Hi everyone, I’ve been looking into Spain’s Golden Visa recently, mainly with the goal of obtaining residency by purchasing property. I’ve been sifting through a ton of information online, and some of the details aren’t very clear. I’ve compiled the research I’ve done so far and wanted to post it here to discuss with you all, to see if my understanding is correct and to hopefully get some advice from experienced members.
Core Requirement: A €500,000 Real Estate Investment
The fundamental rule is that applicants must invest €500,000 or more in Spanish real estate. This “real estate” can be a single property or a portfolio of multiple properties, as long as the total value reaches the €500,000 threshold. There are no restrictions on the type of property either—residential, commercial, offices, or land are all acceptable, which offers a lot of flexibility.
However, there’s a key point regarding the Spanish Golden Visa: this €500,000 must be a “net investment,” meaning it must be your own unencumbered funds. For any amount exceeding €500,000, you can apply for a bank mortgage, but the initial €500,000 cannot be financed with a loan. For instance, if you’re interested in an €800,000 property, you must pay at least €500,000 out of pocket, and the remaining €300,000 can be mortgaged.
Regarding Ownership and Joint Purchases
Many people ask if they can buy a property with family or friends. The answer is yes. For example, a married couple can be co-owners. As long as they can prove that each individual’s share of the investment meets the €500,000 requirement, both can apply for the Golden Visa. If the total price is €1 million and each person holds a 50% share, then they both meet the condition. However, if a €500,000 property is registered in two names, with each holding 50%, then each person’s investment is only €250,000, which does not meet the Golden Visa application requirement. It’s crucial to understand this logic.
Here is a table I’ve put together summarizing a few scenarios for reference:
| Purchase Method | Total Property Value | Individual Investment | Qualifies for Golden Visa? |
|---|
| Single Buyer | €550,000 | €550,000 | Yes |
| Joint Purchase (Couple) | €1,000,000 | €500,000 each | Both qualify |
| Joint Purchase (Couple) | €600,000 | €300,000 each | Neither qualifies |
| Joint Purchase (Two Partners) | €500,000 | €250,000 each | Neither qualifies |
The core property requirement for the Spanish Golden Visa is a “€500,000 personal net investment.” Although there have been recent rumors about the policy potentially tightening, no official documents have been released yet. Before making any decisions, it’s always best to consult with a professional lawyer to confirm the latest policy details. I was wondering if anyone on the forum has gone through the process recently? If so, could you share if you encountered any new situations during the actual process? Let’s discuss!
