Golden Visa (Ended April 2025)
Golden Visa (Finalizada Abril 2025)
Spain's Golden Visa program is no longer accepting new applications as of April 3, 2025. The Spanish government published legislation on January 3, 2025 ending the program, with a 3-month transition window that closed on April 3, 2025. The real estate investment route (€500,000+ property purchase), which was the most popular path, has been completely eliminated. Financial and business investment routes have also been closed for new Golden Visa applications. This change was driven by concerns about the program's impact on Spain's housing crisis. Existing Golden Visa holders can still renew their permits as long as they maintain their qualifying investment. This page is maintained as a reference for current holders and for historical information.
This guide is based on official Spanish government requirements. This is informational content, not legal advice.
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Required Docs
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Steps
For renewals: approximately 20 business days through the UGE-CE
Processing
Note: These costs apply to existing holders renewing their permits
Main Fee
Eligibility Requirements
- ⚠️ This program is no longer accepting new applications as of April 3, 2025
- The following requirements applied when the program was active:
- Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- Investment option 1: €500,000+ in Spanish real estate (ENDED — was the most popular route)
- Investment option 2: €1,000,000+ in shares, investment funds, or bank deposits in Spanish financial institutions (ENDED for new Golden Visa applications)
- Investment option 3: €2,000,000+ in Spanish public debt / government bonds (ENDED for new Golden Visa applications)
- Investment option 4: Significant business investment creating jobs or contributing to innovation (ENDED for new Golden Visa applications)
- No criminal record in Spain or countries of residence
- Valid health insurance in Spain
- Sufficient financial means beyond the investment
Document Checklist
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Step-by-Step Application Process
Verify your renewal eligibility
Confirm that you are an existing Golden Visa holder with a valid or recently expired permit. New applications are no longer accepted as of April 3, 2025. Only existing holders can renew.
Confirm investment is maintained
Ensure your qualifying investment is still active and meets the original threshold. For real estate: verify ownership via nota simple. For financial assets: obtain updated certificates from your Spanish financial institution.
Prepare renewal documentation
Gather personal documents, updated investment proof, criminal record certificates (apostilled and translated), health insurance, and medical certificates.
Submit renewal at UGE-CE
Submit your renewal application at the UGE-CE office in Spain. Renewals must be filed within 60 days before or 90 days after your current permit expires.
Processing Time
For renewals: approximately 20 business days through the UGE-CE. New applications are no longer accepted.
Costs
- Note: These costs apply to existing holders renewing their permits
- Renewal fee: ~€80
- TIE card fee: ~€16–€21
- Legal assistance (recommended): €2,000–€5,000
- Tax advisory: €500–€2,000
- Sworn translations and apostilles: €200–€500 total
- Health insurance: €100–€300/month
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Attempting to apply for a new Golden Visa
The Golden Visa program ended for all new applications on April 3, 2025. No new applications are accepted through any investment route — real estate, financial assets, government bonds, or business investment. Consider the Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or Entrepreneur Visa instead.
Not maintaining the investment (existing holders)
If you already hold a Golden Visa, you must maintain your qualifying investment for the entire duration of your residence permit. Selling the assets or withdrawing funds below the minimum threshold will cause your permit to be revoked at renewal.
Overlooking tax obligations
Even if you don't live in Spain full-time, owning assets there creates tax obligations. Spanish property owners pay annual property tax (IBI) and non-resident income tax. Investment income may also be taxable. Consult a Spanish tax advisor.
Missing renewal deadlines
Renewals must be filed within 60 days before or 90 days after your current permit expires. Missing this window could result in losing your legal status and the ability to renew.
Not planning a transition to permanent residency
Since no new Golden Visas are being issued, existing holders should consider applying for permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence, which provides more stability than relying on Golden Visa renewals.
Tips & Advice
- ✓The Golden Visa program ended on April 3, 2025. If you are looking for ways to move to Spain, consider these alternatives: the Non-Lucrative Visa (for retirees and those with passive income — no work allowed), the Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers earning €2,520+/month), or the Entrepreneur Visa (for innovative business ideas evaluated by ENISA).
- ✓Existing Golden Visa holders can still renew their permits and are not affected by the program closure. You only need to visit Spain at least once per year to maintain your status.
- ✓Family members (spouse, children under 18, dependent adult children, and dependent parents) included in your original Golden Visa application can also renew their permits.
- ✓After 5 years of continuous legal residence under the Golden Visa, you can apply for permanent residency. After 10 years, you may be eligible for Spanish citizenship. Consider transitioning to permanent residency for long-term stability.
- ✓If you were in the process of investing when the program ended, consult an immigration lawyer immediately — there may be transitional provisions if your investment was formally initiated before April 3, 2025.
Official Sources
- UGE-CE — Investor Visa Processing
- Ministry of Inclusion — Investor Residence
- Sede Electrónica — Immigration Procedures
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Consular Visas
Information verified against official sources. Always confirm current requirements directly.
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