Spain

The Spanish “Golden Visa” Law, established in 2013, provides an opportunity for non-EU citizens and their families to obtain a Temporary Residence Permit. This permit extends to spouses and dependent children under 18 years of age. It’s essential to note that this resident status does not grant access to free healthcare, education, or other social benefits. To be eligible, investors and their families must have health insurance and demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves.

Time to citizenship: 10 years (with a residency requirement)
Visa-free travel: Access to 29 Schengen countries
Investment type: Real Estate
Minimum investment: EUR 500,000
Family dependents: Spouse and children below 18. Adult children above 18 and parents of the main applicant qualify if they prove financial dependency
Passport validity: 10 years (with a residency requirement)

Benefits

Simplified Process: Maintain the permit with just one visit to Spain per year. Easily renew the Spain Golden Visa every two years.
Right to Work: After obtaining the initial 2-year permit, you gain the right to work as an entrepreneur or employee.
Family Inclusion: The Spanish Residence permit extends to your spouse and children below 18 years of age.
No Complex Requirements: No interview, language test, education, or management experience is required.

Global Mobility

Enjoy freedom of movement in the 29 Schengen countries.
Stay and work in Spain as desired.

Additional Advantages

Spanish citizenship can be obtained by meeting specific requirements:
1. Start with a residence visa (Golden visa) valid for up to one year.
2. Apply for a 2-year residence permit, which can be renewed every two years as long as your investment is maintained.
3. After spending at least 6 months in Spain each year for 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence.
4. After a total of 10 years under the given conditions, you can apply for Spanish nationality.
Limited taxation: If you spend less than 6 months per year in Spain, you only pay taxes on the initial purchase of real estate and subsequently on the value of your assets in Spain, if any.

Costs

To be eligible for residency in Spain through its residency by investment program, you are required to make a property investment in Spain’s real estate market with a minimum investment of EUR 500,000.

Required Documents

Citizenship Invest provides a simplified document collection process. The following is a general guideline, and specific requirements may vary based on individual cases:

Documents required from each applicant, including children:

Original passport (valid for at least one year) with two blank pages for the visa.
Two original passport-size photos.
Proof of valid medical insurance (public health insurance or private insurance from a licensed company operating in Spain).
Medical certificate (issued no more than 90 days before the appointment date, including an original signature and/or stamp from a doctor).
Certified copy of the criminal record certificate for the past five years from your country of origin (issued no more than 90 days before application, and valid for three months after issuance, legalized by the Spanish Consulate/Embassy).

Documents required from the main applicant:

Proof of work or proof of personal company and income (official document indicating work details, type of work, and annual income).
Official English or Spanish translation, legalized by the Spanish Consulate in the country of residence.
Bank statements for the last 12 months.

Documents required for married applicants:

Original excerpt of marriage record or certified copy of marriage certificates (officially translated into Spanish or English and certified by the Spanish Consulate).
Certified copy of the divorce certificate (if applicable, officially translated into Spanish or English and certified by the Spanish Consulate).

Timeline

Weeks 1-2: Client signs CI Retainer Agreement and pays the retainer invoice. The client selects the property, either remotely or by visiting Spain.
Weeks 2-8: Lawyers execute the property purchase, and all investment documentation is prepared.
Weeks 8-9: Government reviews the file and advises on Residence Visa approval.
Weeks 10-11: The client is issued with a Residence Visa, valid for 1 year, which can be extended to a 2-year Residence Permit if desired.

The estimated time for receiving residence visa approval depends on due diligence processing time and specific case details.