Hello everyone, I’ve noticed more and more people in the forums discussing living and buying property in Spain. A key question for many is: how can you get legal residency in Spain by purchasing a property? The first thing that comes to most people’s minds is probably the ‘Golden Visa,’ but that’s not the only path. I’ve spent some time researching this and wanted to start a thread to share my findings. I also welcome corrections and additions from experienced members.
Golden Visa
This is likely the most familiar option. Simply put, it’s residency through investment. The real estate requirement is an investment of at least €500,000 in property, which can be one or multiple properties, as long as the total value meets the threshold. The biggest advantage of this route is that it’s simple, straightforward, and has lenient requirements for applicants—no language or education prerequisites. Plus, there’s almost no residency requirement; you only need to enter the country once a year, so it won’t interfere with your business and life back home. Most importantly, Golden Visa holders are legally allowed to work in Spain.
The Other Path: Non-Lucrative Visa
If your budget isn’t quite that high, or if you don’t plan to work in Spain for the time being, the ‘Non-Lucrative Visa’ is another excellent option to consider. The core of this residence permit is to prove to the Spanish government that you have sufficient funds to live in Spain and support yourself and your family without working. Although it doesn’t strictly require you to buy a home, owning your own property is undoubtedly a very strong asset to declare during your application. When buying a property in Spain, there’s no minimum price for this visa; an apartment for one or two hundred thousand euros is perfectly fine. Its downside is the requirement to live in Spain for more than six months per year, and it does not initially permit you to work in Spain.
A Quick Comparison of the Two Options
To make it clearer, I’ve created a simple table to compare the main differences:
| Feature | Golden Visa | Non-Lucrative Visa |
|---|
| Investment Threshold | €500,000+ in real estate | No specific amount, but must prove sufficient funds |
| Right to Work | Allowed to work and run a business | Not allowed to work locally in Spain |
| Residency Requirement | Almost none | Yes, significant time required |
| Target Applicants | High-budget investors not planning to live long-term | Those planning to retire or live a more relaxed life in Spain |
Which path you choose depends entirely on your personal situation and future plans. Are you looking to get a residence permit for travel convenience and asset protection, or do you genuinely plan to move to Spain to enjoy the lifestyle? Once you’ve answered that question, the choice becomes clear. The idea of buying a small apartment to get immigration and work rights for the whole family is not very realistic. I hope this information is helpful to everyone!
Which route did you take to get your residency, or which one are you considering? Let’s discuss it in the comments below!
