The Spain Golden Visa program provides a unique opportunity for non-EU nationals to secure Spanish residency through an investment of at least €500,000.
In addition to initial investment costs, administrative fees of €8,000 and taxes are involved in obtaining a golden visa in Spain. We will help you understand these additional expenses better.
We’ll explore this program’s various benefits and discuss the different investment requirements that qualify you for it. From real estate investments to alternative acquisition methods, we will provide comprehensive insights into these prerequisites.
How Much Does it Cost to Obtain Spain Golden Visa?
Spain Golden Visa Program: initial investment amount
The Spain residence by investment is an attractive opportunity for non-EU nationals and their families seeking residency permits. This unique scheme allows them to live, work, and study in Spain by investing significantly in the country.
There are six investment options available for the Spain Golden Visa program:
Real estate purchase — €500,000.
Opening a deposit in a Spanish bank — €1,000,000.
Purchase of shares of Spanish companies — €1,000,000.
Purchase of units in investment funds — €1,000,000.
Purchase of government bonds — €2,000,000.
Business investments — no minimum investment.
Spanish investment residency was initiated to attract foreign capital into Spain during its economic crisis. It has since been successful in drawing wealthy individuals from around the globe due to its enticing benefits.
Despite requiring a substantial monetary commitment upfront, it’s clear why so many affluent individuals find the value proposition appealing. The numerous advantages that come with the golden visa package transform their lifestyle opportunities while simultaneously contributing towards boosting the host nation’s economy through their investments.
Benefits offered by the Spain Golden Visa Program:
flexibility: no need to reside permanently in Spain;
Schengen access: unrestricted travel access across all countries within the Schengen Zone;
no language requirement: proficiency in the local language is not mandatory, no linguistic barriers;
potential citizenship: after living continuously for ten years, you can apply to become a citizen and enjoy full rights like native Spaniards.
So, suppose you’re seeking a secure future for yourself and your family amidst the world’s uncertainties today. In that case, consider exploring the possibility of obtaining your paradise under the sun via the Spain Golden Visa Program.
Additional Costs Associated with Acquiring a Golden Visa
When considering the Spain residence by investment, it’s essential to understand that the initial investment is just part of the financial commitment. Other expenses associated with acquiring a golden visa can quickly add up.
Administrative fees. The administrative costs for obtaining a golden visa amount to approximately €8,000. It includes stamp duty, application and processing fees charged by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. These fees cover all aspects of your application, from document verification to the issuance of residency permits.
If you want to make things easier, you can hire an immigration consultant or lawyer who specialises in golden visas. You can hire an immigration consultant or lawyer to avoid any potential issues.
Taxes and transaction expenses. In addition to administrative costs, taxes play a significant role when investing in real estate to acquire a golden visa. The exact tax rate depends on factors such as property location and type:
value added tax, VAT: if you’re buying new properties directly from developers or banks, then VAT applies at 10% plus stamp duty at 1,5%, making total tax around 11,5%;
transfer tax, ITP: if purchasing second-hand properties, ITP applies instead, ranging from 6%—10% depending upon the region within Spain where the property is located. Here’s more detailed information about ITP rates across different areas of Spain.
Expenses related to purchasing properties include notary fees, land registry fees, and potential real estate agent commission. So while the base requirement may seem like €500,000, actual expenditure can easily reach around €560,000 once all these extra costs are factored into the equation.
Spain Golden Visa Expenses Under Real Estate Option
3 Value Proposition Despite High Costs
The Spain residence by investment may seem like a hefty investment at first glance, with total expenditure potentially reaching around €560,000 when all costs are factored in. But the benefits far outweigh the financial outlay.
1. Visa-free travelling to Schengen states. The primary allure of this visa is its offer of visa-free access to the Schengen Zone, which comprises 27 European countries. It allows unrestricted travel and staying within these nations without additional visas or permits. For those who frequently conduct business across Europe or enjoy exploring different cultures and landscapes in their leisure time, this perk alone can justify the cost.
2. Tax benefits. Beyond travel convenience, Spain’s Golden Visa also offers potential tax advantages. Non-residents only pay taxes on income generated within Spain rather than their worldwide income — an attractive proposition for high-net-worth individuals from countries with higher tax rates.
3. Pathway towards naturalisation and citizenship. Apart from immediate perks such as visa-free travel and possible tax benefits, another significant value offered by this program is its path towards naturalisation and citizenship in Spain. Applicants can apply for Spanish citizenship after ten years of legal residency under the golden visa scheme.
It opens up opportunities not just to permanently reside in one of Europe’s most vibrant countries but also to gain EU citizenship offering further freedom to live, work or study anywhere within European Union member states.
Steps Involved in Application Process of Obtaining Spanish Investment Residency
The steps involved in applying for the golden visa are simple but require meticulous planning.
Select the investment option
Decide which type of investment suits you best, whether a real estate purchase or capital contribution and proceed accordingly, making necessary investments and ensuring minimum thresholds are met.
Decide which type of investment suits you best, whether a real estate purchase or capital contribution and proceed accordingly, making necessary investments and ensuring minimum thresholds are met.
Getting the required documents and application
It means collecting, verifying, translating, and notarising the required documentation discussed above. Once everything is ready, submit your application online or in person at your local Spanish embassy or consulate. Applications are usually processed within 20 working days but may take longer, depending on the volume of submissions and time of year.
It means collecting, verifying, translating, and notarising the required documentation discussed above. Once everything is ready, submit your application online or in person at your local Spanish embassy or consulate. Applications are usually processed within 20 working days but may take longer, depending on the volume of submissions and time of year.
Obtaining residence permit cards
The investor collects residence permit cards personally in Spain. The investor and their family members are not obligated to reside in Spain after obtaining residency by investment. The investor must visit the country only to renew the residence permit.
The investor collects residence permit cards personally in Spain. The investor and their family members are not obligated to reside in Spain after obtaining residency by investment. The investor must visit the country only to renew the residence permit.
Renewal of the residence permit
The first Spain residence permit card is valid for three years. After its expiration, the investor can extend the status for another five years. The renewal procedure takes place in Spain.
The first Spain residence permit card is valid for three years. After its expiration, the investor can extend the status for another five years. The renewal procedure takes place in Spain.
Global Trends and Controversies Surrounding Gold Visas
More investors are seeking a residence permit in Spain as public confidence in Golden Visa schemes grows. Compared to last year, 45% more main applicants were granted golden visas. Most accepted program applicants are from China, India, and Venezuela.
The golden visa scheme has been popular for wealthy individuals seeking residency in Spain. In recent years, the Spanish investment residency has seen a surge in applications from listed citizens.
Travelling freely within the Schengen Zone is an attractive proposition for many nationals keen on exploring business opportunities or providing better education options for their children.
Conclusion
Expenses related to purchasing properties include notary fees, land registry fees, and any potential real estate agent commission. So while the base requirement may seem like €500,000, actual expenditure can easily reach around €560,000 once all these extra costs are factored into the equation.
The Spanish Golden Visa program offers visa-free access to the Schengen Zone and potential tax advantages. Additionally, after 10 years of legal residency under the golden visa scheme, applicants can apply for Spanish citizenship, which opens up opportunities to reside in Spain and gain EU citizenship permanently.
Download our complete guide to learn everything you need about 9 popular Golden Visa programs.
Benefits
Investment options
Eligibility requirements
Processing times