Spain Golden Visa

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Immigration Attorneys in Madrid

Spain’s Golden Visa program was abolished on April 3, 2025, and new applications are no longer accepted. However, existing Golden Visa holders may still renew their residence permits under the previous regulations. In this guide, updated in September 2026 and written by lawyers specializing in Spanish immigration law, we explain the former Golden Visa requirements, the application process and its benefits, as well as the conditions for renewing existing Golden Visas in Spain.

What is the Spanish Golden Visa?

The Spanish Golden Visa, also known as the Investor Visa or Spanish Residency by Investment, was a residence permit that allowed qualifying non-EU nationals to live and work in Spain after making a significant investment. Although the program was abolished on April 3, 2025, existing Golden Visa holders may still qualify for renewal under the applicable transitional provisions.

What is considered a “significant investment in Spain”?

Under Spain’s former Golden Visa program, a significant investment in Spain referred to an investment meeting certain minimum financial thresholds or a business project considered to be of general interest. Although the program was abolished on April 3, 2025, these requirements remain relevant for existing Golden Visa holders seeking to renew their residence permits.

The most common qualifying investment was the purchase of real estate in Spain for a minimum of EUR 500,000, excluding taxes. Investors could purchase a single property or several properties, provided their combined qualifying investment reached at least EUR 500,000.

For existing Golden Visa holders, maintaining the qualifying investment is generally essential for renewing their residence permits. Our experienced immigration and real estate lawyers can assist you in verifying your investment, reviewing the required documentation and managing your Golden Visa renewal in Spain.

Other qualifying investments under the former Spanish Golden Visa program included:

Initial investment equal to or greater than two million euros (EUR 2,000,000) in Spanish public debt securities.
Initial investment equal to or greater than one million euros (EUR 1,000,000) in stocks or shares in Spanish companies undertaking actual business activities.
Initial investment equal to or greater than one million euros (EUR 1,000,000) in investment funds or venture capital funds established in Spain,
Initial investment equal to or greater than one million euros (EUR 1,000,000) in bank deposits in Spanish financial institutions.
Investment in a business project in Spain that is considered to be of general interest. In this regard “general interest” shall mean the creation of a substantial number of jobs, the significant socio-economic impact on the geographical area in which the project is to be carried out, or its significant contribution to scientific or technological innovation.

What are the main requirements for renewing a Spanish Golden Visa?

Existing Golden Visa holders may renew their residence permits under the regulations in force when their initial authorization was granted, provided they continue to meet the applicable requirements.

The main requirements for renewing a Spanish Golden Visa are:

Maintain the qualifying investment in Spain: Demonstrate that the investment which originally entitled you to obtain the Golden Visa has been maintained and continues to meet the applicable legal requirements.
Have sufficient financial means: Demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family members during your residence in Spain.
Maintain valid health insurance: Have public or private health insurance with an insurance provider authorized to operate in Spain, where applicable.
Comply with the applicable immigration requirements: Continue to meet the relevant legal conditions, including those concerning criminal records and immigration status.
Provide the required supporting documentation: Submit the documentation demonstrating that you continue to meet the applicable renewal requirements, together with the relevant application fees.

How should I prove the significant investment in Spain?

The accreditation of the investment must be carried out as follows:

