Golden Visa in Spain: Current Rules, Proposed Changes, and Potential Impacts

Spain’s Golden Visa program, launched in 2013, has been a significant pathway for non-EU investors and their families to gain residency by making substantial investments, particularly in real estate. The program has attracted thousands of applicants, boosting Spain’s economy and property market. However, recent discussions within Spain’s government about potentially phasing out the Golden Visa program have raised questions about the future of foreign investment and the implications for both current and prospective applicants. Here’s an overview of the Golden Visa rules, the proposed phase-out, and what this could mean if implemented.

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Sarah Waddington

Sarah is the owner and founder of Sarah Waddington Property and is an enthusiastic and approachable property professional who leads from the front.

Sarah established Sarah Waddington Property in 2019. Sarah prioritises her clients’ needs, providing an honest and trustworthy service that consistently meets and exceeds expectations. The client’s best interests are always of paramount importance. It is great to see clients returning and recommending us to others.

Current Rules for Obtaining a Golden Visa in Spain

The Spanish Golden Visa program allows non-EU citizens to gain Spanish residency by making an investment in Spain. The most common investment option is in real estate, although there are several other qualifying investments. Here are the main ways to qualify:


   1.    Real Estate Investment: A minimum investment of €500,000 in Spanish real estate (which can be spread across multiple properties).
   2.    Business Investment: Investing in a Spanish business that is recognised for job creation or technological innovation.
   3.    Bank Deposit: A minimum deposit of €1 million in a Spanish bank account.
   4.    Government Bonds: An investment of €2 million in Spanish government bonds.
   5.    Investment Fund: Investment in funds or venture capital funds based in Spain with at least €1 million.

In addition to the minimum investment, applicants must meet certain requirements, such as not having a criminal record, holding private health insurance, and proving they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves. Once granted, the Golden Visa provides the applicant and their family with a residency permit valid for one year, which can then be renewed every two years. After five years of continuous residency, Golden Visa holders can apply for permanent residency, and after ten years, they may apply for Spanish citizenship.

Proposal to Phase Out the Golden Visa in Spain

In early 2023, Spain’s government began considering proposals to reform the Golden Visa program. The potential reform, largely supported by left-wing and environmental political parties, has focused on addressing concerns that Golden Visas are contributing to rising real estate prices, particularly in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, which are already facing housing affordability issues. The rise in property prices has made housing more expensive for locals, and critics argue that the Golden Visa program is exacerbating the housing crisis.

One of the main proposals is to eliminate the real estate investment option as a qualifying path for the Golden Visa. If implemented, investors would only be able to qualify through other means, such as business investments or government bonds, potentially narrowing the pool of applicants and reducing the overall appeal of the program. There is also discussion about a complete phase-out of the Golden Visa program over the next few years, though this has yet to be formalised in legislation.

Potential Implications of Phasing Out the Golden Visa in Spain

If Spain moves forward with removing or significantly modifying the Golden Visa program, the impact could be far-reaching, affecting the property market, foreign investment levels, and immigration policies. Here’s a look at some potential outcomes:

 Impact on Real Estate Market:
   •    The Golden Visa has been a driving force behind Spain’s luxury and high-end real estate markets. If the real estate investment route is removed, Spain could see a decline in foreign property purchases, particularly in luxury housing.
   •    For property markets in major cities and coastal regions, which have benefitted from foreign investments, there may be a cooling effect, potentially stabilizing or even reducing property prices. While this could improve affordability for locals, it may also impact the real estate sector, which has relied on foreign buyers.

 Decrease in Foreign Investment:
   •    The Golden Visa program has been successful in attracting high-net-worth individuals who, beyond purchasing property, contribute to the local economy through tourism, spending, and often other business investments.
   •    Phasing out the program might discourage non-EU investors, who may turn to other European countries that offer similar Golden Visa options, such as Portugal or Greece, where real estate investments still qualify.

Reduced Economic Benefits:
   •    With fewer investors entering Spain through the Golden Visa route, the economy could feel the loss in ancillary spending. Golden Visa holders and their families often spend on services, local businesses, and tourism, supporting jobs and regional economies.
   •    Many investors also contribute through additional projects or investments outside of real estate, and without this program, these opportunities could be reduced.

Potential Shift Toward Other Investment Pathways:
   •    If real estate is removed from the qualifying criteria, Spain may see a shift in interest toward other investment options, such as technology and innovation-focused businesses or venture capital funds. While this may be more aligned with Spain’s long-term economic goals, it could also narrow the profile of potential applicants.

Impact on Spain’s Competitiveness:
   •    Golden Visas have become popular across the EU, and several countries, including Portugal and Greece, have benefitted from similar programs. If Spain eliminates its Golden Visa program or reduces its scope significantly, it risks losing competitive ground to these countries, potentially making Spain a less attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals.

Future Prospects for the Golden Visa in Spain

The debate over the Golden Visa program in Spain is part of a broader conversation happening across Europe about the social and economic impacts of investment-based residency programs. Countries like Portugal and Ireland have also recently reassessed their Golden Visa offerings, with Portugal announcing its own plans to phase out its program for real estate investment in 2023. In Spain, the outcome is still uncertain, with ongoing discussions about the program’s future.

If Spain ultimately phases out or reforms the Golden Visa, non-EU investors looking for residency options may need to explore other pathways or look to alternative EU countries with similar offerings. For now, however, the program remains active, with no definitive legislative changes in place.

Conclusion


Spain’s Golden Visa program has provided a win-win for both the country and non-EU investors by offering residency in exchange for significant investments, primarily in real estate. However, with increasing concerns over housing affordability and the impact of foreign investments on property prices, the Spanish government is reconsidering the future of the Golden Visa. If real estate investment is removed as a qualifying option, the program’s appeal could decline, leading to potential shifts in Spain’s property market and overall foreign investment landscape. For investors, keeping a close eye on developments in the Golden Visa program will be essential in determining how to best proceed with their plans in Spain.

Whether your search is for a vacation house, investment property, or a permanent residence, these elements taken together make the Costa del Sol a very appealing place for property purchasers. Its mix of natural beauty, way of life, and temperature makes it a unique option in Spain.

Contact us here for more information on the latest and best value new builds and off-plan properties.

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