Guide · Spain Golden Visa
The Spain Golden Visa grants residency to non-EU investors and their families through a qualifying investment. With no minimum stay requirement, a fast-track timeline, and a path to permanent residency and citizenship, it is one of Europe's most attractive investor visa programs. This guide covers every investment route, the application process, and what to expect at each stage.
€500,000
Minimum investment
~20 days
Approval time
2 + 5 years
Permit validity
Spouse + children
Family included
The Golden Visa program offers four qualifying investment routes. Each has different capital requirements, risk profiles, and flexibility. Most families choose real estate for its tangible value and potential appreciation.
The most popular route. Purchase one or more properties in Spain with a combined value of at least €500,000 (free of encumbrances). Mortgages can cover any amount above €500,000. The property can be residential, commercial, or land for development.
Invest €2 million in Spanish government debt. This route is suited to investors who prefer liquid, low-risk instruments. The bonds must be held for the duration of the permit.
Invest €1 million in shares of Spanish companies with significant business activity, or deposit €1 million in a Spanish bank. These routes suit investors with existing business interests or those seeking financial flexibility.
From strategy consultation to holding your residence card, the process typically takes eight to twelve weeks. RUGA manages every step, coordinating with immigration lawyers, notaries, and financial institutions.
We analyse your family's situation, investment goals, and long-term plans. We assess whether the Golden Visa is the optimal route or whether the Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, or another pathway better serves your needs.
For real estate, we source properties, handle due diligence, negotiate, and coordinate the notary. For financial investments, we connect you with regulated Spanish institutions. The investment must be completed before the visa application.
We prepare the full application dossier: background checks, proof of investment, health insurance, and family documentation. The application is filed with the relevant Spanish consulate or immigration office.
Once approved — typically within 20 working days — we arrange your NIE (foreigner identification number), fingerprinting, and collection of the physical residence card. The permit is valid for two years and renewable every five years.
The minimum real estate investment is €500,000 in a single property or a portfolio of properties. Alternative routes include €2 million in Spanish government bonds, €1 million in shares of Spanish companies, or €1 million in bank deposits.
The Golden Visa grants residency, not automatic citizenship. After ten years of legal residency in Spain, you may apply for Spanish citizenship. The Golden Visa renewal is straightforward and does not require continuous physical presence.
Yes. The Spain Golden Visa includes the main applicant, spouse, and dependent children under 18 (or older if financially dependent). Dependent parents of the main applicant or spouse can also be included.
Once the investment is completed and all documentation is submitted, the residence permit is typically issued within 20 working days. The initial permit is valid for two years and renewable every five years.
No. Unlike other Spanish residence permits, the Golden Visa does not require you to spend a minimum number of days in Spain. You only need to visit once during the permit period to maintain your residency status.
The Golden Visa is one of several pathways to Spanish residency. Request a private consultation and we'll assess whether it's the optimal route for your family — or whether the Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, or another option better serves your goals.
Request a private consultation