Investment in real estate: The public deed of purchase and sale, and a certificate of ownership and encumbrances must be provided.
Investment in unlisted shares or social participations of a Spanish company: The copy of the declaration of investment made in the Registry of Foreign Investments of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness must be presented.
Investment in listed shares: A certificate from the financial intermediary must be provided, duly registered with the National Securities Market Commission (“CNMV”) or with the Bank of Spain, stating that the investor has made the investment for the purposes of the provisions of Law 14/2013, of September 27, on support to entrepreneurs and their internationalization.
Investment in Spanish public debt: You must provide a certificate issued by the Bank of Spain, or a certificate issued by the financial institution with which we have managed the investment. Said certificate must clearly state that the investor is the sole owner of said investment in Spanish public debt for a period equal to or greater than five (5) years.
Investment in investment funds, closed-end investment funds or venture capital funds incorporated in Spain: A certificate from the fund management company must be attached, incorporated in Spain, duly registered with the National Securities Market Commission (“Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores” or CNMV”), stating that the investor has made an investment of at least one million euros (EUR 1,000,000) in a fund or funds under its management.
Investment in bank deposits: The certificate issued by the financial institution must be provided, indicating that the investor is the sole owner of the bank deposit.
Investment in a business project in Spain that is considered to be of general interest: A favorable report must be submitted to verify that reasons of general interest concur in the business project presented. The report will come from the Economic and Commercial Office of the area of geographical demarcation where the investor submits his application for a golden visa. On the other hand, if what is requested is the residence authorization for investors, a favorable report from the General Directorate of International Trade and Investment issued by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness must be attached to verify that the reasons of general interest initially accredited are currently maintain.

What are the benefits of an investors’ residence permit?

You will have the right to reside, work, and/or study in Spain. The initial authorization will be for three (3) years. You can either work on your own (creating your company) or work for someone else (rendering services for a company).
Possibility that your family members obtain their residence and work permit together with yours. This applies to your wife or unmarried partner, minor children, adult children who are financially dependent on the investor, and first-degree ascendants, who are also dependent on the investor.
Free movement through all the twenty-nine (29) countries of the Schengen territory.
The time of residence in Spain computes to obtain Spanish citizenship. If the investor proves to be a national of an Ibero-American country, (country whose official language is Spanish or Portuguese), of Andorra, the Philippines, Portugal, or Equatorial Guinea, he may apply for Spanish citizenship upon completing two (2) years of continued legal residence in Spain.
It is not necessary to reside in Spain or have tax residence in Spain to be able to maintain or renew your Golden Visa. The investor can reside in another country and maintain his non-resident status in Spain.
Agile application processing: The application must be answered within twenty (20) business days. Delayed response equals to concession of the investor’s residence authorization.
You can be absent from Spain for extended periods of time: To renew your residence authorization for investors, it is only necessary to travel to Spain once during the period of residence.

What relatives of the investor can renew the Golden Visa?

The investor’s spouse or unmarried partner.
Children under 18 years old and adult children (over 18 years old) who are financially dependent on the investor, and who have not created a family unit of their own.
Relatives in the ascending line (investors’ parents) under the investor’s financial care.

Can I renew my Spanish Golden Visa in 2026?

Yes. Although Spain abolished its Golden Visa program on April 3, 2025, existing investor residence permits covered by the transitional provisions may still be renewed under the regulations in force when the initial authorization was granted.

Applicants must continue to meet the applicable renewal requirements, including maintaining the qualifying investment and providing the necessary supporting documentation. Renewal applications are assessed according to the circumstances of each investor.

What is the application process for renewing a Spanish Golden Visa?

Although Spain’s Golden Visa program was abolished on April 3, 2025, existing investors may still renew their residence permits under the regulations in force when their initial residence authorization was granted.

Applications for Spanish Golden Visa renewals must be submitted electronically to the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE). Applicants must provide documentation demonstrating that they continue to meet the applicable requirements, particularly that they have maintained the qualifying investment that originally entitled them to obtain their residence permit.

The statutory processing period is 20 business days. If the UGE-CE fails to notify a decision within this period, the application is deemed approved under the positive administrative silence rule.

Once the renewal has been approved, the applicant must apply for a new Foreigner Identity Card (TIE, by its Spanish acronym) at the corresponding police station.

How long is a renewed Spanish Golden Visa valid?

A renewed Spanish Golden Visa is generally valid for five (5) years, provided the investor continues to meet the applicable legal requirements.

When should I apply for renewal?

Renewal applications should generally be submitted during the 60 days preceding the expiration of the residence authorization. Applications may also be submitted within the following 90 days, although late submission may have legal consequences.

Do you have any questions?
Contact our experienced immigration lawyers

Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish Golden Visa Renewals:

What are the main differences between the Spanish Golden Visa and the Non-Lucrative Visa?

