children who are financially dependent on the main applicant and are in full-time education.
- Dependent Parents: Parents who are financially dependent on the main applicant.
What are the residency requirements?
Although there are no mandatory residence requirements, the initial residence permit requires at least one visit to Spain during the first year, and the investment must be maintained.
What are the required documents for Spain Residence by Investment application?
Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and additional supporting documents.
Is it possible to acquire Spanish citizenship through the Residence by Investment Program?
Yes, after ten years of continuous residence, investors may apply for Spanish citizenship.
How to apply to the Spain Residence by Investment Program?
Applicants must make a qualifying investment, submit the application with necessary documents, and undergo a due diligence process.