Golden visa in Spain

Residency no longer available: find out your alternatives with us

Get in touch with us and get the complete list of requirements + application process!

Immigration Lawyers Spain » Golden Visa in Spain

Invest in Spain and get the Residency through the golden visa program

In the past, one of the easiest ways to get the Spanish Residency was through the Golden Visa Program. This investor permit granted NON-EU Nationals the right to obtain Spanish residency for one year. And it did not require residing in Spain (over 183 days), just visiting the country once during the period of residence.

Even though this residency is no longer available, there are alternative options you can benefit from if you wish to move to Spain. Get in touch with us to learn more.

Main benefits of the golden visa

Investor visa application process: this is how it used to work

Who was able to apply for the Golden Visa?

Investors who make a significant investment in Spain:

Real estate assets (for example, buying a property in Spain) of €500,000.
Shares of a Spanish company or bank deposits (€1 million)
Public debt (€2 million)
Entrepreneurs who start Business projects in Spain considered being of general interest. The general interest report will be requested from the Spanish Economic and Trade Office.

Documents required to get the Spanish investor permit in the past

To apply to the Spanish Investor Visa was really simple.

Which were the documents required to get the Spanish investor permit?

Identity document or passport.
Public or private health insurance taken out with a company operating in Spain.
Background check.
Application form.
Proof of sufficient funds to support the applicant and members of his/her family during residence in Spain.
Documents providing proof of the investment, such as property, unlisted shares and equity, listed shares, public debt, bank deposits, business project.

Start now and get the step by step legal assistance that will help you enjoy an effortless process:

We will submit your application online

Our team will take care of sending the application or renewal documents for your application completely online, so you can get the residency without having to leave your home.

What our clients think about us

    
 
 
        
   Dare IL 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I successfully applied for the Digital Nomad Visa using Balcells.

Mar Catalan and Ana Fraga Almoyna provided a very professional and friendly service with clear communication and support.

They also helped me obtain the TIE. Highly recommend.
  
 
       
   Polina Leman 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience with Balcells Group has been amazing. From guiding us through every step of the process of registering pareja de hecho to helping out with all the subsequent questions and visa extension, their team has been extremely helpful. A special thanks to Marina for her responsiveness, professionalism and kindness. I'd definitely work with them again.
  
 
       
   Zohaib Hassan 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing experience with them, Ińes did an amazing job for my Digital Nomad visa,

Even in busy schedules she responded every query very quickly and assisted me in every step.

Thank you so much team specially Ińes.
  
 
       
   Bouzid Maher 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m really grateful to Ana Fraga for all her help throughout my immigration process. She was always very professional and responsive, but what I appreciated most was how reassuring she was whenever I was feeling worried or unsure about the process. She always took the time to explain things clearly and made me feel that I was in good hands.

A particularly stressful moment was when we had to submit a response, but Ana handled everything calmly and professionally, which gave me a lot of reassurance. Thankfully, we received a positive resolution and my residence permit was granted!

I’m very happy with the outcome and really thankful to Ana for her support and guidance throughout the process. I would definitely recommend her to anyone going through an immigration process in Spain. Thank you, Ana! 😊
  
 
       
   Rajan Jung Chettri KC 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Balcells Group for immigration services in Spain. I applied for my immigration process through them, and I am very happy to say that my application has been successfully approved. 🎉
From the beginning, the team was professional, supportive, trustworthy, and very helpful. They guided me throughout the entire process, explained everything clearly, and were always there whenever I had questions.
A special and heartfelt thank you to my lawyer, Marina, for her never-ending support, dedication, patience, and guidance throughout my immigration process. Her professional assistance gave me great confidence and peace of mind.
In my experience, Balcells Group is one of the best and most trusted immigration law firms in Spain. I am genuinely impressed with their service and professionalism.
Thank you, Marina, and the entire Balcells Group team, for your excellent support. I truly appreciate everything you have done for me.
Highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  
 
       
   Fawad Ahmed 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience working with Balcells Group for a long time with my immigration needs in Barcelona. The entire team is highly professional, especially my lawyer Marta Casarramona. In the beginning, I faced some difficulties with my initial stay in Spain, but Marta stepped in and completely turned things around for me. She smoothly guided me through the entire social integration process a few years ago, helped me secure my residency and thoroughly took care of a long list of paperwork and contracts to ensure a perfect submission. Balcells Group makes a stressful process completely straightforward. I highly recommend them!
  
 
       
   Rafael Perez 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ana Fraga, Mar Catalan and Marta Valls did my nationality process. It was smooth and they were all always attentive to my questions. Thank you all.
  
 
       
   Hyuk Park 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very kind and good communication.
  
 
       
   Faty T 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a very positive experience with Balcells group. I worked with Camila, she was very professional, advised me on what TIE option is best in my situation, and answered all my questions as quickly as possible. I highly recommend Balcells group and Camila.
  
 
       
   Àlex Verdugo Compés 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Balcells Group helped us obtain a Spanish resident regrouping permit. The experience was outstanding ; from the very beginning, they had everything clear, organized, and full of experience. At every step, they helped us and communicated incredibly well about all of our questions. We received the permit quickly and without incidents.

What will you gain by getting the RESIDENCY with us?

You would just need to sign. We will fill out for you all the necessary documents and send them to the competent authority.

We will help you with the property investment and all the contracts needed, as well as all translations of the documents

Which type of investment is more appropriate for me? We will help you decide where to put your money.

With you step by step

Our real estate lawyers also accompany you step by step throughout the whole process of buying and selling your property so you can find the best investment opportunities and buy in a comfortable and safe way.

Golden visa removal in Spain

April 3, 2025, marked the definitive elimination of the golden visa in Spain. Thus, since that date, it is no longer possible to apply for the investor visa, and obtaining residency through investment in real estate or other assets is no longer a possibility. Below, we detail more about the reasons for this elimination, as well as the causes.

What will happen with current Golden Visas holders?

If you are a golden visa holder, you will be able to maintain your residence by investment until its expiration date.

That is, as of April 3, the possibility of applying for new golden visas is eliminated, but existing cards are not extinguished.

However, when the time comes for renewal, you could lose it.

You will only be able to renew your investment visa if you got it after investing in real estate. If you did it through the other investment categories, you will not be able to renew.

Golden visa alternatives

So, what are the alternatives to the elimination of the golden visa? What are the ways for non-EU foreigners to obtain residency in Spain?

Let’s take a look at the list of the most popular options:

Non-lucrative visa, the ideal option for those foreigners who do not want to work in Spain for one year (although once this year comes to an end, it is possible to modify to a work permit).
The digital nomad visa, if you plan to live in Spain while working remotely for a company or international clients.
The student visa, if for example you are going to study a master’s degree or higher education in Spain. You will be able to work up to 30 hours per week, and once the training is finished, you will be able to obtain a work permit.
EU family member card, a residence permit for 5 years if you have EU family members living in Spain (e.g. your partner or children).

Why has the golden visa been eliminated?

What are the reasons that have led the Spanish government to eliminate the residence by investment or golden visa?

Well, the reality is that it is a decision that responds to different motivations:

Follow-up of the European directive. From the EU, the directive is clear: in the medium term, the member countries should eliminate this residency option. So much so that Spain joins Portugal, which, a few years ago, also eliminated its golden visa.
Problems in the real estate market. Spanish nationals today find it quite difficult to access housing. That is why the golden visa is also eliminated to guarantee more supply for Spanish citizens.
Reduction of real estate speculation. Continuing with the previous point, this elimination is also intended to curb speculation in housing prices and reduce the upward trend in housing prices.