The Spanish Golden Visa program was abolished on April 3, 2025, and new applications are no longer accepted. However, existing Golden Visa holders may still renew their residence permits under the applicable transitional provisions. The Non-Lucrative Visa remains available to eligible non-EU nationals who wish to reside in Spain without working.

The main differences between these two residence permits are:

Right to work: The Golden Visa allows its holders to live and work in Spain, whereas the Non-Lucrative Visa does not authorize employment or professional activities.
Duration: Under the former Golden Visa regulations, initial investor residence permits were generally granted for three years and could be renewed for successive five-year periods. The Non-Lucrative Visa provides an initial residence authorization valid for one year, renewable for two years.
Minimum stay in Spain: Golden Visa renewals do not generally require continuous residence in Spain, whereas Non-Lucrative Visa holders must demonstrate that they have actually resided in Spain for more than 183 days during the calendar year to qualify for renewal.

Do I need to live in Spain to renew my Spanish Golden Visa?

No. Existing Golden Visa holders are generally not required to reside continuously in Spain to renew their investor residence permits. Under the applicable transitional provisions, renewals are governed by the regulations in force when the initial authorization was granted. Applicants must continue to meet the relevant requirements, particularly maintaining their qualifying investment.

Can I renew my Golden Visa after the program's abolition?

Yes. Existing Golden Visa holders covered by the transitional provisions may renew their residence permits under the regulations in force when their initial authorization was granted, provided they continue to meet the applicable requirements.

Can I apply for permanent residence in Spain after holding a Golden Visa for five years?

Golden Visa holders may qualify for long-term residence in Spain after five years of legal and continuous residence, provided they meet the applicable requirements. Unlike Golden Visa renewals, obtaining long-term residence generally requires demonstrating actual residence in Spain and complying with the permitted absence limits.

Can I renew my Spanish Golden Visa if I live outside Spain?

Yes. You can renew your Spanish Golden Visa even if you live outside Spain. However, you must continue to meet the conditions applicable to your residence permit, including the requirement to maintain your qualifying investment.

Can García de Ceca provide tax advice in connection with my investments in Spain?

Yes. Our experienced Spanish tax lawyers provide tax advice to Golden Visa holders and foreign investors in Spain. We can advise you on the tax implications of your investments, Spanish tax residency and your tax obligations, whether you become a Spanish tax resident or remain a non-resident subject to Spanish Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR, by its Spanish acronym).

If my spouse and I jointly purchased a property for at least EUR 500,000, can we both renew our Spanish Golden Visas?

If a married couple jointly purchased a property for at least EUR 500,000 under the former Spanish Golden Visa program, only one spouse could qualify as an investor, unless each spouse individually met the minimum investment requirement. The other spouse could obtain a residence permit as a family member of the investor. Both may renew their existing residence permits under the applicable transitional provisions, provided they continue to meet the relevant requirements.

What can I do if my Spanish Golden Visa renewal application is denied?

If your Spanish Golden Visa renewal application is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision, depending on the grounds for refusal. Common reasons include failure to demonstrate that the qualifying investment has been maintained or insufficient supporting documentation. Our experienced immigration lawyers can assess your case, advise you on the available legal remedies and assist you in appealing the decision.

Can I sell my property and still renew my Spanish Golden Visa?

Yes, provided you maintain a real estate investment that meets the applicable legal requirements. For example, if you own other properties in Spain with a combined acquisition value of at least EUR 500,000, free of any liens or encumbrances, you may still be eligible to renew your Golden Visa even if you sell the property that originally qualified you for the residence permit.

Our experienced Spanish immigration lawyers can assess your circumstances and advise you before you sell your property to ensure that the sale does not jeopardize the renewal of your residence permit.

Can my family members renew their Spanish Golden Visas after the program's abolition?

Yes. Although Spain’s Golden Visa program was abolished on April 3, 2025, eligible family members of existing investors may still renew their residence permits under the applicable transitional provisions. This includes spouses or unmarried partners, dependent children and dependent ascendants, provided they continue to meet the relevant renewal requirements.