Insights
Europe is a major destination for both leisure and business journeys. Most of its countries have a strong economy and offer many luxurious activities, such as canal cruises and private tours through historical sites. However, according to reports, 4 out of the 10 most difficult countries to migrate to are in Europe. This can pose significant challenges for those looking to settle or frequently travel across the region.
But there's good news! One effective solution to overcome these challenges is to acquire a Spain Golden Visa. This legal document will open most of Europe to you for all your leisurely desires. In fact, you will be able to access various destinations even outside of Europe more freely.
This article will reveal how to obtain and use a Golden Visa to access a life of luxury and leisure in Europe.
If you are a citizen of a member state of the European Union, you already have the freedom to travel throughout the Schengen area at your leisure. However, the situation becomes complicated when you do not have European citizenship or visa-free access to the area.
If you wonder, “Do I need a visa to visit Spain?” the answer is most likely yes because this area has a visa-free agreement with 61 non-EU countries. Notable exceptions include the USA, Australia, and Brazil. Supposing your citizenship is not included in the list of countries with a visa waiver, you may use one of the following paths:
The first visa option you should consider is the Spanish Golden Visa program. Through this program, you and your spouse, dependent children, and dependent elderly parents can access luxury facilities and activities in the region. You will also be able to experience the high standards of living in Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. In exchange, you will need to contribute to the Spanish economy.
To truly enjoy living in the region, you have the option of obtaining first a temporary and then permanent residence in this country. Your temporary residence permit is renewable and will remain valid for 2 years. Meanwhile, you will need to live in the country for 5 years before you can access permanent residence.
The most permanent option for you is to acquire Spanish citizenship. While the Golden Visa does not lead directly to it, if you use this path to gain residence and then live in the country for 10 years, you will be able to apply for citizenship. Moreover, you will also need to learn Spanish and the local culture and history to receive this citizenship through naturalisation. Notably, as for citizens of former Colonies, the wait time is only 2 years.
Before you start making plans for private Louvre tours and Tuscan vineyard trips, you will first need to select the investment you will use to get this visa. In this country, you first need to make an investment before you can apply.
Specifically, you have access to the following investment options:
| Investment Option | Cost |
| Property | $544,300 (€500,000) |
| Government Bonds | $2,177,000 (€2 million) |
| Company Shares | $1,088,500 (€1 million) |
| Capital Transfer | $1,088,500 (€1 million) |
| New Business | Job Creation/Innovation/Economic Impact |
The process to ensure these investments are valid is complicated. So, you should seek advice from professionals such as Vancis Capital to ensure your investment can contribute toward your visa. If you make a poor decision, you should also consider the taxes attached to these investments.
Now, let us delve deeper into the different investment options.
Investing in property is the first option for getting a Golden Visa from Spain. For this, you have options to invest in residential or commercial, land destined for development or even a group of smaller properties. However, one of the most attractive options may be to fully take advantage of this $544,300 (€500,000) investment option by acquiring a luxury Spanish villa. This residential property will give you all the comfort of the most traditional yet stylish accommodations. Alternatively, you can rent out this property. In the end, you will be able to resell it. However, as long as you wish to retain your visa, you will need to maintain the investment.
Though this is the most popular investment, the current Spanish government plans to retire it. Therefore, while you can still access this option, it may no longer be available or may have new restrictions.
When it comes to capital investment, you can either buy shares in a Spanish company or Spanish government bonds or deposit $1,088,500 (€1 million) in a Spanish bank. If you opt for government bonds, the minimum investment will double.
When selecting between these options, you should consider that a deposit or government bond will allow you to regain your investment ― give or take the changes in the Euro's value. Meanwhile, company shares are at higher risk and potentially higher reward.
Finally, you can invest in a new Spanish company. This investment must either create new positions, stimulate scientific/technological innovation, or positively impact the country's economy.
For you to begin applying for this visa, you will need to meet the following requirements:
The first step to accessing leisurely life in Europe will start with this visa. So, let us explore the steps required to acquire this one-year visa-free document.
As you start your application process, you will need to seek out a tax number: Número de Identificatión de Extranjero (NIE). This number is crucial in many processes, including buying property, which you will need if you opt for the real estate investment option.
When you have received your tax number, you will make your investment. At most, you make your investment 3 months ahead of your application.
After you have made your investment, you will need to ensure you meet all requirements and have all your documents and applications filled in.
Once you have met all your requirements, you will apply for this visa. If you already have legal residence in the country, you may apply within the country. Alternatively, you will need to apply through one of their embassies or consulates.
Now that you have submitted your application, you should go to the Spanish authorities in person to let them register your biometric data. This process may take 2 months, so you should plan to stay in the country throughout this period.
Finally, you will need to wait for the government to approve your application. How long does it take to get a Spanish visa? Usually, it takes 20 days for the government to inform you of the success of your application.
When applying for a European visa, you need to ensure that your first application meets every requirement and passes every check. With Vancis Capital, you can be sure that your application is as sound as possible. We will conduct thorough research and work with regulatory agencies and government bodies to ensure your application has the best chance of success.
With our assistance, you will discover the best investment option for you and your family. In fact, we can even guide you toward any other Citizenship by Investment that will fit your needs for a luxurious life in Europe.
Only legal adults from countries with no visa waiver agreement qualify for a Golden Visa in Spain. This is because the citizens of countries such as the members of the European Union already have the rights and privileges that this legal document offers. Therefore, there is no need for them to use this process.
Buying a house in Spain won't automatically give you a residence in Spain. Nevertheless, if you buy a house that qualifies for their Golden Visa program, you can live there for a year. Then, you will be able to apply for a temporary and permanent residency.
The Spain and Portugal Golden Visa are similar, having the same minimum investment requirement, but you may think the Portuguese one is slightly better. You may prefer this visa because acquiring Portuguese citizenship through it is twice as fast as with the Spanish one. However, the Spanish visa still has a real estate option, while the Portuguese one no longer does.
Now you know that Spain Golden Visa is one of the most convenient paths to living a lavish life in Europe. Though the steps to this visa may appear simple, you require the expertise of consultants such as Vancis Capital. Through our internal due diligence and personalised assistance, we will ensure you have made the correct investment and have everything you need to apply. Then, you will need to physically be in the country to finalise the process and acquire a more permanent residence ― or even citizenship. So, contact us to guarantee your and your family's best chance to acquire a European Golden Visa.
Get in touch to discuss how we can help you with your citizenship or residency by investment goals. One of our investment migration experts will contact you to discuss your case. With over 16 years of combined experience our team has helped hundreds of families achieve freedom.
