By Joana Mendonça, Head of Legal at Global Citizen Solutions

Praised for its sun-kissed beaches, laid-back lifestyle, vibrant culture, and high quality of life, Spain is a sought-after destination for individuals aspiring to live in Europe.

Fortunately, there’s an advantageous program for those seeking to set base in Spain. Launched in 2013 as part of a plan to boost the economy, the Spanish Golden Visa offers applicants and their families the opportunity to secure residency in Spain in exchange for a qualifying investment in the country.

Offering investors a range of attractive benefits, the Golden Visa Spain program has gained popularity worldwide, especially among citizens from China, Russia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Brazil, and India.

Let’s delve into the details of this attractive residency-by-investment scheme and discover the opportunities that it holds for global citizens.

What is the Spain Golden Visa?

Simply put, it’s a visa that grants qualifying individuals a renewable, temporary residence permit in Spain in exchange for an investment in the country.

To qualify for the program, you must be a non-EU, EEA, or Switzerland national, have a clean criminal record, and financially invest in Spain.

Applicants can choose from an array of attractive investment routes, including:

• Purchase commercial and/or residential real estate in Spain (minimum of €500,000)
• Public debt securities (minimum of €2 million)
• Stocks, shares, or bank deposits (minimum of €1 million)
• Business Investment (minimum of €1 million)

Golden Visa Spain: Top Benefits

The benefits of Spain’s Golden Visa extend way beyond residency. Some of the program’s top perks for applicants include visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area and access to an EU standard of education and healthcare.

Another advantage worth mentioning is that, after ten years of legal residency in Spain, Golden Visa holders can apply for European citizenship. Just keep in mind that, regardless of the chosen investment route, maintaining the investment for a minimum of five years is crucial to retaining the residence permit.

Once Spanish citizenship is achieved, it’s possible to obtain a Spanish passport, which is one of the most powerful in the world, allowing holders free-visa access to 173 countries.

Spain’s Golden Visa is an enticing way of securing better opportunities, a more stable future, and ease of travel for yourself and your family members. Overall, the program offers a path to residency and potential citizenship, making it a compelling option for those seeking a lasting connection to this beautiful European destination.