How to Obtain Spain Residence by Investment for Students

Golden Visa is a residence permit allowing non-EU nationals to reside in Spain legally. It is granted to foreigners for significant investment. There are 6 investment options.

Requirements for applicants. Students usually obtain their Golden Visa as dependent applicants while one of their parents becomes the main one.

The investor must be over 18, have no criminal record and debt in Spain and buy health insurance covering the investor in Spain. The investment money must be earned abroad.

The investor can add their close family members:

• a spouse or a partner;

• unmarried children of any age, financially dependent on the investor and without children of their own;

• financially dependent parents of any age.

Benefits of Spain Golden Visa include:

• freedom of movement;

• high quality of life;

• access to healthcare services;

• business opportunities;

• prospects of obtaining citizenship;

• educational opportunities.

Studying in Spain opens many career opportunities for international students.

1. Quality education. Spain has numerous prestigious universities, such as the University of Barcelona, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and the University of Navarra. These institutions offer various programs in fields like business, humanities, and sciences in both Spanish and English.

2. Language acquisition. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world by the number of native speakers, and studying in Spain is an excellent opportunity to learn or improve your Spanish skills. Immersion is one of the best ways to learn a language.

3. Internship and job opportunities. Many study programs in Spain offer internship opportunities, and the country’s growing economy provides potential job opportunities in sectors like tourism, renewable energy, and digital services.

4. International networking. Studying in Spain allows students to meet and network with students from all over the world. It can provide invaluable international perspectives and connections for the future.

5. Geographical advantage. Spain is a gateway to other European countries located in the heart of Europe. It gives a travel opportunity for enthusiasts who wish to explore more of Europe during their study period.

6. Lifestyle. Spain is famous for its relaxed lifestyle, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. The Spanish lifestyle can be a welcome change for international students and can provide a balance to academic pressures.

7. Cultural exposure. Spain has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, influenced by the Romans, Moors, and other civilizations. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, famous art museums like the Prado and the Reina Sofia, and vibrant regional cultures. Studying in Spain allows students to experience this culture firsthand.

The cost of studying in Spain depends on many factors: the program, the location of the university, and whether it is a public or a private institution. For example, private universities tend to be more expensive than public ones.

The nationality of a student also influences the cost. Spanish and EU citizens and residents usually pay less than third-countries nationalities. Golden Visa holders enter Spanish universities in the same conditions as Spanish citizens.

The cost in public universities is calculated based on the number of ECTS. Usually, students have around 60 credits per year. For example, one ECTS in Complutense University of Madrid costs €45; for 60, you would need to pay €2,700 per year.

On average, students spend €1,000—3,000 for undergraduate studies in public universities. Costs are reviewed every year.

Costs for studying in private institutions don’t depend on the number of credits and can reach €15,000.

Prices also depend on whether you’re enrolling for the first time or not. If you enter a university and then drop out, you would need to pay more for the second enrollment than the first one.

Students can also apply for scholarships that cover the cost of studies either partially or fully.

Most Spanish universities are located in Madrid and Barcelona. 4 of them rank in the top 200 of the best universities in the world according to the QS Top Universities.

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona is a public university with 112 undergraduate and over 150 master’s degrees. Courses in business management, tourism, economics and others are taught in English partially or fully. For that reason, the university is famous among international students.

The main campus is located in Bellaterra, a part of Barcelona’s metropolitan area.

Universitat de Barcelona is a public university and one of the oldest educational institutions in the country. The main campus is located in Barcelona. Others are spread all across Catalonia.

Most courses are taught in Catalan or Spanish, but there are also some courses in English.

The Complutense University of Madrid is a public university with two campuses in Madrid: Moncloa and Somosaguas. This educational university offers all the major disciplines, such as Economics and Business Administration, Medicine, Computer Science and Engineering, Commerce and Tourism and many others.

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid is another public university located on the outskirts of Madrid. It offers 58 undergraduate degrees and 87 master’s degrees, as well as 8 double degrees.

Spanish diplomas are recognized in all EU countries, the US, and the UK.

Both investors and their family members can apply for permanent residency and citizenship.

After living legally in Spain with your initial Golden Visa for five years, applying for permanent residency is possible — given that all legal criteria are met during this period, including tax compliance and integration into society.

Permanent residency, once granted, leads directly to gaining full-fledged Spanish citizenship. Filing an application becomes possible after 5 years of living with permanent residence.

Having Spanish citizenship means enjoying rights like voting in national elections and unrestricted access across the Schengen area countries without needing additional visas while traveling around Europe.

Obtaining the Spain Golden Visa opens doors to an enriching academic and cultural experience and a pathway to residency in Spain. It’s an excellent opportunity to live, learn, and potentially work in a country renowned for its quality of life, vibrant culture, and high-standard education.

It’s important to note that careful planning, attention to detail, and timeliness in gathering and submitting the required documentation are crucial for a successful application. It includes proving you have sufficient financial means, securing health insurance, and investing significantly in the Spanish economy.