About
Why Spain.
Spain offers one of Europe's largest economies, a Mediterranean lifestyle, and one of the world's strongest passports (rank #3, 194 visa-free destinations). The Investor Visa was introduced by Law 14/2013 and operated as one of Europe's most-used golden visas until April 2025, when Law 16/2024 closed the real-estate-based application route.
The current state: the real-estate path is no longer accepting new applications, but two alternative investment routes remain active — Spanish government bonds (€2M minimum) and business investment creating Spanish jobs (€1M minimum). Both are higher-threshold options designed for serious investors.
For HNWIs whose primary goal was European residency with low physical-presence requirements, Portugal's Golden Visa, Greece's Golden Visa, or Italy's Investor Visa offer comparable benefits at lower entry points. We help clients evaluate the alternatives against their goals.
Beyond residency, Spain's Beckham Law tax regime remains attractive for relocating high earners: a flat 24% tax rate on Spanish employment income up to €600,000 for up to 6 years, instead of Spain's progressive marginal rates that top out near 50%.
Spain's path to citizenship is long — 10 years of legal residence for most nationalities — and Spain does not generally permit dual citizenship, except for nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal. For those nationalities, citizenship is available after just 2 years.
Tax regime
The tax planning angle.
Beckham Law — 24% flat tax on Spanish-sourced income up to €600K (vs progressive rates), available to qualifying new tax residents for 6 years.
Investment routes
How the investment works.
3 routes are available. Pick the one that fits your goals.
Real estate
Real-estate purchase
From
€500,000
Direct purchase of Spanish real estate (residential or commercial), minimum €500,000 in unencumbered value. NOTE: this route was discontinued in April 2025 by Law 16/2024.
- RecoverableProperty held during residency; sale possible at market rates.
- Hold period0 years minimum
Benefits
What residency unlocks.
Schengen mobility
Spanish residency grants visa-free travel across the entire Schengen Area and the right to live in Spain.
Path to citizenship (10 years)
After 10 years of legal residence, eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship by naturalisation. Latin American nationals: 2 years.
Very low physical-presence requirement
Originally only one day per year of physical presence was needed to maintain residency status — among the most flexible in the EU.
Beckham Law tax regime
Qualifying new tax residents pay a flat 24% on Spanish-sourced income up to €600,000 for up to 6 years — significantly below the progressive top rate.
Family included
Spouse, dependent children, and financially-dependent parents included in the principal application.
Eligibility
Who can apply.
Main applicant
- ✓At least 18 years old
- ✓Clean criminal record
Family members eligible
- ✓Spouse
- ✓Children
- ✓Parents
Process
How it works, step by step.
Initial residency: ~1–3 months for initial decision.
- 1
NIE application
2–4 weeksObtain Spanish Foreigner Identity Number via Spanish consulate or in-country agent.
- 2
Investment
2–8 weeksReal-estate purchase notarised, or bond investment confirmed by Spanish broker.
- 3
Visa application
4–8 weeksInvestor visa application filed at Spanish consulate in country of residence (or in Spain).
- 4
Initial residency
2 weeks1-year residence card issued; in-person collection in Spain.
- 5
2-year renewals
Every 2 yearsRenewals every 2 years, then 5 years after initial period.
- 6
Permanent residence
5 yearsAfter 5 years of legal residence, eligible for permanent residency. Citizenship after 10 years.
Documents
What you'll need to prepare.
10 documents required.
- 1Passport copy (notarized)
- 2Police clearance from country of residence (last 5 years)
- 3Medical certificate from licensed Spanish doctor
- 4Private health insurance (Spanish coverage)
- 5Proof of investment (notarised deed for real estate, broker confirmation for bonds)
- 6Bank statements showing source of funds
- 7Birth and marriage certificates (apostilled)
- 8Spanish criminal-record clearance (if previously resident)
- 9NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) application
- 10Photographs
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Is the Spain Golden Visa still open?
What alternatives exist?
Is the Beckham Law still in force?
How long until Spanish citizenship?
Can the program be re-opened?
Legal basis
Law 14/2013 (Support for Entrepreneurs), Section 6. Real-estate route closed by Law 16/2024 (effective April 2025).
