Permanent Residency, Citizenship and Passport – Prior to citizenship application, investors and their families are allowed to apply for permanent resident status. Though a minimum residency requirement of 6 months each year is imposed. Such ability appears at the close of 5 year temporary residency.

Those willing to obtain citizenship must obey minimum residency requirement for at least 10 years. Once permanent resident status or citizenship is obtained, real estate investment can be released.

Family – Every investor is entitled to include their spouse and all children under 18. Parents and children over 18 can qualify only if they are fully dependent on the main applicant.

Living, Working, Studying and Traveling – Once residence permit is obtained investors and their families are free to live, study and do business within country. Residency card holders who will reside in Spain are required to have own private medical insurance. However, Spanish government will grant families with public services incorporating state medical care and schooling. Public schooling follows Spanish curriculum, though, the number of international schools having English as its medium can also be found in abundance.

Moreover, Spanish residence card holders are entitled to travel freely to Schengen area. If Spanish citizenship is obtained free destinations expand to more than 150 countries including Japan, Canada and the USA.

Real estate – The investment might be diversified purchasing several properties with the total value of at least 500 000 EUR. Purchased properties can either be rented for profit or even mortgaged for the residual value over 500 000 USD. Moreover, partnerships are welcome, as long as minimum investment level is maintained per every main applicant.

*Any number of properties might be combined. It can either be rented for profit or even mortgaged for any investment exceeding the minimum amount. Partnerships are as well welcome as long as minimum investment level is maintained per investor.

Taxes – Spanish resident permit holders are subjected to tax by the actual residence period and not by obtained status itself. Investors and their family members residing in Spain for over 183 days are charged on income derived within country at the 24.75% rate, deducted actual expenses. For instance, such taxes can be applied on rental income after subtracting amortization and depreciation. Also, capital gain tax rates starts at 24%, rising to 27% for sale profit over 50 000 EUR, where expense deductions allowed as well. Annual property tax ranges between 200 and 400 EUR approximately for an apartment and slightly more for villa.

Step 1 (3 – 5 days)

Pre-due diligence enables avoiding possible issues and assures eligibility. It also allows for ineligible applicants to save unnecessary costs, time, and effort.

Step 1 requires:

• Passport copies (including dependants)
• Residential address
• Full information about dependants
• Full details on profession or business
• Origin of finances

In cases of questionable pre-due diligence outcomes, enhanced background checks may be required, including possible cooperation with the relevant authorities.

 Step 2 (3 – 4 days)

Our lawyers may suggest ready-to-sell properties from our real estate list, however, visiting Spain for reviewing properties is highly recommended. During a short visit investors also meet our lawyers, open bank account and provide immigration office with biometrics (it can be done before residency application so later avoid second arrival to the country). For this way of process investor must prove real estate ownership or deliver a copy of the promissory contract, indicating the payment of an initial deposit in value equal to or above EUR 500 000. If property acquisition will not be finalized yet funds must be placed in a Spanish bank account.

Step 3 (1 month)

Collection of documentation. Our qualified lawyers will assist during property purchase process and provide with necessary assistance towards completion of the residency application. To facilitate those processes our lawyers require a Power of Attorney to act on behalf of investor, conduct the property checks and relevant title issues (including drawing up a Promissory Contract for Sales & Purchase).

Step 3 requires:

• Filled various governmental forms (provided)
• Certificate of property registration and real estate purchase deed
• Marriage certificate (in case of spouse)
• Birth certificate (in case of children)
• Health insurance (each applicant)
• Original criminal record certificate
• Proof confirming available funds to support living (2 130 investor and 540 EUR each dependant per month)

Step 4 (1 day)

Once all the required documents are collected, the application process can be started in one of the following ways:

• Personally – at the Spanish migration department
• Personally – at the Spanish diplomatic or consular posts abroad.

Providing all the correct documents are submitted, Spanish Authorities will need 10 to 20 days to release the decision on application with approval or request additional documentation.

Step 5 (1 – 2 weeks)

Once Spanish Golden Visa application is approved residence permit cards should be collected in person by visiting again immigration department in Spain. Regarding selected application location, issued residence permits are valid for 1 and 2 years if applied in diplomatic or consular posts abroad and Spain respectively. Permits are extendable for further 5 years on condition, that investment is maintained.