Last updated: 5 August 2026.
Quick answer. This article describes the investor residence regime introduced by Law 14/2013, of 27 September, popularly known as the Golden Visa, under which non-EU nationals could obtain Spanish residency in return for qualifying investments, such as property of at least 500,000 euros, shares or deposits of 1 million euros, public debt of 2 million euros or business projects of general interest. The visa allowed residence for at least one year, renewable through two-year authorisations, without requiring stays of more than 183 days, and covered the spouse and children. This regime was abolished with effect from 3 April 2025, when the investment-based residence authorisations were repealed; the article describes the framework as it stood while in force.
Law 14/2013, of September 27th, supports entrepreneurs and their internationalization and it regulates the granting of the so called “Golden Visa” to non-European Union foreigners nationals for the fulfillment of investments in Spain. Below you will find detailed information about this type of visa.
What is the “Golden Visa?”
- Residency for investments is commonly called the “Golden Visa”, which is a type of visa that permits residency in Spain for investors from outside of the European Union for up to 5 years.
What does it consist of?
- A residency visa is granted and allows a person to reside for at least one year without the need to deal with a Foreigner identification card.
- 2-year residency authorization may be renewed provided that:
- The realized investment is supported.
- At least one visit to Spain has been made during the residency period.
What advantages does it offer?
- Two-year residency authorization which may be renewed.
- In order to obtain this visa, one is not required to have actual residence in Spain (understanding that residency refers to greater than 183 days).
- It is only required to visit Spain once during the period.
- The authorization for the spouse and children will be processed together.
- Freedom to move within the Schengen boarders.
- The applicant is not required to be present for the filing of the application. They may request and collect the residency visa through a duly accredited representative.
Who can apply?
- The visa may be requested by investors that perform one of the following investments in Spain:
- Property Assets (500,000 €)
- Stocks or Bank Deposits (1 million €)
- Public Debt (2 million €)
- The visa may also be requested by persons carrying out business projects in Spain that are considered of general interest:
- Projects that suppose the creation of jobs.
- Realization of an investment with a socioeconomic impact in the geographic zone where it will be developed.
- Projects that suppose a significant contribution to scientific or technological innovation.
What are the general requirements for the application?
- Must be over 18 years old.
- Not be in an irregular situation on Spanish soil.
- No criminal record in Spain and in the countries where you have resided in the last 5 years, for offenses under the Spanish legal system.
- Not appear unacceptable in the territorial areas of countries for which Spain has signed an agreement in this regard.
- Have public or private health insurance with an insurance company that is authorized to operate in Spain.
- Have sufficient financial resources for themselves and the members of their family during the period of residency in Spain. (2.130€ per month for the interested party and 532€ for each family member in your care.)
- Able to pay the visa processing fee.
At ILP Abogados we are at your disposal to inform, advise and manage the processing and acquisition of your visa.
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Frequently asked questions
Residency for investments, commonly called the Golden Visa, was a type of visa regulated by Law 14/2013, of 27 September, on support for entrepreneurs and their internationalisation. It permitted residency in Spain for investors from outside the European Union for up to five years, articulated through a residence visa and renewable two-year authorisations.
The article lists three investment routes: property assets of at least 500,000 euros, stocks or bank deposits of 1 million euros, or public debt of 2 million euros. It could also be requested by persons carrying out business projects of general interest, such as those creating jobs, generating socioeconomic impact in the area concerned, or contributing significantly to scientific or technological innovation.
No. Obtaining the visa did not require actual residence in Spain, understood as more than 183 days a year. It was only required to visit Spain once during the residency period, and renewal of the two-year authorisation depended on supporting the investment made and having made at least one visit.
Yes. The authorisation for the spouse and children was processed together with that of the investor. In addition, the applicant was not required to be present for the filing of the application, which could be requested and collected through a duly accredited representative.
No. The residence-by-investment authorisations created by Law 14/2013 were repealed with effect from 3 April 2025, so new Golden Visa applications are no longer possible in Spain. Authorisations granted while the regime was in force were subject to the transitional rules laid down at the time of the repeal. This article is kept as a historical description of how the regime worked.
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