Lately, there have been more and more discussions on the forum about getting the ‘Golden Visa’ by purchasing property. I’ve noticed many people are struggling with one question: are there actually age requirements for this residency permit? Is it harder to get if you’re older? I happened to research this for a while, so I’m starting this thread today to talk about it and hopefully help those who need it.
Age Requirements for the Main Applicant
First, let’s talk about the most important person: the main applicant. The policy states that the main applicant must be a non-EU citizen who is at least 18 years old. Here’s the key point: there is only a minimum age requirement, with no upper age limit! So, any worries about being retired or too old to apply are unnecessary. Theoretically, as long as you are over 18, whether you’re in your early 20s or your 80s, if you can make the €500,000 investment and provide a certificate of no criminal record, there are absolutely no barriers when it comes to age itself, although other financial aspects like mortgage age limits might apply in different contexts. This is definitely great news for those who want to come to Spain and enjoy their retirement.
Dependent Applicants: Children and Parents
One of the biggest advantages of the Golden Visa is that you can bring your family, often referred to as ‘one application covers three generations.’ However, when it comes to family members, there are some specific age considerations.
For children, minor children under the age of 18 can typically be included directly. But what if they are over 18? It’s not necessarily a deal-breaker. As long as it can be proven that the child is unmarried, a full-time student, and financially dependent on the main applicant, they can still be included as a dependent applicant. Although there is no explicitly stated upper age limit, proving financial dependency generally becomes much more difficult after the age of 26.
For parents, the policy is also very accommodating. Parents of both the main applicant and their spouse can be included as dependents. The key here is also to prove financial dependency—that is, the parents rely on their children for financial support. While there’s no strict age requirement, the application is much more likely to be successful if the parents have reached the legal retirement age and do not have an independent pension or source of income. So, if you’re hoping to bring your parents to Spain to live with you in their retirement, this is a completely viable path.
| Applicant Type | Age Requirements & Notes |
|---|
| Main Applicant | 18 years or older, no upper limit |
| Spouse | Legal spouse, no special age requirement |
| Children (Under 18) | Under 18 years old, included directly |
| Children (Over 18) | Must prove they are unmarried, a full-time student, and financially dependent on the main applicant |
| Parents of Both Spouses | Must prove financial dependency on the main applicant; being of retirement age is preferable |
Spain’s investment residency policy is quite flexible regarding age; it’s not an exclusive path for the young. It offers great freedom to the main applicant and provides a very humane solution for the entire family, especially for those hoping to include adult children and elderly parents. I hope this information is helpful to everyone, and I welcome anyone with more details to add to the discussion below!
